County Antrim-based luxury gifting brand The Present Tree is targeting significant growth after securing its first equity funding round totalling £1.8 million, which will fund operational growth, a new headquarters and cultivate its ambitious path to new markets.
Founded in 2013 by Catherine Cunningham, The Present Tree is an online gifting brand offering consumers and corporates a meaningful premium tree gifting experience. Rooted in the core values of sustainability, integrity and exceptional customer happiness, The Present Tree uniquely offers ethically sourced trees, organic tree care, plastic free premium packaging and personalised gifting options to customers primarily in the UK and Ireland.
The £1.8m equity round, led by the Investment Fund for Northern Ireland (IFNI) managed by Clarendon Fund Managers, brings strategically aligned minority equity investment to accelerate The Present Tree’s next phase of growth. The investment will support targeted senior hires, stronger operational infrastructure and a new headquarters, enabling the business to meet rising demand while maintaining product quality and its sustainability standards.
The bootstrapped business has recently doubled its growth to a multi-million pound turnover and exceeded its current capacity of 10,000 orders per week. With this injection of capital, The Present Tree is primed to pursue its growth plans and anchor itself as a dominant player in the luxury garden gifting market. With global ambition, a proven model and a funded growth plan, The Present Tree is on track to rapidly scale across the UK and Ireland while establishing a broader presence in Europe and beyond.
Catherine Cunningham, Founder, The Present Tree said: “Growing The Present Tree from an ambitious idea to the thriving business we see today has been an incredible journey. I am so proud of our team who have shown such devotion to the business and always ensure every tree gift we send carries the spark of love and meaning that is at the heart of The Present Tree.
“This round focused on bringing in a strategic partner aligned with our long-term ambition and growth plans. It provides the right expertise and capital to scale capacity, systems and the supply chain without compromising quality or sustainability, and establishes a clear platform for expansion across the UK and Ireland and into Europe.
“Now, with this funding, we can share that magic with more people and more markets. My love of trees and nature inspired The Present Tree to begin its story and it’s a joy to share that connection with the world while leaving a positive impact on the planet.”
Matthew Ward, Investment Manager, Clarendon Fund Managers, said: “The Present Tree has built a premium, purpose-led brand with demonstrable traction, underpinned by disciplined founder-led execution, a strong team, and a clear commitment to sustainable operations.
“This £1.8m investment is a step change, providing the capacity to scale the business while maintaining the quality and values that underpins their offering. We are excited to be backing Catherine and the team for the next phase of growth, and we see a clear pathway for the business to become a category-defining sustainable luxury gifting brand.”
Mark Sterritt, Senior Director, Nations and Regions Investment Funds, British Business Bank, said: “It’s good to see the Investment Fund for Northern Ireland support The Present Tree at such a pivotal stage of its growth.
“It has built a reputation for sustainability, integrity, and exceptional customer satisfaction. Helping businesses like The Present Tree take the next step on their growth journey is exactly why the Fund was launched.
“We look forward to seeing what’s next for the team as they continue their expansion.”