PowerLinks, based in Salford-Quays, has successfully secured £5.48 million in Series A funding. This investment round was led by Foresight Group and included contributions from prominent angel investors and PowerLinks’ own management team.
This vital funding will drive the company’s expansion efforts, especially within the US market. Additionally, it will support strategic hires across various departments and strengthen partnerships with global clients.
Investment Details
Foresight Group provided a substantial portion of the investment through its Foresight VCT (FVCT) fund, marking a significant expansion milestone for PowerLinks. The completion of this funding round highlights the confidence investors have in PowerLinks’ unique advertising platform, which has become a leader in the AdTech sector.
The Series A round, totalling £5.48 million, also saw participation from notable angel investors and the company’s management. This significant capital inflow will accelerate PowerLinks’ market growth and innovation initiatives.
PowerLinks’ Technology and Market Position
PowerLinks operates at the forefront of a new era in advertising, providing a platform that automates the buying and selling of highly personalised ‘native’ ads. These advertisements are designed to seamlessly integrate with the look and feel of the surrounding content, enhancing user experience.
The company’s platform processes over six billion auctions daily, leveraging detailed customer interest profiles and unique ‘personal relevance’ data to deliver targeted ads. This capability distinguishes PowerLinks from traditional digital advertising models, offering a more engaging and pertinent experience for users.
PowerLinks has successfully implemented over 4,000 advertising campaigns in collaboration with 140 connected advertisers. This success has driven a remarkable revenue growth of over 100% year-on-year, demonstrating the platform’s effectiveness and market appeal.
Strategic Partnerships and Market Expansion
PowerLinks has a strong partnership with Microsoft, having graduated from the Microsoft Accelerator program for Series A start-ups. This relationship has been pivotal in enhancing PowerLinks’ technological and strategic capabilities.
The recent funding will enable PowerLinks to expand its operations in the US, where they plan to enhance their sales, client services, and technology teams. Additionally, the company aims to enter new markets, having already made significant strides in Amsterdam and Berlin.
Integration of analytics, audience data, and media vendors is a key aspect of PowerLinks’ strategy, enhancing transparency and automation for their customers. The company is committed to integrating cutting-edge AI and cognitive services to further refine their advertising platform.
Leadership and Management Team
As part of the investment deal, PowerLinks has strengthened its leadership team by appointing Alex Rahaman as chairman and Mickey Christodoulides as finance director. Both bring a wealth of experience in the AdTech sector.
Alex Rahaman, a seasoned AdTech entrepreneur, previously founded and grew StrikeAd before its acquisition by Sizmek Inc. His comprehensive experience in growth, exit strategies, and international operations is invaluable to PowerLinks’ ambitions.
Mickey Christodoulides has extensive experience in finance within the AdTech and media industries. His role at Unruly Media included significant involvement in its £114 million sale to News Corp, highlighting his expertise in managing high-stakes financial operations.
Impact of GDPR Compliance
An important facet of PowerLinks’ platform is its compliance with the European GDPR data laws, which ensures robust data protection and privacy standards. This compliance is essential for maintaining user trust and meeting regulatory requirements.
The integration of advanced AI and cognitive services into PowerLinks’ platform enhances its ability to provide granular targeting and brand safety, adhering to the highest standards of data security and user privacy.
Future Prospects and Vision
According to John Cordrey, investment manager at Foresight, PowerLinks is positioned as a high-growth business in a burgeoning sector. The company’s strong client relationships and rapid growth underscore its potential in the AdTech market.
PowerLinks CEO Kevin Flood has expressed optimism about the company’s future, emphasizing the transformative impact of automating relevant, personalised advertising. He believes that the new investment will fast-track the company’s growth and innovation plans.
Flood commended the Foresight team’s support and highlighted the strategic advantage provided by the appointments of Alex Rahaman and Mickey Christodoulides. Their combined experience is expected to be instrumental in scaling PowerLinks’ operations and achieving their ambitious goals.
PowerLinks securing £5.48 million in Series A funding marks a pivotal step in its growth trajectory. The additional capital will support their expansion, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
With a robust leadership team and advanced technological capabilities, PowerLinks is well-positioned to continue its success in the competitive AdTech market.
