Hazlewoods Corporate Finance team is delighted to have advised private equity firm ScaleUp Capital on its latest European tech investment.
ScaleUp has acquired a stake in Sifted EU Ltd – a media business which focuses on innovative start-ups in the UK and Europe.
Founded in 2017 by Financial Times journalist, John Thornhill, and digital entrepreneur Caspar Woolley, Sifted creates digital content for its online platform, reporting on fledgling businesses and tech activity in Europe.
Reporters in London, Stockholm, Paris, Berlin and Barcelona produce newsletters, articles and digital content for the Sifted website. There is also more in-depth information available to members who pay a subscription for extra content including detailed reports and analysis.
The investment will be used to expand Sifted’s existing team of 40 employees, boosting numbers in the editorial, marketing, commercial, tech and data teams.
Rich Grover, Corporate Finance Associate Director at Hazlewoods, said: "ScaleUp has a great track record of investing in growing and dynamic businesses, and it was a pleasure to work with the team on this transaction.
“I am sure that Sifted will have a bright and prosperous future with ScaleUp’s backing."
Sifted Co-Founder, Caspar Woolley, said: “The hardest challenge for any start-up is to scale, which is why we are delighted by ScaleUp Capital’s investment in Sifted. They have a great history of building successful businesses, which is why we are enthused by the prospect of this partnership to accelerate our expansion.”
Simon Philips, ScaleUp Capital CEO, said: “We are delighted to be leading on this investment round and adding Sifted to our roster of businesses. Sifted is a successful start-up that has built an incredible team and following in just three years.
"Its growth trajectory is impressive and the steps the business wants to take to expand on its offering and staff is exactly why we are excited to embark on this journey. We will work closely with their team to unleash their potential and witness them become a leading player in the market.”
Hazlewoods was named 'Advisory Firm of the Year' at the Business Leader awards 2021 and is the 6th most active corporate finance team in the UK according to Experian’s latest M&A report.
If you are considering buying a business, selling your company or are looking for ways to finance your growth plans and would like to find out more about the process, please contact Rich Grover on 01242 680000 or email rich.grover@hazlewoods.co.uk.