Craft beer for cyclists smashes crowdfunding target - raising 60 per cent more than founders had hoped for (+ video)

The company behind a craft beer aimed at cyclists has smashed its target on the fundraising site Symbid, raising 60 per cent more than it had originally aimed for.

> Craft beer for cyclists launches in the UK at the London Bike Show

Netherlands-based à Bloc – it takes its name for the French cycling phrase for riding ‘flat out’ –  had set an initial fundraising target in January of €150,000 (£130,446) but comfortably exceeded that, hitting €243,500 (£211,757) by the time its campaign closed.

More than 100 people pledged to invest in the company, with an average contribution of €2,300.

Co-founder Daan Van Well said: “Raising money through crowdfunding was a big deal for us and we’re pleased to have been able to mobilise a peloton of over 100 investors and brand ambassadors.

“We’re grateful for their confidence and for the support for what we’re doing with à Bloc. The funds raised allow us to bring à Bloc to the next level and roll out in the Netherlands, Australia and the United Kingdom as planned.”

The à Bloc Superprestige Bicycle Beer with added alpine minerals aims to harness two trends that are growing globally – craft beer, and cycling, with the company believing that “the potential is enormous.”

It launched in Australia during the Tour Down Under in January, and the same month also saw it unveiled here at the London Bike Show.

In the UK, it is currently available at Look Mum No Hands on London’s Old Street and at the LMNH Kitchen in Whitechapel, as well as through the website Ales By Mail.