Pembroke VCT has backed Smartify with a £1m investment to drive international expansion and platform development.
"The Smartify app is a truly unique product enabling millions of people worldwide to meaningfully connect with art, whether in a gallery or from home during the pandemic. Since launch five years ago, Smartify has established itself as the leading app for galleries and art lovers alike and we are very excited to see the launch of the new web platform and to support Smartify in its next stage of growth"
Key Capital Partners has acquired a significant minority stake in the online darts retailer.
"Over the last few years our business has transformed with significant growth and we have been looking for the right partner to work with as we progress our ambitions further. The team at KCP were passionate about our business from the start and shared my vision for the future. We are delighted to welcome KCP into our business and look forward to working with the team as we continue this exciting journey."
The funding round was backed by Social Capital, Oxford Capital and 7percent Ventures.
"As a successful former headhunter I was placing senior executives, and I saw exceptional employees leaving work to have a baby and struggling to get back in. Firms passed on perfect candidates because they were uncomfortable with bespoke arrangements. I knew things had to change, and I wanted to be the driver of that change. Employees aren't asking for anything revolutionary, just to be able to work in the way that's most efficient and productive for them. Flexibility enables people to maximise their energy and skills, and that's a huge benefit for employers once they realise it. The investment we've secured is a vote of confidence in something we already know is true."
Irish entrepreneurs Brian and Eamonn Fallon backed the online art marketplace to finalise its funding round.
"We’re very excited to have found Artfinder, a global marketplace, providing unique affordable art online and a Certified B Corporation too. Those ethical credentials are really important to us and give Artfinder a clear point of difference in the market. The company has shown tremendous progress growing its community of independent artists and we look forward to working with the team on taking Artfinder’s growth to new heights."
