Eye therapy company raises £4.8m to boost overseas expansion

NuVision Biotherapies, a spin-out whose products speed up healing of eye conditions, has raised a further £4.8m in a funding round led by the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II through its appointed fund manager Mercia Ventures, and including the University of Nottingham and Pioneer Group. NuVision’s products harness amniotic membrane, the tissue that surrounds babies

Insurtech marks another first with platform that spots gaps in cover

Broker Insights, the UK-based insurtech that is transforming the way brokers place commercial insurance policies, has marked another first with the latest version of its platform. Broker Insights’ VISION platform now uses AI and data insights to help brokers identify businesses with gaps in product coverage – in particular cybersecurity or management liability insurance –

‘Space defence’ start-up raises £2m for satellite launch

Shield Space, a UK defence tech start-up developing systems to protect satellites from signal jamming or attack, has raised £2m to launch its first orbital test flight. The funding round was led by the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II through fund manager Mercia Ventures, and included Twin Path Ventures, ROI Ventures and P3A Ventures. Shield

Former radio presenter secures £1.8m for gut-friendly toothpaste

A former radio presenter who launched a gut-friendly toothpaste after suffering health problems has raised £1.8m to help him expand sales internationally. Ollie Gallant, who also runs the popular Gutology Podcast, has secured funding from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II through fund manager Mercia Ventures, alongside Active Partners and existing angel investors. A former

Ben raises $27.5m to fix employee benefits for global enterprises

Ben, the London-based platform using AI to help global enterprises manage employee benefits, has raised $27.5m (£20.8m) to accelerate its product roadmap and strengthen its go-to-market capabilities to meet the growing demand. The round was led by Mercia Ventures with strong participation from existing investors Atomico, Cherry Ventures, DN Capital, and Seedcamp, along with new

Growth in store for eco-cleaning brand after £1.9m fundraise

A fast-growing eco-friendly cleaning brand has raised £1.9m to continue its expansion and get its products on to more supermarket shelves. OceanSaver’s dishwasher tablets, laundry detergents and cleaning spray refills compete with the leading brands on price and performance but are free from plastic and harmful chemicals. They are already stocked by Tesco, ASDA, Co-op,

£35m North East Accelerate Fund is off to a flying start

A new £35m fund that aims to nurture the next generation of high-growth North East businesses has attracted over 50 applications within three weeks of its launch. The North East Accelerate Fund, which is managed by Mercia Ventures, offers up to £1m investment for early-stage companies across the region. Mercia says the assessment process is

Theatre logistics company raises £2.5m to fuel growth after buy-in

A logistics company that transports theatre sets and equipment for many of the leading West End shows has secured a £2.5m investment to fuel its expansion following a management buy-in. Paul Mathew Transport is the UK’s leading supplier of transport services to the theatre and live entertainment industry, with clients including the Royal Shakespeare Company,