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Newcastle tech startup Papertrail hopes to crack new markets with funding boost

Digital safety business Papertrail, which has offices in Newcastle as well in North Wales, has completed a six-figure funding round as it looks to break into new markets worldwide.

Founded in Newcastle, the company has developed software which helps businesses to manage statutory compliance in relation to their safety equipment and inspection records.

Initially focusing on the UK’s adventure and training sector, Papertrail’s systems are now used across the globe, with clients spanning sectors including Rope Access, Arboriculture and telecoms.

The most recent funding round was supported by venture capital firm Northstar Ventures and The Finance for Business North East Technology Fund, managed by IP Group, along with the Wales Technology Seed Fund managed by Finance Wales.

The funding will help Papertrail further develop its offline mobile technology product and underpin the company’s push into new markets, such as the offshore wind energy sectors. The new investment will also support Papertrail in building up a network of global partners and re-sellers, and has enabled the company to recruit for four new positions.

Papertrail was launched in 2013 by former outdoor activities teacher Ben Scholes and his business partner, Rob Walker, after they identified a need to more effectively manage and track safety checks on outdoor adventure equipment.

The firm was boosted in its early stages by participation in Ignite 100, the angel-led accelerator programme based in Newcastle upon Tyne specialising in early-stage technology startups.

Ben Scholes, managing director of Papertrail, said: “This funding round will enable us to keep up our forward momentum and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to help more companies across the world manage risk and demonstrate compliance more efficiently and effectively - which in turn makes it easier for them to concentrate on their core activities.

Newcastle-headquartered commercial law firm Watson Burton advised Papertrail throughout the funding process.

Paul Wigham, associate at Watson Burton and part of the firm’s specialist technology team, added: “Watson Burton has a great depth of experience in supporting innovative companies and we have again brought this to bear in our work with Papertrail.

“It has been a real pleasure to work with Ben, Rob and the rest of the team and to play a role in their business journey from its early stages.

“Papertrail is an ambitious company with enormous global potential and has the ability to reach a wealth of new markets. We’re very proud to have helped the company reach this exciting stage in its development and are looking forward to what the future holds for Papertrail.”

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