A Blackpool-based automotive spare parts platform is poised to shake up the automotive industry after raising over £150,000 in investment. 

E4-3D has created a 3D printing marketplace which sells certified digital design files of automotive spare parts, increasing efficiencies in the traditional spare parts supply chain.  The marketplace eliminates the need for a warehouse to store products. The on-demand 3D printing system optimises logistics, speeds up delivery times and reduces the CO2emissions generated through traditional practices.

Irma Gilbert, Founder and CEO said,

“I sought investment to continue building the first ever Blockchain, AI-based Digital supply chain for spare parts, providing effective logistical management, faster delivery time and a reduced carbon footprint.

“The money raised will help us build the platform more quickly and is a major step in our efforts to transform the archaic automotive spare parts industry. I can’t overstate the value of NorthInvest’s advice and guidance. Since I first contacted them, the team were honest and communicative. They gave me invaluable strategic advice well beyond simply how to approach investors and grant funding application support.’’

The raise includes private investors match-funding £76,000 of Innovate UK grant funding awarded through the Regional Angel Investment Accelerator (RAIA) programme. This Innovate UK programme is delivered across the wider North by Leeds-based investment non-profit NorthInvest, in partnership with North East-based Innovation SuperNetwork, North East Business Innovation Centre (BIC), and the national UK Business Angels Association (UKBAA). 

E4-3D is one of the latest IP-rich tech start-ups to benefit from the RAIA project. The programme has secured a further £2m from Innovate UK following the deployment of £1m worth of  pilot funding to support innovation-led businesses across the North in 2019 & 2020.

The funds will support E4-3D to move from proof-of-concept by further developing its IT platform and hiring a sales team.

NorthInvest Investment Director, Jordan Dargue; said

“Founder Irma Gilbert and her experienced team have succeeded in building a revolutionary platform that will transform the automotive spare parts industry, combining AI and 3D printing.   E4-3D is yet another successful example of the highly innovative businesses that the RAIA programme enables, funded by Innovate UK.  We’re delighted to support Irma and E4-3D in securing this funding.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors: 

The investment in E4-3D. came as a result of a pitch event delivered jointly by NorthInvest and the Newcastle Angel Hub. NorthInvest and the Newcastle Angel Hub bring investors together and connect them with businesses seeking investment at all stages of growth. The Newcastle Angel Hub is delivered by the Innovation SuperNetwork, which is part-funded by ERDF.

About NorthInvest

NorthInvest is a not-for-profit investment organisation specialising in angel investment in tech and digital startups across Tech For Good, Digital Media, Cyber, FinTech and MedTech. NorthInvest is backed by the Northern Powerhouse and facilitates connections and investment between tech and digital startups and angel investors, as well as offering free coaching and mentorship opportunities to entrepreneurs and Non-Executive Director opportunities to investors. To date, NorthInvest has facilitated over £8m in investment, 15 investment deals and has provided over 600 free coaching and mentoring sessions to entrepreneurs. 

Website: www.northinvest.co.uk

About the Innovation SuperNetwork: 

Innovation SuperNetwork is the network for innovation support in the North East of England. It includes the Catalysing Innovation in North East Clusters project, which is receiving up to £1.28m of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2021-2023. Our headline programme includes VentureFest North East, the region’s innovation conference, our Access to Finance work, which supports businesses and investors to connect, invest and grow, support for key regional innovation clusters and connecting large and small businesses through Innovation Challenge.

The SuperNetwork is a key part of the North East LEP’s innovation programme and is supported by Innovate UK and North East BIC, along with over 50 regional and national partners.

Website: https://supernetwork.org.uk/

Press enquiries: James Prickett, Partnerships, Events and Marketing Lead, NorthInvest ([email protected])