Our Portfolio
To date, Catapult have invested in over 50 businesses.
Selected investments within the portfolio include:
4energy Limited
Website: www.4energy.co.uk
Location: Nottinghamshire
Date of first investment: December 2006
Amount invested to date: £300,000
Catapult contact: Rob Carroll
4energy develop, manufacture and supply novel air conditioning systems initially targeted on extending the working life of emergency back up batteries, resulting in significant savings in servicing and maintenance costs for customers operating large networks. The company plans to develop its technology to target other thermal sensitive critical equipment to enhance operational efficiencies. Geoff Finch, formerly Board director at BT, was introduced to the Board of the 4 Energy by Catapult.
> Download Tombstone
Activ8 Intelligence
Website: www.a8i.co.uk
Location: Nottinghamshire
Date of first investment: March 2007
Amount invested to date: £250,000
Catapult contact: Graham Mold
Established in 2005, activ8 intelligence have pioneered a range of predictive technology solutions to help eradicate the all too familiar risks from human capital processes.
By enabling progressive organisations to transform the effectiveness of their resourcing activities, activ8 have quickly developed an impressive broad client base including Royal Bank of Scotland Group, Legal and General, Toyota, Alfred McAlpine, Ceridian and C. Hoare & Co. With strong institutional backed investment and award winning technology, activ8 intelligence are set to rapidly expand and transform the way organisations manage their human capital.
> Download Tombstone
Anaxsys Technology Limited
Website: www.asthmaalert.co.uk
Location: Keele
Date of first investment: October 2007
Amount invested to date: £500,000
Catapult contact: Ray Harris
Anaxsys Technology has developed an innovative diagnostic device to enable the rapid and accurate diagnosis of asthma, including within young children and the elderly which has not been possible to date. The device has also been designed to monitor a patients ongoing asthma status, with a view to facilitating better control of the disease through the use of more accurate drug dosages.
> Download Tombstone
Applied Multilayers
Website: www.applied-multilayers.com
Location: Leicestershire
Date of first investment: November 2002
Amount invested to date: £500,000
Catapult contact: Jonathan Earl
Applied Multilayers has developed world leading technology for the production of high quality multilayer optical coatings. The process developed by the company uses magnetrons of opposite polarity which forms a closed magnetic field which contains and enhances the reactive plasma. The process is simple, scaleable and significantly less expensive than alternative techniques. The process is also versatile and can be used to deposit metals, metal-oxides, metal-nitrides and metal-carbides all with outstanding optical properties. The systems from Applied Multilayers are used in a variety of optical coating applications and are available in a variety of sizes and configurations. The Board includes Mike Walls and Des Gibson, both of whom are recognised as leading experts in the field of optical coatings.
Atlantic Link
Website: www.atlantic-link.co.uk
Location: Nottingham
Date of first investment: September 2008
Amount invested to date: £500,000
Catapult contact: Jonathan Earl
Atlantic Link, which is based at Strelley Hall in Nottingham, has developed a unique rapid e-learning training product which enables users to design and deliver professional on-line training to thousands of employees which would, in the past, have taken months to create at great cost. The company’s UK clients already include BT, Waitrose, Daimler Chrysler as well as financial institutions HSBC, Santander and Barclays.
Blackstar Amplification
Website: www.blackstaramps.co.uk
Location: Northamptonshire
Date of first investment: May 2007
Amount invested to date: £200,000
Catapult contact: Jonathan Earl
Blackstar Amplification designs and sources manufacture of amplifiers and effect pedals for the electric guitar equipment market. The business was formed 2 years ago by the former senior management team of the new product department of Marshalls amplifiers. The team have now fully developed their first amplifiers and effects pedals, with global rollout of the products underway. They have recently signed distribution agreements for the supply of their products to major global markets including the USA, Japan, France and Germany. Non Executive Directors on the Board include music entrepreneur Phil McCauley.
> Download Tombstone
Board Envelopes
Website: www.Boardenvelopes.com
Location: Nottinghamshire
Date of first investment: April 2006
Amount invested to date: £250,000
Catapult contact: Duncan Cameron
Board Envelopes is a provider of specialist high quality envelopes for the marketing services industry. The business seeks to add value to the proposition to customers by providing a ‘one stop shop’ for their requirements. John Starley, formerly Finance Director of Rubicon Packaging – a successful growth and exit story in the packaging – was introduced to the Board of directors by Catapult.
Brake Testing International
Website: www.btiltd.com
Location: Leicestershire
Date of first investment: November 2002
Amount invested to date: £300,000
Catapult contact: Duncan Cameron
Brake Testing International provides a full range of dynamometer and related test services to the worldwide braking and friction industry in the areas of Product Development, Type Approval, Self Certification, Conformity of Production, Product Installation and Marketing Data Generation for both passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Customers include Toyota and Bentley.
BWB Regeneration Limited
Website: www.bwbconsulting.com
Location: Midlands / Leeds
Date of first investment: April 2008
Amount invested to date: £1,000,000
Catapult contact: Graham Mold
BWB are a leading UK integrated engineering and enviornmental consultancy that delivers multi-disciplinary engineering solutions to the property, development and construction industry from offices across the Midlands and the North of England. Catapult supported a Management buy-out led by Steve Wooler alongside acquisition finance provided by Yorkshire Bank. Nick Townsend, formerly Board director at Wilson Bowden, was introduced to the Board of BWB by Catapult.
> Download Tombstone
Cellaura Technologies Limited
Website: www.cellaura.com
Location: Nottinghamshire
Date of first investment: April 2008
Amount invested to date: £200,000
Catapult contact: Jonathan Earl
CellAura is a spin out company from the University of Nottingham, combining world-renowned expertise in the fields of synthetic chemistry and molecular pharmacology to produce high quality fluorescent G-protein coupled receptor ligands for use in molecular pharmacology and imaging at the single cell level.
> Download Tombstone
Corporate Image Refurbishment
Website: www.ciruk.com
Location: Lincolnshire
Date of first investment: June 2004
Amount invested to date: £300,000
Catapult contact: Duncan Cameron
CIR provides refurbishment and maintenance services of retail frontages via a unique range of transparent and coloured high performance coatings. Signage, in general, has the inherent problem that the colours are not weather resistant, resulting in the loss of original appearance. Corporate Image Refurbishment’s coatings address this market demand and can be used on a wide variety of surfaces, protecting them for ten years. The cost of refurbishing signs is considerably cheaper than replacing them and also allows retailers to extend the life of the signs and reduce maintenance costs. Tim Allen, formerly a director of Williams Holdings plc, was introduced to the Board of Corporate Image Refurbishment by Catapult.
Critical Pharmaceuticals
Website: www.criticalpharmaceuticals.com
Location: Nottinghamshire
Date of first investment: December 2004
Amount invested to date: £500,000
Catapult contact: Jonathan Earl
Critical Pharmaceuticals is a drug delivery company that creates high value added therapeutics by applying its breakthrough, and proprietary, technology to transform the delivery of challenging molecules. The company’s focus is on the development of controlled release products of approved biologics where current technologies cannot solve the inherent problems with these drugs. For biologics such as human growth hormone, erythropoietin (EPO) and beta-interferon, the current technologies often damage the biologic and/or leave potentially toxic solvent residues in the final product. Critical Pharmaceuticals solves these problems with a simple, one-step, patented formulation process. As a result, a significant improvement in yields can be achieved, presenting a significant opportunity for pharmaceutical companies to reduce costs of manufacturing and wastage in high cost or problematic drugs. The Board of the company includes Professor Steve Howdle of Nottingham University and Lisbeth Illum, formerly CEO of DanBioSist.
> Download Tombstone
Cyclops
Website: www.cyclops-uk.com
Location: Northamptonshire
Date of first investment: August 2004
Amount invested to date: £500,000
Catapult contact: Duncan Cameron
Cyclops has developed hardware and software systems for speed camera locations based on IP acquired from TrafficMaster plc who developed the original intellectual property and product. Cyclops provide speed camera data to Garmin, amongst others, who utilise this within portable satellite navigation systems. Cyclops has Europe’s most complete and accurate safety camera location database.
Digeprint
Website: www.digeprint.co.uk
Location: Leicestershire
Date of first investment: April 2003
Amount invested to date: £700,000
Catapult contact: Robin Jones
Digeprint was originally funded by IGI plc and Warwick University. DigePrint has subsequently raised funds from Mercia, Catapult, E-Synergy and private investors to commercialise and patent a digital photographic printing machine (the DP305), which is much smaller than a traditional minilab. Following the introduction of a new Non-executive Chairman, Peter Palframan, DigePrint is now concentrating on producing only its patented Lumejet printing head for OEM print machine manufacturers.
> Download Tombstone
Envirotreat Limited
Website: www.envirotreat.com
Location: West Midlands
Date of first investment: January 2008
Amount invested to date: £325,000
Catapult contact: Ray Harris
Envirotreat's proprietary treatment technology is an advanced chemical fixation (immobilisation) process targeted at soils, waste effluent and groundwater contaminated with both organic and inorganic/heavy metal pollutants. The core technology comprises a range of modified clays, referred to as E-clays, which have the capability of physically binding and chemically stabilising pollutants. The result is the ability to neutralize and immobilize pollutants in soil, thereby avoiding the need for construction companies to take contaminated soil to landfill and replace it with virgin earth, thus saving expense and time.
> Download Tombstone
FDTEK Holdings Limited
Website: www.fdtek.co.uk
Location: Derbyshire
Date of first investment: September 2007
Amount invested to date: £330,000
Catapult contact: Duncan Cameron
FDTEK operates a data network for the management and communication of commercial vehicle inspection and maintenance records, providing data sharing across all parts of the supply chain. The company plans to become the UK standard commercial vehicle compliance system delivering fleet operator compliance and better customer service. Lawrence Vaughan, Chairman and formerly CEOof Sytner, was introduced to the Board of FDTEK by Catapult.
> Download Tombstone
Flexeprint
Website: www.flexeprint.com
Location: Nottinghamshire
Date of first investment: December 2003
Amount invested to date: £500,000
Catapult contact: Duncan Cameron
Flexeprint operates a print management system which enables multi-site companies to submit print ready PDF files to printers using a secure internet connection. This system enables large corporates to control their corporate image and provides significant cost and distribution savings of print material. This proposition is particularly relevant to franchise organisations. Flexeprint has joint ventures with Sherwood Press in the UK and Toof Commercial Printing in the USA.
Food and Drink Analytical Services Limited
Website: www.fdas.org
Location: Nottinghamshire
Date of first investment: November 2004
Amount invested to date: £250,000
Catapult contact: Robin Jones
Food and Drug Analytical Services Limited (FDAS) provides analytical services for the food and pharmaceutical sectors from its state of the art facility at Biocity, Nottingham. FDAS are able to offer a complete chemistry and microbiology analytical service to customers on a contract testing basis, offering small and medium manufacturers a cost effective alternative to maintaining their own laboratory facility. Paul Harper, formerly a director of R & D for Johnson and Johnson was introduced as Non-executive Chairman by Catapult.
Haemostatix
Website: www.haemostatix.com
Location: Nottinghamshire
Date of first investment: December 2005
Amount invested to date: £300,000
Catapult contact: Jonathan Earl
Haemostatix is a spin out company from the University of Leicester, focussed on the development of artificial blood platelets. The company’s lead product ‘Haemoplax’ is aimed at the £3.5bn annual global market for platelet transfusions, by providing a safe substitute for platelet transfusion for the treatment of potentially life threatening bleeding in patients with platelet deficiency. Catapult have invested alongside Quester to fund the clinical development of the lead product, with a view to licensing out prior to phase III clinical trials.
Intamac
Website: www.intamac.com
Location: Northamptonshire
Date of first investment:
Amount invested to date: £450,000
Catapult contact: Robin Jones
Intamac provides software to enable exploitation of home electronic connections with applications including home security and remote control of home appliances. Intamac’s award winning web based monitoring service provides exciting new ways to monitor and protect people and property. Initial customers have focussed on the security and insurance applications of the software and include BT, IAG Australia and Bell Canada.
Kappler Limited
Website: www.kapplereurope.com
Location: Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Date of first investment: January 2008
Amount invested to date: £330,000
Catapult contact: Pete Le Noury
Manufacturers and supplies high end Chemical, Biological, Radiation and Nuclear protective clothing as well as disposable dust and chemical protective clothing. Customers include military, police, fire brigades as well as asbestos removers, boatbuilders or any other businesses having a need for disposable protective workwear. This is a growing market, driven by European Health and Safety legislation and the increased risk of terrorist, biological or chemical threats. Catapult introduced Jon Towler as Executive Chairman and Colin Fuller as Non Executive Financial Director, both formally of Kingsfield Heath Ltd a large distributor of office supplies, to widen the experience on the Board.
> Download Tombstone
Kyoob Space Limited
Website: www.kyoobspace.com
Location: Nottinghamshire
Date of first investment: October 2007
Amount invested to date: £500,000
Catapult contact: Duncan Cameron
Kyoob Space Limited designs, manufactures, hires and sells premium end portable cabins for the temporary accommodation market. It also sells and hires other more complicated modular buildings (typically used as temporary to permanent buildings in e.g. schools or hospitals). Kyoob looks for long term contracts of large village complexes with premium end customers. The business has grown rapidly since formation 2 years ago and this round of funding will enable it to continue the sustained growth in its Hire Fleet.
> Download Tombstone
L3 Technology Limited
Website: None
Location: Warwickshire
Date of first investment: January 2008
Amount invested to date: £600,000
Catapult contact: Robin Jones
The development of sophisticated point of care cholesterol measuring equipment offering laboratory accuracy and precision. The company plans to develop its cholesterol measuring medical devices such that widespread screening programmes become feasible. David George, formerly UK CEO of Chiron Diagnostics, was introduced to the Board of L3 Technology by Catapult.
> Download Tombstone
Michelson Diagnostics Limited
Website: www.md-ltd.co.uk
Location: Lichfield and Kent
Date of first investment: October 2007
Amount invested to date: £250k
Catapult contact: Robin Jones
Michelson Diagnostics Ltd is developing imaging technology for use during cancer diagnosis and treatment. The device uses optical coherence tomography to provide real-time images of sub-surface tissue at near-cellular resolution without tissue removal - an 'optical biopsy'. This will, for the first time, enable surgeons to see the extent of cancer tissue in situ without the need for surgical biopsy thus ensuring that all traces of tumour are removed.
> Download Tombstone
Monica Healthcare
Website: www.monicahealthcare.com
Location: Nottinghamshire
Date of first investment: May 2005
Amount invested to date: £700,000
Catapult contact: Jonathan Earl
A spin out company from the University of Nottingham, Monica Healthcare has developed a technology which can successfully monitor the heart rate of an unborn baby for long periods allowing an improved standard of obstetric care for both mother and baby. The technology, which is wireless, allows the mother to be able to move around as normal, something that is not possible with existing techniques such as Ultrasound which require the mother to be immobile next to a large cumbersome unit in a hospital. Another advantage over existing technology is that the technique is non-invasive. It is anticipated that the device will be available in its initial target markets in early 2008. Paul Harper, formerly a director of R & D for Johnson and Johnson was introduced as Non-executive Chairman by Catapult.
> Download Tombstone
Oxford Genome Sciences
Website: www.oxfordgenomesciences.com
Location: Oxfordshire
Date of first investment: January 2007
Amount invested to date: £1,200,000
Catapult contact: Jonathan Earl
Oxford Genome Sciences (OGS) has the world’s largest database of biomarkers for protein based disease. The company is at the forefront of new developments in personalised medicine, being enabled by the mapping of the human genome. The company has developed a unique integrated platform that combines genomic, proteomic and clinical information to accelerate the discovery and validation of drug targets and biomarkers in human beings. The benefits are improved biomarkers for patient selection, drug response and efficacy monitoring, and the integration of diagnostics into drug development and product launch, thereby facilitating more accurate drug development and providing cost and time savings. OGS works closely with Biosite and Medarex, with whom it has collaboration agreements for exploitation of this technology. Non Executive Directors on the Board include Elliott Forster, VP of Development at Pfizer, and Jeff Warren, formerly CEO of Bristol & West plc.
> Download Tombstone
Practice Management Services
Website: www.see2020.co.uk
Location: West Midlands
Date of first investment: July 2006
Amount invested to date: £320,000
Catapult contact: Ray Harris
Practice Management Services (PMS) has developed and provides See20/20, the UK’s only web-based ophthalmic practice management software. See20/20 provides opticians, both independent and group operators, with real-time control across every aspect of their practice. It equips them with the information they need to make business-critical decisions and greatly improve the service they offer their customers. Special features include multi branch operations, genuine internet diary booking system and performance tracking of individuals consultants. Sales are made on a rental model. Dean Butler, formerly CEO of Vision Express, was introduced to the Board of PMS by Catapult.
Promethean Particles Limited
Website: www.prometheanparticles.co.uk
Location: Nottinghamshire
Date of first investment: April 2008
Amount invested to date: Undisclosed
Catapult contact: Pete Le Noury
Promethean Particles are a spin-out company from the University of Nottingham. They have developed a unique reactor technology to allow unprecedented product control and flexibility in inorganic nanoparticle dispersion manufacture.
R5 Pharmaceuticals
Website: www.r5pharma.com
Location: Nottinghamshire
Date of first investment: December 2006
Amount invested to date: £250,000
Catapult contact: Jonathan Earl
R5 Pharmaceuticals operates a state of the art facility at Biocity, Nottingham for the provision of clinical trials drug manufacture. The facility includes a sterile unit, aimed to capitalise on the shortage of sterile manufacturing capacity in Europe. R5 also specialises in analytical services, with customers including Northern Foods. Non Executive Directors on the Board include Ian Wilding, formerly CEO of Pharmaceutical Profiles, and Glenn Crocker, CEO of Biocity.
> Download Tombstone
Safetoeat Ltd
Website: www.safetoeatfood.com
Location: Derbyshire
Date of first investment: January 2007
Amount invested to date: £250,000
Catapult contact: Duncan Cameron
Safetoeat is the only pan allergenic food manufacturer in the UK and produces a range of tasty, healthy soups and sauces which is completely free of (all) key allergens. The percentage of the population with allergies is substantial and growing and multiple retailers are allocating more space to free from products. The business has gained listings in Tesco, Sainsburys, Morrisons, Asda Somerfield and Waitrose. The products are also sold through health food shops. Peter McPhillips, with substantial experience at Board level in the food industry, was introduced to the Board of Safetoeat by Catapult.
> Download Tombstone
Sight and Sound Ltd
Website: www.SightandSound.co.uk
Location: Northampton
Date of first investment: August 2008
Amount invested to date: £1,450,000
Catapult contact: Robin Jones
One of the UK’s leading suppliers of IT products and services for people who are blind, visually impaired or have learning difficulties. Suppliers to customers in local government, corporate, education and consumer sectors a product portfolio which includes electronic reading software, speech output systems, screen magnification displays and electronic Braille displays. Strong growth is anticipated from an exclusive new product in the form of a mobile phone with integrated text to speech and screen magnification features which will offer flexibility and mobility to the blind and visually impaired.
Sigmala Ltd
Website: www.sigmala.com
Location: Lincolnshire
Date of first investment: May 2007
Amount invested to date: £200,000
Catapult contact: Duncan Cameron
Sigmala designs and manufactures unique equipment for the converting industry. This equipment offers significant cost and efficiency advantages for the end user. Equipment can be new or retro-fitted to a large worldwide installed base. Customers include Dusenbery and Chicago Electric. Mike Gulliford and Tim Walker, both highly experienced at senior Board level in the sector, were introduced to the Board of Sigmala by Catapult.
> Download Tombstone
Silver Lining Solutions Limited
Website: www.silverlining.uk.net
Location: Rugby
Date of first investment: April 22 2008
Amount invested to date: £250,000
Catapult contact: Graham Mold
Silver Lining Solutions' software product, 'Skills Manager', assesses, analyses and helps to improves the skills of staff working in call centres and offices. The software helps cut-back on the industry’s annual staff churn of over 30% which is estimated to cost the sector an estimated £2.3 billion in training and recruitment costs, not to mention the resulting negative impact on efficiency. The company has achieved sales with an impressive list of blue chip customers and will use the funding to strengthen its sales and marketing team as well as further product development.
Stadia Sports International Ltd
Website: www.stadia-sports.co.uk
Location: Cambridgeshire
Date of first investment: May 2003
Amount invested to date: £350,000
Catapult contact: Robin Jones
Stadia Sports sell sports capital equipment principally to Local Authorities, Councils, schools/colleges, sports clubs and the MOD. The company has an extensive range sold through its annual catalogue. Stadia Sports has benefited from general market expansion of sports equipment driven by a combination of Government policy and a general change in lifestyle to an exercise and health awareness culture. The 2012 London Olympics are anticipated to drive significant further spending in this area over the coming years. John Spon Smith, formerly CEO of Raleigh, was introduced to the Board of Stadia Sports by Catapult.
Stribbons Limited
Website: www.stribbons.co.uk
Location: Northamptonshire
Date of first investment: April 2004
Amount invested to date: £250,000
Catapult contact: Jonathan Earl
Stribbons is a manufacturer and distributor of decorative packaging, accessories and trimmings for luxury gifts. The company offers the fast turnaround of tailor made product in a highly seasonal environment at competitive prices and, if required, high volumes. An example of a recent product is bags for Cadbury’s high end Easter eggs. Sectors sold to include stationery, gourmet food, cosmetics, packaging and fashion with customers of all sizes including many large blue chip organisations.
Synchro Limited
Website: www.synchroltd.com
Location: Coventry
Date of first investment: August 2007
Amount invested to date: £600,000
Catapult contact: Graham Mold
Synchro provides software solutions to the construction industry that uniquely enable project managers to literally visualise their construction site in 3D at any point during the project in conjunction with the plan and schedule. The software allows team members to simulate different construction scenarios and to immediately visualise the impact in virtual reality, thereby optimizing the delivery plan. The benefits of synchronising design and planning are that it increases industrial performance, decreases risk, shortens decision making and delivery times and reduces costs. The business has sold its solutions to household-name construction firms and has leading industry figures as investors, Chairman and chief executive.
> Download Tombstone
Turbine Efficiency Ltd
Website: www.turbine-efficiency.com
Location: Lincolnshire
Date of first investment: December 2003
Amount invested to date: £500,000
Catapult contact: Robin Jones
Turbine Efficiency provides maintenance and service contracts supporting sub 10MW combined heat and power gas turbines (typically ex Alstom turbines). These Turbines are usually installed in large factories or other similar installations such as Oil Rigs and Hospitals. Typically they provide a monthly maintenance contract and a full overhaul every 3 years currently. The company also undertakes efficiency monitoring work. Turbine Efficiency has an overseas operation in Argentina and sells to customers throughout the world. Stephen Saltaire, formerly of 3i plc, was introduced to the Board of the company by Catapult.
Whelan Refining Ltd
Website: www.whelanrefining.co.uk
Location: Staffordshire
Date of first investment: May 2006
Amount invested to date: £200,000
Catapult contact: Ray Harris
Whelan Refining recycles used fuel oils for blending into new product. This process reduces the levels of new oil required, provides cost benefits for customers and ultimately reduces carbon emissions. The Board of the company includes Anthony Ross from Bridges Ventures, with whom Catapult have co-invested.
> Download Tombstone
Wide Range Engineering
Website: www.widerange.co.uk
Location: Leicestershire
Date of first investment: October 2002
Amount invested to date: £450,000
Catapult contact: Robin Jones
Widerange Engineering provides innovative and effective polymer sealing solutions in demanding areas, such as the Aerospace, Defence, Pharmaceutical, Processing and Electronic Industries. The company brings together a team with over 100 years of experience in the polymer industry.
Zysis Limited
Website: www.zysis.com
Location: Nottinghamshire
Date of first investment: September 2007
Amount invested to date: £300,000
Catapult contact: Jonathan Earl
Zysis is a drug re-formulation company working on products offering significant advantages over existing treatments in the field of the Central Nervous System. Drug makers are increasingly turning to re-formulated products to prolong the lifecycles of their top sellers and to protect against the impact of generics. The funding is to take the company’s products through Phase 1 clinical trials and subsequent licensing. Directors of Zysis include Russell Pendleton and Dr Ian Wilding.
> Download Tombstone
