News
Eight LDC-backed businesses recognised in Northern Tech Awards Top 100
26 Apr 2024
Eight LDC-backed businesses have been named by GP Bullhound in its annual ranking of the fastest growing technology businesses in the North of England, Scotland and Ireland.
Aspire, BCIS, Evolution Funding, Horsefly, Talos360, Uinsure, UniHomes and WCCTV have all been included in the advisory and investment firm’s Northern Tech Awards Top 100 for 2024.
The awards, held last night at Manchester Cathedral, ranked the 100 shortlisted businesses based on revenue growth over the last three years and also recognised a selection of businesses with special individual judge’s awards.
Richard Ibbett, Investment Director at LDC and a Northern Tech Awards 2024 judge, said: “Congratulations to all of the businesses celebrated at the Northern Tech Awards last night. It’s inspiring to gain an insight into the drive and innovation happening across the Northern technology sector.
It’s also fantastic to see eight LDC portfolio companies from across the region included in the Top 100 – a real testament to the achievements of the ambitious management teams we continue to support.”
Horsefly, a leading artificial intelligence-based talent analytics platform, ranked 19th. LDC backed the management team in March 2023 to support the continued organic growth of the business in the UK and internationally, and the ongoing focus on Horsefly’s people-focused culture.
UniHomes, which helps students find their perfect university ‘home from home’ by connecting them with thousands of student properties offering all-inclusive living in 41 locations, ranked 29th. LDC invested in the business in July 2023 to accelerate its regional growth ambitions and further develop the platform.
WCCTV, the UK’s leading equipment-as-a-service provider of wireless surveillance products, ranked 54th. LDC invested in WCCTV in March 2021 to accelerate the businesses UK and international expansion plans and the launch of new products and services. In January 2023, WCCTV reported a 35% growth in revenue and a 21% growth in EBITDA for the year ending July 2022.
Talos360, a provider of human capital management solutions ranked 62nd. LDC invested in October 2023 and is supporting the management team to explore complementary acquisitions and accelerate organic growth. Last year, the business announced it grew annual recurring revenue by 87% in 2022.
Technology-led motor finance platform Evolution Funding, which connects car dealers and auto finance providers with multiple lenders, placed 73rd. Over the last four years, the business has almost quadrupled the total volume of advances it enables to reach £2bn and in July 2023 LDC reinvested as a minority investor to support the next phase of the business’ growth.
IT managed service and cyber security provider Aspire ranked 81st in the Top 100. Since LDC invested in the business in March 2022 it has experienced significant growth, recording a 17% rise in turnover in its latest financial year.
Uinsure, a cloud-based technology platform that connects financial intermediaries and lenders with a panel of the UK’s leading insurers, ranked 89th. LDC invested in the business in February 2024 to help increase its market share and grow its network of partnerships.
BCIS, the UK’s leading cost benchmarking and valuation platform for construction, placed 100th. LDC backed the management team in June 2022 to support investment in the business’ technology platform and data to enhance services and insight for customers. In June 2023, it acquired the price book business Griffiths & Hutchins Publications to further expand its offering.
Horsefly, Talos360, Evolution Funding and Aspire have all also been recognised in the Northern Tech Awards Top 100 in previous years.
LDC was also sponsor of the Fastest Growing Larger Company of the Year award and congratulate Opencast for winning this category.
Since 2012, LDC has invested over £650m into more than 35 fast growing technology businesses. Across the North, we have regional offices in Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle and Edinburgh and our people all live and work in their local areas, building trusted relationships with the business and advisory communities.
LDC extends its congratulations to the businesses recognised in the individual awards and those featured in the Top 100. To view the full list, click here.
