Crowdfunding site Seedrs helps startups secure £125m in 12 months

Startup crowdfunding website Seedrs achieved its biggest year to date in 2017, according to new figures.

The London-based firm saw £125m invested across 168 campaigns on its digital platform.

Founded five years ago, Seedrs has now helped entrepreneurs secure more than £300m in investment for 590 campaigns.

The size of the deals completed is also on the up, as 2017 saw 130% more £1m+ campaigns than the previous year.

New records were set. In August, challenger bank Revolut raised its cap of £3.8m, as part of a £50m Series B round led by Index Ventures, from more than 4,200 investors – the highest number of investors involved in a Seedrs campaign to date.

Elsewhere, Seedrs continued to bolster its foothold in Europe, with businesses from eight countries on the continent using the platform to unlock their growth plans.

The company also diversified its offer with the launch of the Seedrs Secondary Market in June. The product gives shareholders in Seedrs portfolio businesses the option of trading shares during a one-week window every month.

Seedrs chief exec Jeff Kelisky said: “I am thrilled with the company’s growth and progress over the last 12 months.

“From record-breaking campaigns with over 4,000 investors and portfolio exits to launching pioneering new products, 2017 has been an outstanding year for Seedrs.”

He added: “The results […] have definitively established our leadership in the industry.”

Seedrs closed its own £10m funding round last year, led by fund manager Neil Woodford, who grew his existing stake in the company with a further £4m.