Lab simulator firm targets growth after fundraise

A Yorkshire health technology company is preparing for international expansion after securing fresh investment to scale its laboratory training platform.

Leeds-based Envoke has raised £1.6 million from existing investors NPIF – Mercia Equity Finance and Finance Yorkshire’s Seedcorn Fund, alongside new backing from Foresight Group.

Founded in 2019, the business develops software that creates virtual replicas of laboratory equipment, allowing healthcare staff to receive remote training and support through interactive simulations.

The platform also enables remote troubleshooting and maintenance, helping reduce engineer call-outs while minimising disruption caused by equipment breakdowns.

The technology has already attracted major global customers including Bio-Rad, ThermoFisher Scientific, PacBio and Haemonetics, alongside NHS organisations and universities.

Bosses say the latest investment will support the company’s expansion into the Asia-Pacific market following recent contract wins with Hawai’i’s national blood laboratories and the US-based Mayo Clinic.

They add that they expect the business to exceed £1 million in annual recurring revenue within the next year.

Stuart Warrington, chief executive of Envoke, said: “Laboratory equipment is challenging to operate and technical problems are commonplace. 

“Each service call-out typically costs manufacturers $2500 and a breakdown can seriously disrupt health services by delaying critical test results. 

“Envoke is tackling these problems. 

“Customer feedback shows our system helps laboratories to reduce downtime and provide more consistent operator training, while enabling manufacturers to cut service costs and boost revenue.”

Dawn Tyler, of Mercia Ventures, added: “Envoke has come a long way since our original investment three years ago. 

“The company has built an impressive client base among US multinationals, achieved very positive customer feedback and launched a new platform that is the most powerful to date. 

“With growing global demand for virtual training and maintenance systems, it is now well positioned to reach out to an even wider international audience.”

The funding round takes Envoke’s total investment raised to more than £4 million, with the company, which currently employs 16 staff, including two in the US, planning to create up to five new UK jobs over the coming year.

Alex McWhirter, chief executive of Finance Yorkshire, added: “Envoke is a trailblazer in the health care technology sector with its solutions attracting a worldwide customer base.

“Finance Yorkshire is pleased to support the company in its next stage of growth and ambition to compete in the Asia-Pacific market.”

Line Gauteplass, senior investment manager at Foresight Group, added: “Envoke has developed a highly compelling platform that addresses real operational challenges for both laboratory equipment manufacturers and healthcare providers. 

“The business has already demonstrated strong traction with leading global customers, and we see significant potential as it expands internationally, particularly across Asia‑Pacific. 

“We are pleased to support Stuart and the team as they scale the business and build on this next phase of growth.”

The £660 million NPIF II fund, which is operated by the British Business Bank, provides loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million to help a range of small and medium sized businesses, driving innovation and creating opportunities for businesses to grow, scale and thrive.

Debbie Sorby, senior investment manager at the British Business Bank, added: “It is encouraging to see the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund continuing to support Envoke as it advances through its growth journey, illustrating how the fund enables businesses to scale over time. 

“The company has made strong progress to date, establishing a robust customer base and delivering technology that addresses well‑defined challenges in laboratory training and maintenance.”

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