Member Article

Sunderland startup aiming to digitise land sales backed by £250k investment

Sunderland-based Land Trader has secured £250k worth of investment to support the design and development of its new digital service to connect land sellers in the North East.

Aiming to digitise the sale of land via an online market place, the business hopes to make buying and selling land in the region a lot easier.

Backed by VC firm Northstar Ventures, which invested £130k from the Finance for Business North East Proof of Concept Fund, the startup has also received £120k investment from an angel investor.

Founder Tom Stuart explained the vision behind the company. He said: “Owning land is a dream shared by a great many British people, and even more are involved in the sale and servicing of the land sector.

“Yet working in or with the industry can sometimes feel an isolated place to be, particularly as an individual or small business.

“The North East has a wealth of knowledge and skill in the land sector and with strong support from experienced partners we are forging an infrastructural service, a marketplace and a communications tool for all, from the most professional to the individual.

“We’re now into the design and development phase, all thanks to Northstar and our Angel investor. We’re based in Sunderland Software Centre which is a superb place to innovate.”

James Foster, Investment Manager at Northstar Ventures, added: “We’ve been impressed with team at Land Trader from day one and believe that their experience and expertise will be invaluable in making the platform a success.

“They’ve identified a clear need within land sales, and are building a comprehensive platform which will enable people to realise the value of their assets.”