Company expects over £10m investment in Glasgow and Edinburgh venues.
Hospitality fintech Shuffle has expanded its operations into Scotland, launching in Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company expects to invest more than £10m in Scottish bars and restaurants as it builds its presence in the two cities. Shuffle combines a consumer rewards app with funding solutions for independent hospitality businesses.
The expansion follows Shuffle’s growth in Manchester and Liverpool since its 2024 launch. Plans are underway to help fund 10 new openings, and over 55 Scottish restaurants, bars, and cafés have joined the platform, including venues in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Co-founders Ollie Purdue and Enzo Ottens established Shuffle to tackle access to capital for independent hospitality operators. Mr Purdue, whose background is in early-stage investment, explained that thin hospitality margins mean operators need multiple ways to make money, and Shuffle aims to assist by driving sales, making existing sites busier, and funding new ones.
The Shuffle model links to a customer’s bank card, automatically rewarding spending at partner venues with random cashback, averaging around 20 per cent and sometimes covering the full bill. This also provides crucial funding to hospitality operators looking to expand. Mr Ottens stated Shuffle aims to help independent hospitality businesses grow and support the high street.
More than 55 Scottish restaurants, bars and cafés have joined the platform (Credit: Shuffle)
Shuffle has already helped operators elsewhere launch additional venues and new businesses. Mr Purdue noted: “We’re helping businesses become more resilient, expand and try new things, without having to put their houses on the line.” He added that Glasgow is “buzzing and fiercely independent,” and Edinburgh has a “different food scene, but it’s also very exciting,” with plans to focus on growing both cities.
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The company’s expansion comes during a difficult period for Scotland’s hospitality sector, facing pressure from higher wages, energy and food costs, business rates, and constrained consumer spending. Research by the Scottish Licensed Trade Association found 73 per cent of outlets reported lower profitability year-on-year, with 14 per cent considering closure.
Mr Purdue acknowledged the tough environment for restaurant owners in Scotland. He said owners have ideas but banks are often not lending, or they have to put their house on the line, and Shuffle aims to take some of that pressure away by funding them.
The company reports its app significantly aids customer acquisition, with 80% of people who visit venues using the Shuffle app being new diners, and users spending over 40% more. Shuffle costs £2.99 per month for customers, who save an average of £30 per month.
