75Media, the UK’s fastest-growing roadside media operator, has secured a seven-figure investment from NPIF II – Mercia Equity Finance, which is managed by Mercia Ventures as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), to help cement its position as a tech-driven leader in the outdoor advertising industry.
The investment will accelerate 75Media’s technological developments, particularly its proprietary AI platform, BOB (Billboard Optioning & Booking system) which has been designed to democratise outdoor advertising, empowering brands of all sizes to plan and build impactful outdoor advertising campaigns. Additionally, the funding will support the company’s international growth, building on its recent wins in the US, Scandinavia and the Middle East.
Despite only launching in 2020 with two employees and 140 classic billboard sites, 75Media is now the number two market leader for large format roadside billboard sites in the country, and number six in the outdoor advertising market overall. The Leeds-based company saw revenues rise by 454% in the 12 months to the end of 2024 and employee headcount has more than doubled in that time, now standing at 56. 75Media acquired London-based iQ OOH in January 2024 and, following further acquisitions, now has over 1,200 classic and digital billboard sites across the UK.
75Media has also unveiled changes to its senior leadership team to reflect the recent growth of the business. Paul Inman, previously 75Media’s Managing Director, will transition to CEO & Founder. Joel Turner, who joined the company in 2023 as Commercial Director, will now assume the position of Managing Director and Joe Lawson, who has been Sales Director since the company’s launch, will move into the role of Commercial Director.
Paul Inman, CEO and Founder of 75Media, said: “This investment is a defining moment for 75Media. Mercia’s support isn’t just about capital; it’s a vote of confidence in our vision to build a tech-enabled outdoor advertising business, which still has people at its heart – both in terms of our team, and the real audiences we need to deliver for our clients. As an industry, we need to be pushing innovation and reaching more people, and that’s what we’re here to do – to shake things up. This partnership allows us to move forward with even greater ambition, pioneering technologies that will set new standards in the outdoor advertising space.”
Chris Borrett, Investment Director at Mercia Ventures, commented: “75Media is one of the fastest-growing businesses in the UK having built a platform that combines capital efficient asset growth with digitally enabled sales channels. Paul and the team at 75Media are ambitious, passionate, tenacious and highly experienced in the sector. They have the right creativity and drive to disrupt this industry and Mercia Ventures are excited to partner with them on this journey.”
Lizzy Upton, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank, said: “Leeds is fast becoming known for its bright talent across the tech sector and businesses like 75Media are helping to fuel this growth. Having grown its team rapidly in just five years is impressive, and establishes the business’ position as a market leader in the outdoor advertising space. This will ultimately help draw more investment to the region, which is one of the key aims of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II.”
Fundraising support was provided by 75Media’s corporate advisers, Jonny Sharp and Mick Morris at Cerelo Advisory. Legal advice for 75Media was provided by Andy Francey and Farrell Tang at Freeths, and by Daniel Hayhurst at Brabners for Mercia Ventures.
The £660m Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIFII) covers the entire North of England and provides loans from £25k to £2m and equity investment up to £5m to help a range of small and medium sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead.
The purpose of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the North of England. The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II will increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for the North’s smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and help to break down barriers in access to finance.
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