Hartlepool tech start-up secures funding boost

A Hartlepool-based technology start-up has secured fresh investment as it prepares to take its community-building platform to market.

KLIK SaaS, founded by Kelly M. Whitfield, has raised £300,000 through a SEIS and EIS-backed funding round, valuing the pre-revenue business at £6 million. 

Investment has come from a group of independent backers, including pharmaceutical and chemical industry veteran Malcolm Knott.

The company has developed a digital platform that enables organisations to transform their existing websites into online community hubs. 

Bringing together member management, events, communication and recruitment tools within a single environment, the system reduces reliance on multiple third-party platforms.

KLIK’s model allows organisations to manage and monetise their own networks while retaining control of data and engagement. 

The platform can also support collaboration between different organisations.

Following the funding round, Kelly says the company is planning a series of workshops and interactive demonstrations aimed at organisations interested in licensing the technology.

Kelly said: “KLIK solves a problem most organisations don’t yet know they have. 

“They’re simply managing audiences when they could be building structured, engaged communities that create real commercial and strategic value.

“It takes just two buttons on an existing website to make it happen.”

Malcolm, who was chief executive of Industrial Technology Systems (ITS) for over 30 years and is now an ambassador for Teesside Hospice and the charity CEO Sleepout UK, added: “I invested in it because I believed in it, and I believe in Kelly.

“KLIK can be licensed for an entire industry, so you can connect and keep in touch with peers without the hassle of travelling, which is a powerful benefit.”

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