Winvia Entertainment Targets £40M in Urgent IPO for UK Market
BREAKING: Winvia Entertainment PLC has just announced plans to raise £40 million ($53.5 million) in a share placing ahead of its anticipated initial public offering (IPO) on London’s AIM market in early November 2023. This pivotal move aims to solidify the company’s presence in the UK prize draw sector, while also expanding its regulated online gaming operations in Romania.
The London-based company, known for its successful brands such as Best of the Best and Click Competitions, revealed that its IPO is currently at “an advanced stage.” Winvia expects to finalize its admission to AIM during the first week of November, marking a significant step forward for the technology-driven entertainment group.
Winvia has appointed Shore Capital and Corporate Ltd. as its nominated adviser, with Shore Capital Stockbrokers Ltd. serving as the sole bookrunner and broker for the share placing and admission. The proceeds from this float are crucial, as they will primarily support acquisitions in the fragmented UK prize draw market, which is witnessing increasing consumer interest in digital competitions.
IMPACT: The urgency of this IPO is underscored by Winvia’s ambition to build scale through mergers and acquisitions. Several potential acquisitions are already in the pipeline, indicating a proactive approach to cementing its foothold in a rapidly evolving landscape.
In addition to its UK operations, Winvia operates a regulated iGaming platform in Romania, showcasing its ability to thrive in diverse markets. The management team is optimistic that its proprietary technology platform will facilitate efficient operations across both segments, enhancing customer engagement through data-driven strategies.
Chief Executive Mihai Manoila described the upcoming listing as “an exciting milestone” for Winvia, emphasizing its importance in accelerating the company’s growth trajectory within the UK prize draw market. Manoila believes that significant opportunities exist for both organic growth and strategic acquisitions.
“We see significant opportunities in a fragmented and fast-growing UK Prize Draw market where we can implement our technology platform,”
said Manoila, highlighting the company’s innovative approach.
Financially, Winvia is showcasing robust growth leading up to its market debut. The company reported pro forma gross revenue of £153.2 million ($204.8 million) for 2024, alongside an adjusted EBITDA of £15.3 million ($20.45 million), reflecting an 11% increase from 2023. The first half of 2025 generated £16.0 million ($21.39 million) in EBITDA, demonstrating continued momentum despite economic challenges.
“We look forward to taking the next steps on this journey and building on the work undertaken so far as we look to build a business with significant scale,”
Manoila added, emphasizing the company’s ambition for expansion.
Winvia is majority-owned by billionaire entrepreneur Teddy Sagi, the founder of global gaming technology provider Playtech. Sagi’s involvement not only brings capital but also invaluable experience in regulated entertainment and online markets, positioning Winvia for success.
If the IPO is successful, it could revolutionize the UK prize draw sector, driven by Winvia’s innovative mindset and strategic vision. As this story develops, investors and industry watchers will be closely monitoring the final stages of this IPO process.
Stay tuned for more updates as Winvia moves towards this critical milestone!
