£2.6m boost for Edinburgh firm producing ‘live experiences’ for Netflix and Bafta

Esk Film Services has received the investment from venture capital trusts overseen by Glasgow-based Maven and the British Business Bank’s Investment Fund for Scotland, which is also managed by Maven.

Esk specialises in licensing iconic intellectual property (IP) from rightsholders and transforming it into “impactful, live entertainment formats providing services to promoters and venue operators on an international scale”. The firm has also developed a proprietary media control system, combining bespoke hardware and software to deliver audio-visual playback for live entertainment.

The latest cash boost will allow the company to invest in its business development and marketing functions as it continues to expand its reach internationally, as well as increase its IP portfolio. Funding will also help to continue the development of its unique proprietary hardware offering.

Over the last three years, Esk has delivered some 550 shows worldwide and the company already boasts a number of major entertainment brands, venues and agencies as customers.

Chief executive Sam Weatherstone said: “We started Esk with a deep appreciation of live performance and immersive experiences, and a recognition that audiences have a huge appetite for in person, communal ways to enjoy the stories, creators and worlds they love - and to discover new ones.

“This investment from Maven and the British Business Bank is a massive vote of confidence in the company and our approach, and we look forward to building out our capabilities even further with their support.”

Jamie Warner, investment associate at Maven, said: “Esk’s significant experience delivering highly acclaimed live entertainment experiences across the globe has attracted an impressive base of customers and IP creators and has allowed the business to rapidly grow. We are very much looking forward to supporting the Esk team scale this exciting business.”

Sarah Newbould of the British Business Bank added: “This investment demonstrates the role the Investment Fund for Scotland plays in backing high‑growth, innovative businesses, helping them access the funding they need to scale, invest in new technology and compete globally.”