Lovehoney Founders Stay On as Investment Firm Takes Controlling Stake

Lovehoney Founders Stay On as Investment Firm Takes Controlling Stake

LONDON — A European investment firm has acquired a controlling stake in Lovehoney Group Ltd., the Bath, England-based online pleasure products retailer.

Telemos Capital made the investment in the retailer for an undisclosed sum. Richard Longhurst and Neal Slateford, who founded Lovehoney in 2002, will continue to run the company.

Lovehoney said the infusion of cash from Telemos will allow it to ramp up its international growth plan, “tapping into fragmented and underdeveloped markets and building on its strong consumer engagement,” according to Private Equity News.

Telemos Capital was founded last year by Philippe Jacobs, a member of Switzerland’s wealthy Jacobs family who describes the firm as a “team with a strong enthusiastic entrepreneurial family heritage and experience.”

Lovehoney, which markets in various markets, specifically in the U.K. and U.S., sells a wide range of “sexual happiness products,” as the company puts it.

Telemos said that Lovehoney sales have risen by 30 percent a year for the past three years and reached £100 million in the year ending in March 2018.

“What we liked about Lovehoney was that it was pure-play ecommerce from Day 1," Jacob Polny, chief investment officer at Telemos, told Private Equity News. "At the same time, the company set out to be female-friendly and focused on couples, away from the seedier end of the spectrum."

Lovehoney, which has won 11 XBIZ Awards in various categories since it started up, most recently was recipient of the 2018 XBIZ Online Retailer of the Year (Pleasure Products) and the 2018 XBIZ International Pleasure Products Company of the Year.

In 2016, Lovehoney won the Queen's Award for Enterprise (International Trade), the highest accolade in British business.

In addition, Lovehoney was recently placed at No. 41 on the London Sunday Times International Fast Track 200 for fastest-growing international company.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Electric Novelties Debuts New 'Gemsations' Anal Plug Collection

Electric Novelties has introduced its Gemsations line of anal plugs in silicone and metal options.

Adam & Eve Reveals Results of 'Happy Ending Dream' Survey

Adam & Eve has released the results of a survey asking respondents if they have ever had a sex dream with a happy ending.

Kheper Releases New 'Drink if... Taboo Version' Party Game

Kheper Games has released its new "Drink if… Taboo Version" party game.

Aneros Debuts 'Eupho Syn V' From 'Vibration Collection'

Aneros has introduced the Eupho Syn V from its Vibration Collection.

Wells Apparel Group Inks Distro Deal With Kix'ies

Wells Apparel Group has signed a deal with Kix’ies, Inc. for distribution throughout 13 states.

Ohdoki Debuts 2 New Strokers

Ohdoki has introduced two new stroker sleeves.

CalExotics Debuts 2 New Pleasure Products From 'Connect' Collection

CalExotics has introduced two new pleasure products from its CalExotics Connect line.

Orion Debuts New Vibrator From 'Javida' Line

Orion Wholesale has introduced the new RC Licking Panty Vibe from its Javida line.

Fleshlight Debuts Ana Andrews Stroker

Fleshlight has introduced its new Ana Andrews Pro stroker, Succu-bust.

Svakom Launches Full Company Rebrand

Svakom has launched a rebrand of its logo and products.

Show More