Case Studies

PEAK:AIO, a Manchester-based software company building ultra-fast storage systems for AI workloads has received a £5 million funding round.

Founded in 2019, Quell Therapeutics is a leader in engineered T-regulatory (Treg) cell therapies for medical conditions driven by abnormal immune responses.

Yorkshire indoor climbing operator, Freeklime, secured a £150,000 loan from NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia Debt and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), to expand its business with the launch of a third venue.

A Yorkshire company that has found a way to improve ocean health through the cultivation of seaweed and shellfish is set for expansion following funding from NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia Debt as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).

Middlesbrough-based The Qualis Collection Ltd secured a six-figure investment from NPIF II – NEL Smaller Loans, which is managed by NEL Fund Managers as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).

Tokamak Energy is developing fusion energy technology, which is set to provide a limitless, clean energy source.

Business energy consultants Troo, based in Sunderland, secured a seven-figure investment from NPIF II – NEL Debt Finance, which is managed by NEL Fund Managers as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II). The funding will enable the next phase of growth through cutting-edge technology and talent development.

Launched in 2013, Cambridge Innovation Capital (CIC) invests in deep-tech and life sciences businesses that have a connection with the Cambridge ecosystem.

Sanco, a Newcastle-based Neapolitan pizza dining experience, has secured a five-figure investment from NPIF II – NEL Smaller Loans, which is managed by NEL Fund Managers as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).

Talion Cyber Security, a leading managed security service provider (MSSP) forged out of BAE Systems, has raised £2m from existing backers including NPIF - Mercia Equity Finance, which is managed by Mercia as part of the first Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, and Crown Investments.

aXenic, a leading manufacturer of advanced optical modulators used in satellite communications, has secured a £500,000 investment to support its continued growth following global demand for its technology.

Manchester Startup Finds Sweet Spot in Global Insurance Market. Veridox, an AI-powered fraud detection platform, has secured £1,000,000 in funding led by Outward VC, an early stage venture capital fund backed by the Enterprise Capital Funds programme.

TES Group was originally founded in 1999 by Brian Taylor, who operated as Sole Trader, designing and building control panels from a shed in his backyard. Six months later, he was joined by Noel McCracken and TES was registered as a Private Limited Company.

Bare Beauty Academy, a beauty business based in Eastbourne, East Sussex, is embarking on an exciting new chapter with the support of Community ENABLE Funding.

Cosmetic surgery group Elanic used a funding package including debt finance from the Investment Fund for Scotland to support the development of its private healthcare facilities on Bath Street in Glasgow.

Western Marinas Limited, and its portfolio of subsidiaries, was incorporated on April 16, 2024, and Harwood Private Capital, as part of its UK SME fund in which the British Business Bank has invested, provided an £8.25m senior secured term loan (including a £2m co-investment) to support restoration of the marina and surrounding areas.

AssetCool, a Leeds-based company that helps to tackle grid congestion by increasing the capacity of overhead power lines, has raised £10m in a Series A funding round backed by leading global energy investors.

One of the North East’s most established plant hire businesses is set to build on decades of success after securing an investment from NPIF II - NEL Debt Finance, which is managed by NEL Fund Managers as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).