Merseyside Special Investment Fund logo

Merseyside Special Investment Fund

Europe, Liverpool, United Kingdom, Liverpool

Description

MSIF, or Merseyside Special Investment Fund, is a long-standing and pivotal venture capital and finance provider based in Liverpool, United Kingdom. Established in 1994, its primary mission is to foster economic growth and job creation within the Merseyside region by providing crucial funding to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). MSIF operates as a critical component of the local business ecosystem, offering a range of financial solutions tailored to the diverse needs of growing companies.

As a venture capital firm, MSIF focuses on equity investments, typically deploying capital into businesses with strong growth potential. Their equity investment cheques generally range from approximately $63,500 (£50,000) up to $2,540,000 (£2 million), catering to various stages of business development, from early-stage ventures to more established companies seeking expansion capital. Beyond equity, MSIF also provides debt finance, including business loans and property loans, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to supporting local businesses. This flexibility allows them to address a broader spectrum of funding requirements within the region.

MSIF has demonstrated a significant and sustained impact on the Merseyside economy over its nearly three decades of operation. Since its inception, the fund has invested over £180 million into more than 2,000 businesses across the region. These investments have been instrumental in creating or safeguarding over 16,000 jobs, underscoring MSIF's commitment to local economic development. The firm manages several funds, including those under the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF) initiative, further solidifying its role in regional and national investment strategies aimed at boosting economic prosperity outside of London.

Investor Profile

Merseyside Special Investment Fund has backed more than 27 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 11 rounds, about 41% of its total and boasts 2 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Series Unknown, Seed, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United Kingdom, Malaysia.
  • Strong thematic focus on Software, Information Technology, Biotechnology.
  • Typical check size: $63.5K – $2.5M.

Stage Focus

  • Series Unknown (44%)
  • Seed (22%)
  • Series A (19%)
  • Debt Financing (15%)

Country Focus

  • United Kingdom (96%)
  • Malaysia (4%)

Industry Focus

  • Software
  • Information Technology
  • Biotechnology
  • Enterprise Software
  • Health Diagnostics
  • Edtech
  • Education
  • Recruiting
  • Hardware
  • Logistics
circle-line
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does Merseyside Special Investment Fund frequently co-invest with?

Deepbridge Capital
Europe, Cheshire, United Kingdom, Chester
Co-Investments: 1
Enterprise Ventures
Europe, Lancashire, United Kingdom, Preston
Co-Investments: 2
WE
Europe, Birmingham, United Kingdom, Birmingham
Co-Investments: 1
Cass Entrepreneurship Fund
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 1
Endeavour Ventures
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 1
Alliance Fund Managers
Europe, Liverpool, United Kingdom, Liverpool
Co-Investments: 1
MT
Europe, Manchester, United Kingdom, Manchester
Co-Investments: 1
Catapult Ventures
Europe, Leicester, United Kingdom, Enderby
Co-Investments: 2
Foresight Group
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 2
Triple Point Ventures
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Merseyside Special Investment Fund?

SupplyWell

Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom

SupplyWell is an digital education platform that connects schools directly with amazing teachers, teaching assistants and cover supervisors.

EdTechEducation
SeedJul 26, 2021
Amount Raised: $691,335
Springpod

London, England, United Kingdom

Springpod is an early careers attraction, engagement and recruitment technology that helps young people discover their futures.

AppsCareer PlanningCollege RecruitingEdTechEducationRecruiting
Series AApr 12, 2021
Amount Raised: $3,438,752
Picnic Chester

Chester, Cheshire, United Kingdom

Picnic Chester is a café and wine bar.

Debt FinancingAug 28, 2019
Amount Raised: $42,762
NutreeLife

Burscough, Lancashire, United Kingdom

NutreeLife is a family run, British company based in Preston

Food and BeverageNutrition
Debt FinancingJul 31, 2019
Amount Raised: $303,802
CiiVSOFT

Daresbury, Halton, United Kingdom

Recruitment automation tools and technology

EmploymentHuman ResourcesInformation TechnologyRecruitingSaaSSoftware
Series UnknownOct 17, 2018
Melo World

Widnes, Halton, United Kingdom

Melo World specializes in creating and developing visual management.

Information Technology
Debt FinancingOct 12, 2018
Amount Raised: $131,560
vTime

Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom

vTime is a virtual reality software company that develops apps and cloud-based solutions that redefine virtual engagement and communication.

Enterprise SoftwareSoftwareVirtual Reality
Series AApr 11, 2018
Amount Raised: $7,600,000
DriverNet

St. Helens, Staffordshire, United Kingdom

DriverNet is a smart logistics community that connects any driver to any customer.

Information ServicesInformation Technology
Debt FinancingDec 14, 2017
Amount Raised: $67,163
Sovex

Kluang, Johor, Malaysia

Sovex manufactures material handling equipment for advanced manufacturing and distribution systems.

IndustrialLogisticsManufacturing
SeedJul 4, 2013
Amount Raised: $750,000
Biofortuna

Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom

Biofortuna develops a range of molecular diagnostic products using proprietary freeze-dried technology.

BiotechnologyHealth Diagnostics
Series UnknownApr 11, 2012
Amount Raised: $3,338,728