An investment firm managing various funds including the Midlands Engine Investment Fund and EIS funds.
The seed round was led by Mercia Ventures to support final product development and commercial rollout.
"Research is highly complex and regularly takes unexpected turns but current software platforms often fail to allow this level of flexibility. As a result, researchers often resort to using paper or lose important data. Lab Thread aims to make their jobs easier by providing interfaces for both the office and lab, stripping out the paperwork and streamlining processes along the way."
The oversubscribed round was led by Energy Impact Partners with backing from several climate and technology investors.
"We are laser-focused on doing the hard yards to improve the physical layer of the grid, specifically overhead systems. The AssetCool team is innovating at the nexus between robotics and materials science to bring meaningful improvements to an aging network. We’ve developed a new range of coatings systematically optimised for overhead lines that makes the grid more efficient and resilient – not by rebuilding it, but by enhancing what already exists."
The funding round was backed by Mercia Ventures and Haatch to support team expansion and platform development.
"Having worked with Sam previously during his time at Airship, we are pleased to back him and Nick in their latest venture. Candid offers an innovative solution to the challenges of hospitality recruitment and has gained rapid traction. The funding will enable the team to build on its initial success and to drive further growth."
The investment follows the recent launch of a more powerful version of the company cybersecurity platform.
"Mercia has in-depth experience in the cybersecurity sector, and we are proud to have played a key role in the success of Melius CyberSafe. Traditional cybersecurity is beyond the reach of many small firms due to the high cost but CyberSafe helps to solve this problem by automating key processes. With businesses under attack from criminal gangs and hostile states, the need for it is arguably greater than ever."
The funding round was led by Mercia Ventures with participation from regional funds and angel investors.
"Cybersecurity is second only to global conflict in terms of factors affecting the economy. Memory safe chips have been shown to prevent 70% of all attacks and would enable organisations to continue using existing software with complete peace of mind. Developing a new generation of chips here in the UK will also help to ensure supply chain security and restore the country’s position as a leader in semiconductor technology."
