Having initially failed to secure capital from Dragons’ Den back in 2006, Trunki has returned to the institutional investor market to find capital for international expansion.

The business designs, distributes and manufactures branded travel products for children.

Founded by Rob Law in 2006, its products are now stocked in 2,500 shops in the UK and the firm is forecasting revenues of £10 million for 2013.

The Business Growth Fund (BGF), of which GrowthBusiness provided an exclusive portfolio snapshot last week, has stepped in as a backer and brought with it Stuart Rose, former chairman of toy group Hamleys and ex-managing director of The Body Shop, as new non-executive chairman.

Trunki will be using its new £3.92 million investment pot to develop new products, speed up international sales and support development of the Trunki brand through above the line marketing.

The transaction, involving the Bristol-based company, means that the BGF has now injected £30 million into businesses in the South West of England and South Wales. For more figures on the BGF’s first two years of operation (excluding the investment in Trunki) click here.

More on the Business Growth Fund:

• High-growth companies in the UK rise by 10 per cent, says BGF
• BGF kicks off 2013 with oil and gas investment
• Stephen Welton – BGF looking to stand test of time

Law, founder and CEO of Trunki, reveals, ‘The fundraising process attracted high level of interest and offers from some significant private equity investors.

‘BGF’s long-term view with no stipulations over exit and access to their talent network was instrumental in my final decision-making process.’

Trunki views China, Japan, Germany, France and India as particular growth markets and says that its head office is expected to grow by 25 per cent in the coming 12 months.

Paul Oldham, BGF’s regional director for the South West of England and South Wales, adds, ‘Trunki has pioneered a new children’s travel product category and over the last seven years has very successfully developed its position as the UK market leader.

‘Rob and his team have recognised that there is a real opportunity to grow the business further – by expanding its range of unique products and by exporting them to overseas markets.’

Having initially failed to secure capital from Dragons’ Den back in 2006, Trunki has returned to the institutional investor market to find capital for international expansion. The business designs, distributes and manufactures branded travel products for children.

Founded by Rob Law in 2006, its products are now stocked in 2,500 shops in the UK and the firm is forecasting revenues of £10 million for 2013.

The Business Growth Fund (BGF), of which GrowthBusiness provided an exclusive portfolio snapshot last week, has stepped in as a backer and brought with it Stuart Rose, former chairman of toy group Hamleys and ex-managing director of The Body Shop, as new non-executive chairman.

Trunki will be using its new £3.92 million investment pot to develop new products, speed up international sales and support development of the Trunki brand through above the line marketing.

The transaction, involving the Bristol-based company, means that the BGF has now injected £30 million into businesses in the South West of England and South Wales. For more figures on the BGF’s first two years of operation (excluding the investment in Trunki) click here.

Law, founder and CEO of Trunki, reveals, ‘The fundraising process attracted high level of interest and offers from some significant private equity investors.

‘BGF’s long-term view with no stipulations over exit and access to their talent network was instrumental in my final decision-making process.’

Trunki views China, Japan, Germany, France and India as particular growth markets and says that its head office is expected to grow by 25 per cent in the coming 12 months.

Paul Oldham, BGF’s regional director for the South West of England and South Wales, adds, ‘Trunki has pioneered a new children’s travel product category and over the last seven years has very successfully developed its position as the UK market leader.

‘Rob and his team have recognised that there is a real opportunity to grow the business further – by expanding its range of unique products and by exporting them to overseas markets.’