Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

UK taxpayers became shareholders in a sex party organising company

The government's loan to Killing Kittens during the pandemic is converted into equity.

UK taxpayers became shareholders in a sex party organising company

Britain’s taxpayers have become shareholders in the women-led sex party organiser Killing Kittens as the government converted its loan to the company into equity.

Founded by Emma Sayle in 2005, the company calls itself a sextech firm and has hosted parties in Europe, North America and Australia for its members with women “in control of the narrative and events”.

In its bid to stay afloat amid cancellations of in-person parties during the pandemic, Killing Kittens secured investment in 2020 from the Future Fund, set up by chancellor Rishi Sunak to help startups survive the disruptions.

But the £ 170,000 loan came with the general condition that it would be converted to equity at the company’s subsequent fundraising.

With Killing Kittens raising £1mn in its latest round, the British Business Bank, which oversees the Future Fund, said that the government’s investment in the company has been converted into an equity stake.

The most recent fundraising valued the company at about £15m, a three-fold jump in valuation since 2018.

Sayle said the government which holds about 1.5 per cent share in the company has already made money on its investment, according to the Financial Times.

The CNN reported that after the initial investment in 2020, Sayle joked saying she had never "envisaged Boris as a sleeping partner", referring to prime minister Boris Johnson.

The company claims it is the "fastest-growing" adult social network.

Sayle founded the company in response to demand from young, independent single women who wanted an adult party that reflected their modern values.

Killing Kittens has grown into a global phenomenon that welcomes “all genders and sexualities to come and play without losing this focus on empowering the traditionally disenfranchised to find love in their bodies, access pleasure and nourish their sex lives,” she said.

Sayle claimed that through Killing Kittens people have found the confidence to explore and honour their true sexual selves.

More For You

Voices of Faith - Day 2: A profound confluence of spirituality, music, and dialogue

Barnaby Rogerson in conversation with Anthony Sattin (L) on day 2 of Voices of Faith

Voices of Faith - Day 2: A profound confluence of spirituality, music, and dialogue

Mahesh Liloriya

The second day of Voices of Faith unfolded with an enchanting blend of music, philosophy, and intellectual exploration at the Barbican Centre, London. This inaugural festival, curated by Teamwork Arts—the force behind the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) and JLF London—has been made possible by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust, with the support of Tech Mahindra. Eastern Eye and Garavi Gujarat serve as the official media partners, amplifying the festival’s reach and resonance.

Session 1- Echoes of eternity: The timeless notes of Kabir

Keep ReadingShow less
starmer-immigration

Speaking at the Organised Immigration Crime Summit, Starmer said the government is working to restore order to the immigration system.

UK returns 24,000 illegal migrants since July, highest in eight years

THE UK government has returned over 24,000 individuals with no legal right to remain in the country since July, marking the highest rate of removals in eight years, prime minister Keir Starmer said on Monday.

Speaking at the Organised Immigration Crime Summit, Starmer said the government is working to restore order to the immigration system.

Keep ReadingShow less
'Aga Khan dedicated his life to service, peace, and pluralism'

Baroness Patricia Scotland speaks at an Iftar dinner held at the Ismaili Centre in London (Photo: The Ismaili National Council for the United Kingdom)

'Aga Khan dedicated his life to service, peace, and pluralism'

THE outgoing head of the Commonwealth has paid tribute to the late Prince Karim Aga Khan, describing him as a visionary leader whose lifelong dedication to service, peace, and pluralism has left a lasting impact on the world.

Speaking at an Iftar dinner held at the Ismaili Centre in London last Wednesday (26), Baroness Patricia Scotland, who steps down as Commonwealth secretary general on 1 April, reflected on her personal connection with the Aga Khan, recalling their meetings during Commonwealth Day celebrations at Westminster Abbey.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Trump-Getty

Trump has suggested the possibility of a 'great' trade deal that could help the UK mitigate the impact of tariffs he has pledged to introduce. (Photo: Getty Images)

Starmer, Trump talk trade deal progress in 'productive' discussion

KEIR STARMER and Donald Trump spoke on Sunday about ongoing UK-US trade negotiations, with Downing Street describing the talks as "productive."

Since leaving the European Union, the UK has been working to secure a trade agreement with the United States. Successive British governments have pursued a deal, but it has remained elusive.

Keep ReadingShow less
Myanmar-quake-rescue-Reuters

Rescuers carry the body of a victim during search and rescue operations, following a strong earthquake, in Bangkok, Thailand, March 30. (Photo: Reuters)

Myanmar earthquake death toll rises to 1,700, UK pledges £10m in aid

RESCUE efforts continued in Myanmar as residents searched for survivors in collapsed buildings in Mandalay, two days after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the country. The disaster has killed at least 1,700 people in Myanmar and 17 in neighbouring Thailand.

The quake hit near Mandalay on Friday afternoon, followed minutes later by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock. The tremors caused widespread destruction, damaging buildings, bridges, and roads in the city of more than 1.7 million people.

Keep ReadingShow less