North West Fund 4 Digital & Creative announces its first investment: Autology World Limited
The North West Fund 4 Digital & Creative, managed by AXM Venture Capital Limited, has invested £375,000 into Autology World Limited for a substantial equity stake, alongside £285,000 of further investment from a syndicate of private investors.
Autology, founded in 2007, provides an online learning tool for schools and home-based study. Using the Autonomy search engine, it allows students to access paid-for content from educational publishers such as Pearson, Letts Lonsdale and World Book. The Autology tool generates marked improvements in educational attainment, while remaining a cost effective study system.
The Chester-based company will soon reach over 500,000 students, and is currently being implemented in schools throughout the West Midlands, Lancashire and Cardiff. Autology’s product has significant overseas potential.
Chairman Julian Harley commented ‘Autology is achieving rapid progress as a provider of easily searchable digital content to school and college students with the expectation that we will breakthrough one million student users within the next 12 months it’s a really exciting time for the company and it’s great to have AXM with us as an investment partner.”
David Smith, Investment Director of AXM Venture Capital, added “We are delighted to make our first investment from the newly-launched fund, particularly as it involves the integration of education and technology. These are two sectors of particular interest to us, underpinned by a clear market-need, significant societal benefit, and the increasing migration from traditional hard-copy to digital delivery.’’
Andy Leach, CEO of North West Business Finance Limited, said: “It is really pleasing that the first investment made by The North West Fund 4 Digital & Creative is supporting the growth of a business in such an important segment of the market. Early enquiry levels suggest that Autology will be just one of many exciting investments that will form part of our Digital & Creative portfolio.”
David Malpass, Director of European Programme, said: “The North West is home to a world class digital and creative sector and it is important the region capitalises on the opportunities this growing industry presents. I am delighted with this investment, which will boost economic development and strengthen the regional supply chain.”