Chapel Down Group has raised £1.7m from a Seedrs crowdfunding campaign and share placing to boost its beer and cider business, Curious Drinks.

The Kent-based producer of wine, beer and cider launched the crowdfunding campaign last October with an aim to raise £1m.

The firm had raised £1.16m through equity crowdfunding, while £550,000 came through share placing.

“The success of our Curious Drinks crowdfunding campaign is further testament to the revolution taking place in the British beer business.”

The placing saw around 895 new investors, who’s gave as little as £100 each to up to £35,000 in exchange for shares in the firm and other benefits.

The company claimed that shareholders would benefit from a comprehensive package of rewards including free tours, an ongoing 25% discount on Curious beers and cider, limited edition beers and their names etched on brewery fermentation tanks.

Approximately £550,000 has been raised through the share placement, including £275,000 from the directors of Curious Drinks and Chapel Down.

Chapel Down stated that placing will remain open for investments of over £25,000 until 29 April.

The funds raised will be used to build a brewery in Ashford, Kent.

Proceeds will also be utilised to further bolster the Curious Drinks team, enhance its domestic and international routes to market, and further develop the brand.

Curious Drinks CEO Frazer Thompson said: "The success of our Curious Drinks crowdfunding campaign is further testament to the revolution taking place in the British beer business.

"Customers want great beer and we’re delighted that they love Curious as much as we do. We are pleased to welcome nearly 900 new shareholders who we know will become fantastic brand ambassadors.

"Since launching Curious Drinks, we have been thrilled by its rapid success.

"But to have earned the support of 895 shareholders who believe in the brand and who want to support us on our journey with their hard earned cash is truly humbling."