Tech startup secures £1.4 million to ‘revolutionise’ corporate gifting

A Manchester-based startup is redefining corporate gifting with an innovative platform connecting businesses to unique, sustainable products from local suppliers.

needi, founded in 2021 by Louise Doyle and Steph Scholes, has raised £1.4 million in seed funding to scale its AI-powered platform, which curates eco-friendly corporate gifts and branded merchandise aligned with clients' sustainability goals, offering a socially conscious alternative to traditional corporate gifting.

Backed by investors including Clarendon Fund Managers and Techstart Ventures, the funding will support the company’s rapid growth, meeting high seasonal demand and ensuring efficient delivery.

The female-led startup stands out in a male-dominated venture capital landscape, overcoming fundraising challenges with the support of angel investors, including exited tech founders and senior industry executives. To date, needi has generated over £1 million in sales for local businesses and counts Meta, Spotify, Intuit QuickBooks and Amazon among its major clients.

Louise Doyle, co-founder of needi, said: “We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved so far given the barriers that female founders face when fundraising. 

“This investment will not only enable us to grow but also to continue our support of local, independent businesses and sourcing sustainable corporate gifts and branded merchandise.”

Claudine Owens, investment manager at Clarendon Fund Managers, added: “Needi’s seamless, tech-driven solution to sourcing high quality, unique gifts has the potential to revolutionise corporate gifting strategies.

“I am delighted to be working with both Louise and Steph on the exciting journey ahead.”

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