NPIF Maven Equity Finance leads six-figure investment in AperiData
Enabling Chester business to continue its rapid growth
NPIF Maven Equity Finance has invested in Chester-based AperiData, an innovative consumer credit reporting and open banking platform. Today’s transaction will enable the business to continue its rapid growth, expand its portfolio of customers, enter new markets and create up to 10 new jobs in the region.
Founded in 2020, AperiData is an FCA authorised credit reference agency and open banking provider (AISP) that is revolutionising credit scoring and lending processes that power instant, responsible, and ethical credit decisions. Through connections to the UKs largest banks, they harness the power of open banking to make financial assessments better and fairer for consumers, and financial institutions alike. Its proprietary technology services clients across multiple sectors to provide a comprehensive real-time view of their customers financial position, which helps them make faster, and more informed decisions.
Over 20 million people in the UK are unable to access credit through mainstream finance products due to lack of credit history or incompatible lifestyles. The AperiData platform, through connections to the UK’s largest banks, uses Open Banking to make credit assessments faster and more accurate for consumers and financial institutions. Its platform can quickly respond to client demands and the software licence can be provided to clients under its own FCA permissions.
Led by a strong management team, with decades of global experience in the world of financial services, credit risk and data analytics, provides AperiData with an in-depth understanding of client needs and insight into the best services that can be derived from the open banking initiative.
James Caplan, Investment Manager at Maven said “What initially attracted us to the business was the team’s experience working in credit risk and financial services. Stephen and Andrew are highly skilled and knowledgeable having previously founded and grown a successful consultancy business prior to starting AperiData. The platform is well developed and is currently being integrated into clients’ systems and we look forward to supporting the business as they expand their customer base and look to enter new markets.”
Stephen Ashworth, CEO of AperiData explained “We are delighted to announce this additional funding and to be partnering with a highly experienced investment firm as we embark on our next chapter of growth. With Maven's support, we look forward to the collaboration opportunities as we continue our mission to revolutionise credit scoring and fairer access to financial services for all”.
Keira Shepperson at British Business Bank commented “At its heart, the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund strives to help small businesses gain access to finance where they would have normally struggled. Now, this latest investment helps AperiData do the same for everyday people, helping them unlock access to financial products they may have previously been prevented from attaining. Stephen and his team are good examples of Northern entrepreneurs finding creative ways to disrupt traditional and well-established industries.”