Sheffield tech-for-good company secures £750k Northern Powerhouse investment

Sheffield based tech-for-good company GWD has secured a £750k investment from NPIF Maven Equity Finance, managed by Maven Capital Partners and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, delivered by the British Business Bank.

GWD supports socially minded organisations in the digital transition, accelerating their ability to “build stronger relationships with customers and clients through impactful products and services”.

A flagship product of GWD is its contactless fundraising device, the Donation Station, which uses interactive storytelling and intuitive design to help organisations enhance the donor experience, encouraging engagement, and creating a lasting impression of a fundraising cause.

GWD has deployed hundreds of Donation Stations across the UK. The company is “proud” to be a partner of choice for organisations across the charity, faith, arts, heritage, and corporate sectors, which can include institutions such as libraries, gardens, and museums.

The £750k worth of equity will allow GWD to accelerate key product development and add new service lines, so the company can continue helping its clients to build long-lasting donor relations even more effectively.

GWD was founded by Marek Narkiewicz and Ben Widdows and over the years, they have assembled a strong team united by an ethos of “client service, innovation, and sustainability”. This investment by Maven, one of the UK’s leading venture capital firms, is a vote of confidence in GWD’s journey.

Alex Rothwell, investment director at Maven, commented: “We are delighted to provide funding to GWD as it enters its important scale-up phase. GWD has market leading products in sectors that are rapidly growing, with great potential to expand the business rapidly. I am excited to be working with Marek and Ben and the rest of the team.”

Marek Narkiewicz, co-founder and CEO of GWD, added: “From the first meeting we were confident that Alex and Maven were the right funding partner for GWD.

“We have a fantastic team and a mission to bring innovative technology to right where it’s needed and Maven immediately saw the value in that. I’m excited to push on with their support and to continue serving our clients.”

By Matthew Neville – Correspondent, Bdaily

• Add me on LinkedIn and Twitter to keep up to date
• And follow Bdaily on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
• Submit press releases to editor@bdaily.co.uk for consideration.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →