Leeds-based angel investor community NorthInvest has backed the company behind a property procurement platform.
The C-Link platform aims to simplify the initial procurement process for SME construction companies and developers by connecting them with the best and most appropriate subcontractors for their developments.
Despite the uncertainty posed in the property markets by the Covid-19 pandemic, C-Link reached the milestone of more than £100m worth of projects managed through the platform earlier this year.
Steve Secker and Ian Stark, both members of the NorthInvest angel networks, have invested a six-figure sum into the London-based business.
The funding will be used for further software development and expedite sales growth.
Secker, construction professional and a former managing director at McCarthy Stone, said: “C-Link has the potential to revolutionise the way developers, main contractors and subcontractors interact on projects.
“The construction industry desperately needs to improve the efficiencies in the procurement process. This is recognised at a government level and C-Link offers a sophisticated solution that has the potential to be universally adopted. I look forward to being part of C-Link’s progress and supporting the business moving forward.”
Paul Heming, co-founder of C-Link, said: “Construction is an archaic industry that needs change. Having managed teams of quantity surveyors responsible for £200m worth of flagship projects, I understand first-hand the need to free up time lost on admin-intensive tasks.
“Over the past few years our small team has built software that has transformed the way SME property developers and main contractors manage construction procurement.
“We sought investment to help us grow more quickly; this round of funding is a major step in our fight to develop the way SMEs manage construction projects.”
The equity investment was supported by Yorkshire law firm Gordons, legal partner of NorthInvest.
Amy Pierechod, solicitor at Gordons, added: “At Gordons, we’re committed to working with NorthInvest investors to make the deal process as streamlined as possible, and it’s great to have been able to do that with this investment.
“It’s really rewarding to be able to support deals like this, which help connect northern investors with start-ups at a stage in their development where investment into the business can make a big impact.”
