Capital deployed:
- £450,000 EIS qualifying
Uses of funds:
- Build direct sales capability
- Build channel partner network
- Platform development
- Strengthen management team
ShopBlocks is a hosted e-commerce Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform designed and built in Manchester. It offers an incredibly simple and intuitive online shop designer enabling small businesses to easily create beautifully designed websites, including integrations into inventory, finance and other operational systems, without the need for deep technical skills.
Kevin Jones, CEO, is an experienced software engineer and entrepreneur with many years of experience in the e-commerce and digital marketing industries. Our initial investment facilitated the appointment to the board of Stewart Reynolds as Sales Director. ShopBlocks is a portfolio company of the North West Fund for Digital and Creative, managed by AXM.
DSW invested £350,000 in the autumn of 2018 on an EIS basis. This investment funded the building of a strong direct sales team which has significantly grown the customer base. Building on this success, DSW Ventures and the GMCA invested a further £500,000 alongside management in late 2019, facilitating the development of the senior leadership team and expansion of the company’s sales partner channel.
Through our network of entrepreneurs, senior executives and professionals, DSW Ventures introduced ShopBlocks to its first Platinum partner – a transformative deal enhancing revenues, reputation and reach of the company.
Key Contacts:
| Keith Benson | David Smith |
