A Manchester start-up, Twine has successfully raised £400,000 in its latest seed funding round.
Founded by Stuart Logan and Damien Shiells, the company is on a mission to revolutionise how businesses connect with creative professionals.
Securing Investment for Future Growth
Twine, a Manchester-based start-up, recently secured £400,000 in a seed funding round, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey. Founded by Stuart Logan and Damien Shiells, Twine aims to connect companies with creative freelancers. The investment adds to the company’s total funding, bringing it to over £900,000.
Investment support came from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, alongside angel investors such as Herb Kim, Chris Mairs, and Stephen Pankhurst. Their contributions underscore the growing confidence in Twine’s business model and its potential to disrupt the marketplace. This financial backing empowers Twine to accelerate its expansion and innovate within the freelance industry.
Twine’s Vision for Creative Connection
At the heart of Twine’s philosophy is the ambition to transform how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engage with creative talent. Twine’s platform curates a network of over 195,000 freelance professionals, including graphic designers, animators, musicians, and filmmakers.
The platform enables businesses to streamline the hiring process for freelancers, ensuring access to high-quality content creators essential for marketing and growth strategies. Creatives benefit from portfolio-building opportunities, paid work, and collaboration possibilities, fostering a vibrant community.
Market Potential and Economic Impact
The potential reach of Twine’s services is vast, particularly considering the 52 million SMEs in Europe and the US.
These companies collectively spend approximately £400 billion annually on content marketing, with Twine positioned to capture a share of this substantial market. In this dynamic ecosystem, Twine’s innovative solutions cater to the evolving needs of businesses seeking impactful content strategies. This investment bolsters not only Twine’s growth but also the local and regional economy.
Businesses investing in content marketing are searching for authenticity and creativity to engage audiences. Twine offers a platform where they meet their match, maximising value and enhancing marketing effectiveness, establishing itself as an integral player in the digital marketing landscape.
Support from the Greater Manchester Business Community
Stuart Logan’s enthusiasm is shared by the local business community, including prominent figures like GMCA lead member Councillor Kieran Quinn. They view Twine as a catalyst for regional digital economy growth.
Councillor Quinn highlighted the decision to invest as integral to nurturing high-skilled jobs and ensuring Greater Manchester’s prosperity. Such endorsements from regional leaders reinforce Twine’s pivotal role in fostering a thriving creative and digital hub.
Backing from Influential Investors
Herb Kim, founder of the Thinking Digital Conference, was driven to invest in Twine by his belief in Logan’s integrity and strategic vision.
This sentiment was echoed by other angel investors who recognise Twine’s unique contribution to the creative sector. Their collective support is a testament to the company’s promise and potential.
Kim’s endorsement reflects confidence in Twine’s scalable solutions and its ability to meet the demands of a growing digital economy.
Past Success and Future Aspirations
Twine’s recent funding round builds on a successful £350,000 round at the end of 2015, which included investors like Seedcamp, AXM, and Creative England.
This continued investment trajectory highlights a robust growth ambition, propelling Twine towards greater heights in the creative industry.
With a focus on innovation and partnership, Twine seeks to drive its mission forward, expanding its reach and influence among SMEs globally.
Empowering the Creative Workforce
Twine’s role extends beyond connecting businesses with freelancers—it’s about empowering creatives by offering opportunities and fostering collaboration.
Twine’s latest funding marks a new chapter in its journey to innovate the creative marketplace.
With robust support from investors and the regional business community, Twine is poised for significant growth and impact.