COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar. 16, 2026-- Venu Holding Corporation ("VENU" or the "Company") (NYSE AMERICAN: VENU), announced last week that it has closed an $86.25 million capital raise, significantly strengthening the Company’s balance sheet and reinforcing its long-standing strategy of operating with minimal debt.

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VENU's Ford Amphitheater in Colorado Springs

As part of the raise, a portion of the proceeds was used to retire a short-term purchase liability associated with land in Centennial, Colorado, where VENU plans to develop a state-of-the-art indoor live entertainment destination and restaurant. Eliminating this obligation further simplifies the Company’s capital structure and allows it to continue operating with, what it believes to be, one of the lowest leverage profiles in the live entertainment development sector.

“Our philosophy has always been to build a durable company that can grow without relying on excessive leverage,” said JW Roth, Founder, Chairman and CEO of VENU. “By maintaining a disciplined capital structure, we keep occupancy costs low and protect strong operating margins. Just as importantly, a strong balance sheet allows us to move quickly when opportunities arise, deploy capital thoughtfully, and continue developing world-class entertainment destinations.”

While many developers rely heavily on debt to finance construction and expansion, VENU has intentionally built its growth strategy around disciplined capital deployment and limited leverage. With the exception of forgivable municipal development guarantees, and loans and mortgages that together represent just over 1% of the overall appraised value of VENU’s portfolio of projects that are completed or in-development (with all appraised values being determined on development stage projects on an as-completed basis), the Company operates with essentially no traditional debt that encumber its real property assets and development portfolio.

The municipal guarantees are interest-free and fully forgivable upon completion of the projects, serving primarily as collateral with VENU’s public-private municipal partners during the construction phase.

This capital structure provides a distinct advantage in VENU’s growth strategy, allowing the Company to scale new developments without the financial strain or refinancing pressures common in highly leveraged projects. The approach provides several benefits, including greater financial flexibility, reduced exposure to interest rate volatility, and the ability to pursue new development opportunities without the constraints often imposed by traditional lender structures.

Maintaining a minimal-debt balance sheet also allows the Company to expand its venue portfolio while protecting long-term shareholder value.

About Venu Holding Corporation

Venu Holding Corporation ("VENU") (NYSE American: VENU) is a premier owner, developer, and operator of luxury, experience-driven entertainment destinations. Founded by Colorado Springs entrepreneur J.W. Roth, VENU has a portfolio of premium brands that includes Ford Amphitheater, Sunset Amphitheaters, Phil Long Music Hall, The Hall at Bourbon Brothers, Bourbon Brothers Smokehouse and Tavern, Aikman Owners Clubs, and Roth’s Sea & Steak. With venues operating and in development across Colorado, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Texas and a nationwide expansion underway, VENU is setting a new standard for live entertainment.

VENU has been recognized nationally by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Billboard, VenuesNow, and Variety for its innovative and disruptive approach to live entertainment. Through strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as AEG Presents, NFL Hall of Famer and Founder of EIGHT Elite Light Beer, Troy Aikman, Billboard, Aramark Sports + Entertainment, Tixr, Boston Common Golf, Niall Horan, and Dierks Bentley, VENU continues to shape the future of the entertainment landscape. For more information, visit VENU’s website, Instagram, LinkedIn, or X.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," "predict," "forecast," "project," "plan," "intend" or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. While Venu believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation those set forth in the company’s filings with the SEC, not limited to Risk Factors relating to its business contained therein. Thus, actual results could be materially different. Venu expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

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VENU Media Relations
Chloe Polhamus, cpolhamus@venu.live

Source: Venu Holding Corporation