As the first in a series of six global investments planned by Escapism, the partnership scales the celebrated 10-year-old UK brand into North America, Europe, and Asia
Celebrating “A Decade of Disco”, influential event series La Discothèque marks its 10th anniversary with new and substantial investment from Escapism, the electronic music brand and family office led by Dez Derry.
Derry, who manages an eight-figure family office fund focusing on electronic dance music brands that target an older demographic, has selected La Discothèque as the first investment in a portfolio he is building, with the goal of completing six deals globally over the next three years. The investment will fund the brand's expansion into new international markets including North America, Europe and Asia.
Founded and led by Kat Warburton, who will continue as CEO to drive global expansion and scale the business, La Discothèque has spent the past decade building one of the UK's most respected disco brands. They mark this 10-year landmark with two huge Anniversary shows at The Warehouse Project and Drumsheds this November, and, most recently, a monumental July residency at 528 Ibiza. This milestone year now sets the stage for the brand's next chapter, taking La Discothèque beyond the UK into new regions where interest in the brand has already been building.
The investment will support the expansion of Kat’s team, providing La Discothèque with the infrastructure to run multiple shows simultaneously. This will allow the brand to meet growing international demand while preserving the core values and ethos that have defined its first decade.
Kat Warburton, founder of La Discothèque shares:
“I’m incredibly proud to have taken La Discothèque to its 10th Anniversary. A decade of building, pushing boundaries and throwing some seriously unforgettable parties. It’s taken hard work, creativity, innovation and resilience, but above all, it’s been driven by an incredible community and the relationships we’ve built along the way.
The investment from Escapism gives us the opportunity to take La Discothèque to the next level, elevating every part of the brand, expanding into new markets and bringing our vision to audiences around the world. We’ve got big ambitions for the next 10 years. This is just the beginning!”
Says Dez Derry founder of Escapism, "Escapism backs music brands that have already proven themselves, and La Discothèque has done exactly that over a historic 10 years. We're not here to change what already works. We're here to give Kat and her team the platform to take the unique La Discothèque experience to the rest of the world."
To complete this year's anniversary celebrations, La Discothèque has a packed run of shows ahead including a 5-room takeover at The Warehouse Project and a return to the 15,000 capacity Drumsheds following its previous sold-out show there, both taking place this November. Meanwhile, Escapism, which focuses on hosting events in unique locations, launches its sold-out debut event on 10th October at the iconic Victoria Baths, featuring headliners Deep Dish alongside Smokin Jo & Pattn.
Music and live entertainment specialists Brian Doyle and Ben Stoter of Ross Bennett Smith served as M&A advisors to Dez Derry’s family office, managing the structuring, financial due diligence, and execution of the transaction. Pearse Connery and Ethan Turner of JMW Solicitors served as legal counsel for the deal.
