Target Information

1Rebel, co-founded by James Balfour and Giles Dean, has gained recognition as the "King of Gyms" in the fitness industry. The company offers a variety of carefully curated, fully immersive workout classes across its ten studio locations in London, alongside three additional studios in Australia and the Middle East. This expansion reflects its commitment to redefining the fitness landscape through high-quality, engaging fitness experiences.

1Rebel aims to stand apart from traditional gyms by creating an environment that prioritizes customer experience and provides an energetic community. Its innovative approach to fitness extends beyond mere workouts, often incorporating elements of entertainment and social interaction.

Industry Overview

The fitness industry in the UK has been experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing health awareness and changing consumer lifestyle preferences. With a rising demand for fitness solutions that offer flexibility and accessibility, boutique gyms like 1Rebel are well-positioned to capitalize on these trends. The sector has seen a surge in investment, particularly in lifestyle and wellness enterprises, which are now among the most attractive assets for investors.

This trend is propelled by the widespread adoption of digital fitness tools and the growing importance of mental health, which has led to a broader definition of what wellness means. In addition to traditional workout facilities, consumers are increasingly attracted to fitness experiences that offer community engagement and personalized service, further favoring the model utilized by 1Rebel.

The competitive landscape is rapidly evolving, with many traditional gyms pivoting to incorporate wellness and lifestyle elements in response to shift in consumer expectations. Survival in the fitness market now requires unique offerings that elevate the average gym experience, fostering a loyal customer base and enabling sustained growth.

Rationale Behind the Deal

Imbiba has invested growth capital in 1Rebel to support its management team's ambitious plans to expand both within the UK and internationally. With several new venues already secured in the pipeline, the injection of capital will allow 1Rebel to accelerate its growth trajectory and enhance its market presence. This partnership aims to leverage Imbiba’s expertise in the leisure and lifestyle sectors to help guide 1Rebel through its next phase of development.

The investment aligns with Imbiba's strategy of seeking businesses that are not only distinctive and high-quality but also capable of scaling significantly. 1Rebel’s innovative approach to fitness makes it an ideal candidate for growth funding, and the support from Imbiba is expected to contribute greatly to its success.

Investor Information

Imbiba is recognized as the sole growth capital investor focused exclusively on the UK leisure, lifestyle, wellness, and entertainment sectors. Its extensive experience and proven track record in these industries have led to a stable of investments in numerous award-winning companies, including Farmer J and F1 Arcade. Imbiba’s commitment to nurturing businesses within its target sectors distinguishes it as a leader in investment in the leisure and lifestyle space.

The firm's strategic insight and operational support will provide 1Rebel with the necessary resources to navigate the competitive landscape and fulfill its ambitious growth ambitions. Imbiba's previous successes underline their expertise in identifying and cultivating visionary businesses poised for substantial expansion.

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1Rebel's partnership with Imbiba marks an exciting phase for both entities. From an investment perspective, this collaboration appears to be strategically sound, particularly given the strength of 1Rebel’s market position. The alignment of values and vision between Imbiba and 1Rebel suggests a potential for significant growth and innovation in the fitness industry.

Investing in 1Rebel could be a wise decision for Imbiba as the brand is well-placed to capitalize on the thriving demand for boutique fitness experiences. The venture’s focus on community, quality service, and innovative workout classes reflects current consumer trends and preferences, creating a promising outlook for return on investment.

Additionally, the planned expansion reinforces the potential for sustained profitability, as 1Rebel seeks to enhance its user experience and brand presence in key markets. With Imbiba's backing, 1Rebel may elevate its standing to a leading player in the global fitness landscape.

Overall, this deal could pave the way for 1Rebel to not only solidify its position within the UK market but also create a substantial footprint internationally, thereby transforming the fitness experience for its members while offering substantial growth potential for investors.

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Imbiba

invested in

1Rebel

in 2023

in a Growth Equity deal

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