18 February 2009

Holiday Watchdog founders invest in website

Holiday Watchdog founders, who sold the business to Tripadvisor last year, have invested in a golf enthusiast website.

The internet entrepreneurs, Chris Brown and Chris Clarkson, have made the investment through their new investment vehicle, Title Tags Ltd, and are now looking for more opportunities.

They are already in negotiations with a number of other companies and entrepreneurs who are looking for investment.

For its first deal, Title Tags Ltd has chosen FindTheFairways.com and will be lending both financial support and experience in return for a share in the business.

FindTheFairways.com has been developed by amateur golf players who wanted to build a site that gave free tips to fellow players without having to sign up for marketing and sales messages.

Launched in early 2007, the website allows users to view golf tips on a mobile phone or on their computers. The site also has tips from professionals on how to conquer thousands of golf courses from all over the world.

Clarkson said: "We are both really excited to be making our first investment via Title Tags Ltd and are confident that we will be able to help FindTheFairways.com accelerate its already impressive growth and win a significant percentage of the golfing market share via our funding.

"Given our own experiences in creating, managing and then
selling a business from scratch, we are always keen to hear from
entrepreneurs who have new and innovative business ideas that are looking for funding or expertise".

The pair sold holiday review website Holiday Watchdog to Tripadvisor for an undisclosed sum.

By Bev Fearis