Last checked at 29 Oct 2018 07:00
RNS | 29 October 2018 |
Mercia Technologies PLC
("Mercia")
New Direct Investment into W2 Global Data Solutions
Mercia Technologies PLC (AIM: MERC), the national investment group focused on the identification, creation, funding and scaling of innovative technology businesses with high-growth potential from the UK regions, is pleased to announce a new direct investment into W2 Global Data Solutions Limited ("W2"). Mercia's £2.0million investment is part of a £3.0million funding round alongside the Development Bank of Wales.
Mercia now has a direct equity holding of 17.4% in W2 and this direct investment follows on from initial funding rounds by Mercia's third-party managed funds.
W2's software-as-a-service ("SaaS") tools provide real-time identity verification services to help organisations prevent fraud and money laundering, a market estimated to grow from $14.4billion in 2016 to $33.2billion in 2021. The company targets firms in the regulated, government and business communities across the globe and is primarily focused on the gaming, payments and foreign exchange markets with multi-year revenue contracts. Mercia's investment will support the business in further expanding its global sales and marketing plans as well as broadening and accelerating product development.
Founded in 2011 by CEO Warren Russell, W2 has consistently achieved over 100 per cent year on year revenue growth and now employs 42 people. It has also rapidly grown its client base, which includes goHenry, Caxton and Wirecard.
Warren Russell, CEO of W2, said: "Thanks to the continued proactive support from Mercia, we will be able to expand our position within the market and step up our international sales plans. W2 has experienced significant growth in revenues to date and this additional funding will facilitate the continued expansion of the business."
Julian Viggars, Chief Investment Officer of Mercia Technologies PLC, said: "Having initially backed W2 through our managed funds, we are delighted to continue to support the business and its highly experienced management team as it becomes the latest Emerging Star to join our direct investment portfolio. SaaS technology continues to be one of Mercia's key areas of focus and we see significant potential for delivering shareholder value over the medium term as W2 continues to grow."
For further information, please contact:
Mercia Technologies PLC | +44 (0)330 223 1430 |
Mark Payton, Chief Executive Officer | |
Martin Glanfield, Chief Financial Officer | |
www.merciatech.co.uk | |
Cenkos Securities plc | +44 (0)20 7397 8900 |
Stephen Keys (NOMAD and Joint Broker) | |
Canaccord Genuity Limited | +44 (0)20 7523 8000 |
Simon Bridges, Emma Gabriel (Joint Broker) | |
Buchanan | +44 (0)20 7466 5000 |
Bobby Morse, Chris Lane, Stephanie Watson | |
www.buchanan.uk.com |
About Mercia Technologies PLC
Mercia is a national investment group focused on the funding and scaling of innovative technology businesses with high growth potential from the UK regions. Mercia benefits from 19 university partnerships and offices across the Midlands, the North of England and Scotland providing it with access to high quality, regional deal flow. Mercia Technologies PLC is quoted on AIM with the epic "MERC".
Mercia's 'Complete Capital Solution' initially nurtures businesses via its third-party funds (now with circa £400million under management) and then over time Mercia can provide further funding to its 'Emerging Stars' by deploying direct investment follow-on capital from its own balance sheet. Since its IPO in December 2014, Mercia has invested over £63million directly across its portfolio of 'Emerging Stars'.