Ed Stevenson, investment manger at SFC Capital looks at why investment and growth into the augmented reality sector will accelerate over the next decade.

After a stuttering start - which could in fact be traced all the way back to the development by cinematographer Morton Heilig in the mid-1950s of the Sensorama, an arcade-style theatre cabinet that used stereo speakers, a stereoscopic 3D display, fans, smell generators, and a vibrating chair to stimulate all the senses - augmented reality (AR) seems set finally to break through into the mainstream. The global market is projected to reach $149 billion by 2025, up from just $4.32 billion in 2017.

Independent Growth Finance (IGF), a leading independent asset-based lender, has so far provided £65 million of new lending since lockdown began. IGF was one of the first ABL lenders to become accredited on the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) in April. Providing much needed financial support to both new and existing clients during this challenging time. With further funding set aside to support more UK businesses before the deadline at the end of November. 

Two advertising executives who quit their jobs to develop their own 3D software have secured over £450,000 in investment to help them launch their product.

Ben Cyzer and Tim Phillips created visual effects for TV commercials for brands such as Sony, Nike and Samsung and were behind the penguin in the John Lewis adverts. They set up London-based Artificial Artists in 2018 to find a way to make quality 3D animation more suited to the faster pace and lower budgets of digital media.

The Riverside Company, a global private equity firm focused on the smaller end of the middle market, announced its Riverside Acceleration Capital (RAC) team has added two members in Cologne, Germany.

Duff & Phelps, the world’s premier provider of governance, risk and transparency solutions, has announced the launch of its Equity Match service. The new service matches the equity funding requirements of UK based SMEs with specialist equity investors from a select network.

New figures highlight the resilience of the software sector throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with a rise in capital raises during the lockdown period says GCA Altium report.

The continued strong interest and engagement from the investment community in the UK’s independent network sector must be sustained if the UK wants achieve status as a gigabit nation, the Independent Networks Co-operative Association has said. 

A businesswoman whose software platform helps companies to manage rebate and incentive schemes has raised a further £950,000 from investors.

Leanne Bonner-Cooke MBE, who founded the e-Bate platform, secured the money from the MEIF Proof of Concept & Early Stage Fund, which is managed by Mercia and part of the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF), Mercia's own EIS funds and the government's Future Fund.With the pandemic having boosted demand for the e-Bate platform, the funding will allow the Leicester-based firm to create five new jobs and further increase global sales. This latest funding round is the second investment by MEIF and brings the total raised so far by the company to over £2m.

Seneca Growth Capital VCT plc, which is managed by experienced growth capital investors Seneca Partners, has launched a new offer for subscription for its B shares, to raise £10 million, with an over-allotment facility to raise up to a further £10 million. 

The British Business Bank’s UK Business Angels Market report 2020 reveals that angel investors across the UK are continuing to invest in early stage businesses and are optimistic about the future despite current economic uncertainty.

More than eight in ten income investors (83%) are concerned about a potential loss of income from dividend cuts caused by COVID-19, according to new research from the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) conducted by Research in Finance.

Fit Cloud Technology Ltd, trading as Membr, a fitness focused management software platform that operates in 23 countries worldwide has secured significant investment from NPIF - Maven Equity Finance, managed by Maven and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, to fuel the next phase of its global expansion.  Membr is a full function cloud-based fitness software solution that has produced a simple and efficient digital platform that allows gym owners to manage their members whilst their personal training staff can actively support customers on their fitness journey.