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Award winning Ethical AI business, Trilateral Research receives a significant loan to help them roll out groundbreaking Responsible AI products and services

Trilateral Research has grown organically over the past 15 years from a research business into a leader in the area of Responsible AI providing ethical AI software products and services. It has been bootstrapped to date by the Directors who were seeking a venture debt solution to help fund growth while building revenues for an improved valuation ahead of a significant equity raise.

The company retained Funding Nav to advise on the debt raise alongside the subsequent equity raise. Funding Nav introduced Growth Lending and were successful in brokering a deal that offered the company the funding that they needed without any significant dilution for the Directors, repayable over a 5-year term.

Kush Wadhwa, Director of Trilateral Research, commented “Stephen and his team at Funding Nav offered us a level of support and knowledge that was unrivalled, they delivered what they said they would and we are delighted to continue to work with them in order to raise our Series A.” Wadhwa also said, “Growth Lending have been massively supportive throughout the due diligence process and we look forward to working with them as we continue on our fund-raising journey.”

Stephen Sacks, CEO of Funding Nav commented that, “we are proud to be associated with a company like Trilateral Research which is delivering societal change through ethical AI and specifically with the roll out of award winning products such as STRIAD:AIR & CESIUM.” He went on to say that the team at Trilateral have been amazing to work with and we look forward to a long-term synergistic relationship.”

Injecting a substantial amount of venture debt into the fast growing business , Airbox Fulfilment

Airbox Fulfilment is a collective of four 30 year old ex school friends who had a crazy idea of launching a fashion distribution business without any experience of the distribution industry at all. This allowed Jeremy Tan and his team to reinvent the business in a way that totally matched the changing requirements of fashion brands. Traditionally distribution/ pick and pack businesses have been grim afterthoughts for freight forwarders to earn some additional margin from their clients.

Airbox is totally different, a company of the digital age. Its current premises in Hounslow are clean and attractive and the team young and motivated which is a reflection of the founders. The building is carbon neutral and the business positively encourages its fashion influencer clients to spend time there and use its in house photographic studios.

Such is the trust that its clients have that they entrust their customer services to the company too. Airbox’s success however led to them consistently outgrowing their premises

In October 2021 Airbox engaged Funding Nav to facilitate funding to allow the business to acquire a new site that is 4 times larger than its current premises. Funding Nav worked together with the lender to inject a substantial amount of venture debt into the fast growing business The deal was completed in April 2022 and the businesses expansion was secured. Funding Nav are continuing to advise Airbox on filling their newly acquired space.

Jeremy Tan CEO of Airbox said:

 “Funding Nav helped to facilitate a deal that I didn’t even think was possible at the outset where we would be able to expand at the rate that we have bust without selling any equity.”

Stephen Sacks CEO of Funding Nav said “ Jeremy and his team are amazing and the business that Airbox is building is truly impressive, we are glad to have helped them on their journey.”

Advised one of the UKs largest cleaning machine and service experts - in Partnership with Primary Finance Group

Funding Nav together with Primary Finance Group is delighted to announce that its deal advisory team has advised one of the UKs largest cleaning machine and service experts, on its refinance of receivables, assets and shareholder debt. The deal value is £20m.

The client was established over 50 years ago and specialises in providing industrial cleaning machines and services for industry across many regions of the UK. They manage thousands of sites across the UK and Ireland in a wide variety of sectors including retail, healthcare, warehousing, manufacturing, distribution, and education.

Client CEO commented:

“We are delighted to have secured the debt deal on favourable terms and are incredibly excited by the growth prospects of the business. We were very grateful to have the excellent support, advice and experience initially of the Funding Nav and ultimately the Primary Finance team throughout the transaction. They were instrumental in helping us find suitable funding partners, as well as structuring, negotiating and delivering a successful deal.”

Phil Betts, CEO of Primary Finance said:

“We are delighted to have advised on such an exciting deal. It was clear from the very start when Funding Nav bought us into the deal that the client was perfect for PAF, and that there were plenty of opportunity to make a really positive impact on the business. We have no doubt that they will have nothing but success going forward. It has been a pleasure to work with the team, and we wish them a very successful future in the years to come. Refinancing like this are is great way to expand the potential and value of your business through reducing costs and increasing the availability of working capital.”

Stephen Sacks CEO of Funding Nav added:

“It was clear from the outset that the client would benefit from a consolidated approach. I am delighted that the synergy worked so well and that they have benefited from a significant reduction in financing costs and an increase in their working capital. Both the ultimate client and PAF have been fantastic partners.”

Funding Nav advise vintage jewellry brand Lillicoco on next stage of growth journey

Lillicoco

The company was set up by Simon Green and Stacey Lillico in 2016 and has subsequently grown in both sales and profitability every year.

The Bristol based business sources and sells vintage jewellery – antique jewellery pieces which have been loved and adored for a century or more. These are prized pieces which have been created by master craftsmen with the finest materials and techniques available to them

Funding Nav introduced Foresight Group to the company and subsequently helped to negotiate a sizeable investment.

CEO Simon Green said:

“Stephen got us in front of a VC partner within 2 weeks of starting the search, and we’ve just successfully closed the round. Funding Nav were responsive and supportive throughout the process and got us the funding we needed quickly and on good terms. Highly recommend!”

Funding Nav advisory team successfully advised PDS Multinational Fashions Ltd (PDS)

Funding Nav is delighted to announce that its deal advisory team has advised PDS Multinational Fashions Ltd (PDS), a leading supplier of clothing to the UK supermarket and chain store sector, on its investment in Lilly and Sid Ltd (LAS), a specialist children’s clothing brand. Pricing and other deal terms have not been disclosed.

LAS was established in 2009 and its husband and wife team of Imran and Emma Hassan have developed a number of fast growing and highly differentiated children’s clothing brands. Their expertise will add another valuable skillset to PDS’s armoury.

PDS Group’s deep understanding of the fashion sector, as well as its experience and presence in the market, positions the company perfectly to support LAS in realising its full potential both in the UK and overseas. PDS’s extensive supply base, contracts and network will enable LAS to expand its offering into new regions, geographies and capabilities.

Pallak Seth, Vice Chairman of PDS Multinational, commented:

“We are delighted to have secured the investment in LAS and are incredibly excited by the growth prospects of the business as well as the many synergies that will occur from bringing the LAS branding expertise into PDS. We were very grateful to have the excellent support, advice and experience of the Funding Nav team throughout the transaction. They were instrumental in helping us find this investment, as well as structuring, negotiating and delivering a successful deal.”

Stephen Sacks, Senior Partner in the Deal Advisory team working at Funding Nav, added:

“We are delighted to have advised on such an exciting deal for the PDS Group. It was clear from the very start of the process that PDS was the perfect home for LAS, and that there were plenty of sales and operational synergies to be had. We have no doubt that both PDS and LAS will have nothing but success in their new partnership going forwards. It has been a pleasure to work with Pallak and his team and with Imran and Emma, and we wish PDS Multinational and Lilly and Sid a very successful future in the years to come. Investments like this are a great way to expand the potential and value of your business through synergies like the ones demonstrated here.”

Funding Nav is delighted to announce that its deal advisory team has advised MAP Group (MAP)

Funding Nav is delighted to announce that its deal advisory team has advised MAP Group (MAP), one of the leading independent providers of professional technology services to the UK communications sector, on its acquisition of USL Group (USL), a specialist services provider to the telecoms sector. Pricing and other deal terms have not been disclosed.

USL was established in 2005 and specialises in providing overhead fixed line maintenance services for the telecommunications industry across many regions of the UK. USL’s poling expertise, in particular, will add another valuable skillset to MAP’s armoury. 

MAP Group’s deep understanding of the telecommunications sector, as well as its experience and presence in the market, positions the company perfectly to support USL in realising its full potential alongside the roll out of fibre in the UK. MAP’s extensive customer base, contracts and network will enable USL to expand its offering into new regions, geographies and capabilities.

 

Funding Nav is delighted to announce that its deal advisory team has advised MAP Group (MAP), one of the leading independent providers of professional technology services to the UK communications sector, on its acquisition of USL Group (USL), a specialist services provider to the telecoms sector. Pricing and other deal terms have not been disclosed.

USL was established in 2005 and specialises in providing overhead fixed line maintenance services for the telecommunications industry across many regions of the UK. USL’s poling expertise, in particular, will add another valuable skillset to MAP’s armoury. 

MAP Group’s deep understanding of the telecommunications sector, as well as its experience and presence in the market, positions the company perfectly to support USL in realising its full potential alongside the roll out of fibre in the UK. MAP’s extensive customer base, contracts and network will enable USL to expand its offering into new regions, geographies and capabilities.

Mike Carlin, CEO of MAP Group, commented:

 “We are delighted to have secured the acquisition of USL and are incredibly excited by the growth prospects of the business as well as the many synergies that will occur from bringing the USL poling expertise into MAP. We were very grateful to have the excellent support, advice and experience of the Funding Nav team throughout the transaction. They were instrumental in helping us find suitable funding partners, as well as structuring, negotiating and delivering a successful deal.”

Mike Carlin, CEO of MAP Group, commented:

 “We are delighted to have secured the acquisition of USL and are incredibly excited by the growth prospects of the business as well as the many synergies that will occur from bringing the USL poling expertise into MAP. We were very grateful to have the excellent support, advice and experience of the Funding Nav team throughout the transaction. They were instrumental in helping us find suitable funding partners, as well as structuring, negotiating and delivering a successful deal.”

Nick Wallis, Partner in the Deal Advisory team working with Funding Nav, added:

“We are delighted to have advised on such an exciting deal for MAP Group. It was clear from the very start of the process that MAP was the perfect home for USL, and that there were plenty of sales and operational synergies to be had. We have no doubt that both MAP and USL will have nothing but success in their new partnership going forwards. It has been a pleasure to work with Mike and his team, and we wish MAP Group a very successful future in the years to come. Acquisitions like this are a great way to expand the potential and value of your business through synergies like the ones demonstrated here.”

Nick Wallis, Partner in the Deal Advisory team working with Funding Nav, added:

“We are delighted to have advised on such an exciting deal for MAP Group. It was clear from the very start of the process that MAP was the perfect home for USL, and that there were plenty of sales and operational synergies to be had. We have no doubt that both MAP and USL will have nothing but success in their new partnership going forwards. It has been a pleasure to work with Mike and his team, and we wish MAP Group a very successful future in the years to come. Acquisitions like this are a great way to expand the potential and value of your business through synergies like the ones demonstrated here.”

Get in touch with us to find out more!

Stephen Sacks


I founded Funding Nav to be the advisor that I wished I would have had access to when I was running trading companies for 30 years.

My passion is helping entrepreneurs to realise their ambitions and of course my wife, four daughters and Barry the Pug.

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Alan Turner


I have spent the bulk of my career in the technology sector working initially for a couple of large IT systems manufacturers and latterly focussing on software and services. Having exited a software consultancy business in 1999 that I co-founded, I have indulged myself in the horse racing and breeding industry and continued to look for innovative tech businesses to work with and, on occasions, invest in as an angel. These days, as a Funding Nav Partner, I am mainly focussed on helping early stage and growth businesses improve their respective cash positions. When I’m not working, I enjoy cycling and walking.

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Jyoti Chandarana


I am an IT graduate with 30 years of business consulting experience in analysing, designing and implementing customer focussed solutions. My passion is helping businesses to achieve their potential.

Away from work I enjoy boxercise, running, tennis, yoga, painting and watching box sets.

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Mike Howard


I am lucky to possess a mixed and varied career encompassing Entrepreneurial Recruitment & Telecoms, Snr. Corporate Telecoms, Business Broking, SME’s and Mergers & Acquisitions. In the UK, North America and Australia.

It is this variety of experience that enables me to relate to most Business Owners situations, whatever size, and indeed I pride myself in identifying the ‘need’ that entrepreneurs look for in realising their ambitions.

Outside of work I enjoy travel, current affairs, and Chelsea F.C. And a glass of red.

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Shaffin Jaffer


I have over 35 years experience in owning and running businesses. By training I’m an engineer and by vocation an entrepreneur.

I enjoy playing tennis, squash and bridge.

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Oliver Codrington


Oliver Codrington is a non-practising Barrister, and also a Level 4 qualified Financial Advisor (Securities and Investments). An entrepreneur at heart Oliver has been advising founders and owners for two decades and owns and operates several ventures of his own. Passionate about small businesses and the important role they play in global economies, often overlooked and taken for granted by successive governments, Oliver will do all that he can to maximise growth opportunities and margin improvement, ultimately to ensure that a profitable exit is achievable.

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Edmund Hatsu


I am a seasoned Business Development Consultant, Company Systems and Finance Expert with over Fifteen (15) years of experience in management positions including owning and running businesses.

With extensive experience in the financial sector, I am passionate about empowering entrepreneurs and supporting their growth and sustainability by finding solutions to their company systems and funding challenges.

I am genuinely fervent in helping Start-ups and existing businesses especially in Africa to explore the HUGE opportunity Africa presents because Africa is the last BIG opportunity to see stellar growth as the continent modernises, leverages technology and industrialises.

I specialise in financing strategies for corporate and commercial enterprises in Africa and my role is to connect these enterprises to funders, investors, and acquirers. I am a Nature Tourist, and I also love to spend quality time with my adorable family when I am not working.

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Zandy Von Weichardt


As the Senior Manager of Operations at Funding Nav, I work closely with the CEO to optimise daily operations. My responsibilities include: strategic planning, operational efficiency, team management, financial analysis, risk management, client and partner relations, and decision making. I play a vital role in driving the company's growth and success.

I am an internationally certified Personal Trainer & Online coach through HFPA Academy and bodybuilding is my passion.

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Amber Geldenhuys


My role in the company is research and marketing with my top priority connecting with people. Having prior experience in hospitality and teaching English abroad I am definitely people oriented.

I enjoy going to the gym, I am currently studying personal training and I like to paint in my spare time.

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Imran Ashraf


Bio: With close to two decades of experience within the financial advisory sector, I bring a rich tapestry of expertise to Funding Nav. Throughout my career, I've served as a trusted advisor, offering bespoke and holistic financial guidance to a diverse clientele, encompassing both personal and business sectors. My advisory spectrum spans from mortgage and investment advice to pension planning and protection strategies, coupled with meticulous cash flow analysis that forms the cornerstone of my practice. This breadth of experience has equipped me with a nuanced understanding of financial dynamics and a keen insight into the intricacies of client needs, paving the way for a seamless transition into the role of a Partner with Funding Nav.

What sets me apart is not just my professional acumen, but also my deep-rooted commitment to understanding the unique needs and aspirations of each client. I take a holistic approach to financial management, meticulously analysing market trends, assessing risk factors, and exploring innovative funding avenues to tailor solutions that align with my clients' goals. My passion for empowering businesses to thrive extends beyond the boardroom, reflecting my personal ethos of excellence and integrity in everything I do.

Outside of the financial realm, I'm an avid traveler who finds inspiration in exploring new cultures and cuisines. My love for adventure is complemented by my dedication to fitness and wellness, often found hitting my home gym or embarking on outdoor excursions with my family. These personal interests not only keep me grounded but also fuel my creativity and resilience in tackling complex financial challenges.

I believe in the power of forging genuine connections and leveraging diverse experiences to unlock opportunities and drive meaningful change in the businesses I serve.

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