A Tyneside cyber concierge and online party planning company, that was originally founded in Ukraine, is set for growth after securing a £150,000 investment.
PoptopUK, based in Gateshead, was originally set up in Kyiv, Ukraine, before being brought to Newcastle seven years ago by CEO Eugene Shestopal and co-founder Ignat Thorovsky. The platform uses technology that Poptop developed and built itself to allow customers specify the type, location and size of event they want to hold, with the resulting curated list of ideas and experiences designed to provide a range of options from Brazilian BBQs to vintage camper van bar conversions. It focuses on private events for up to 40 people, although it also works with a number of companies on smaller corporate events.
It worked with regional fund management firm NEL Fund Managers to bring in the £150,000 Growth Capital Fund investment via the Recovery Loan Scheme after recording 300 per cent year-on-year growth over the last 12 months. Poptop is now looking to scale up even faster, by adding to its existing list of 3,000 suppliers and increase the range of exclusive services and experiences that are only available via its platform.
Poptop still retains a second office in Kyiv, with 37 people currently working across the two locations. Up to 10 new North East jobs are expected to be created as the business expands over the coming months.
