The founders of established competitive socialising chains Topgolf and Puttshack have successfully raised £25m to develop and roll out a new hi-tech pool concept, with the first venue set to open in London next year.

Poolhouse is the latest brand from Steve and Dave Jolliffe, with backing from US venture capital group Sharp Alpha Advisors and Daily Mail-owned dmg ventures, and uses tracking technology and video projection to enhance gameplay.

“Today, more people play at Topgolf than on traditional golf courses in the US, and we aim to make an even greater impact on the world of pool,” said Steve Jolliffe. “While we have a strong track record, this project has been our most challenging endeavour yet.”

The Poolhouse offering takes the traditional pool setup and adds responsive technology to create additional targets and obstacles, with the company aiming to sell the systems to other competitive socialising venues, pubs and bars, to expand its market share.

The new slant on pool comes as activity bars continue to experience strong demand from young customers, with market research firm Mintel telling the Guardian “18 to 24-year-olds are now as likely to take part in competitive socialising as they are to drink in a pub.”