Live event production company receives £300k investment from Creative UK’s Creative Growth Finance fund

• The investment will support the launch of Gignite – a first-of-its-kind AI-powered platform designed to revolutionise live music touring

• Trading as Stampede Events for live event production services, they have built a strong reputation, delivering bespoke events for major global brands

• The Gignite platform launches in August 2025, with a European beta tour planned

Today, Tuesday 17 June, Creative UK is delighted to share the news that its landmark investment fund, Creative Growth Finance has invested over £300,000 into DC Promo (trading as Stampede Events). Established in the East Midlands in 2010 by husband-and-wife duo Dan and Sarah Chantrey, DC Promo is a UK-based live event production company with strong international credentials.

The investment will support the launch of Gignite, an innovative AI-driven platform that aims to disrupt the live music touring industry and empower the next generation of artists.

As a former touring rock drummer and host of rock radio shows in both the UK and US, Dan truly understands the barriers artists face on tour. Gignite was built in response to those challenges – combining tour planning tools, real-time data, AI recommendations and a multisided marketplace to help artists make smarter decisions, connect with venues and suppliers, and tour more successfully and sustainably. It also helps artists navigate the more complex regulatory and logistical landscape post-Brexit, making cross-border touring simpler and more accessible for emerging talent.

The funding will allow DC Promo to complete platform development, onboard a full team, and fund a European beta tour in collaboration with an emerging band.

This is the first Creative Growth Finance investment that has been supported by the Growth Guarantee Scheme, in partnership with the British Business Bank.

Nick Donaghy, Investment Manager at Creative UK commented:

Gignite is an exciting example of how innovation can unlock opportunity for underserved talent in the creative industries. We’re proud to support a business that is not only solving real problems for musical artists, but doing so with a scalable, tech-led solution built by people who truly understand the live music industry – while also creating new jobs in creative spaces here in the UK.

Sarah Chantrey, Co-founder at DC Promo also commented:

This investment from Creative UK has enabled us to complete vital R&D and expedite Gignite’s launch. We set out to solve long-standing issues with technical solutions, but what has evolved is so much more – innovation that aims to disrupt an outdated business model and demonstrate that live performance touring is investable and sustainable. Creative UK’s support is a testament to their vision of valuing and recognising the importance of the creative industries. We are thrilled about the network of expertise this collaboration brings with it and the future innovation that will evolve. We are at an exciting juncture and having Creative UK’s endorsement comes at the perfect time.

For further information on Creative Growth Finance and to find out if your business is eligible, visit www.wearecreative.uk/support/creative-enterprise/investment/creativegrowthfinance

For all press enquiries, please contact Rebecca Maxwell on press@wearecreative.uk