Semafone Limited has raised US$8 million by way of private equity fundraising
September 2014 — Semafone Limited, a leading provider of secure payment software used by organizations taking payments over the phone, has completed a US$8 million growth capital fundraising. Business Growth Fund (BGF) invested approximately US$6.5 million with a further US$1.5 million from Octopus Investments and other existing shareholders.
Semafone is a leading provider of secure payment software used by organizations taking payments over the phone. Semafone’s payment method is patented in the UK and USA and allows call center operators and other businesses taking payments by phone to prevent fraud, improve customer service and to reduce Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliance costs by up to 80 per cent.
The transaction enables Semafone, led by CEO Tim Critchley, to support delivery of recent large contract wins and expansion in overseas markets, particularly through growing its presence in the North American market.
The company has a global collaboration with BT on the BT Secure Contact solution and is looking to accelerate development and take advantage of the substantial opportunities that exist for the Semafone payment platform globally.
Our role in the transaction
Oaklins Smith & Williamson, based in the UK, acted as lead advisor in this transaction introducing BGF as new equity investor, and worked alongside the company and existing institutional investor, Octopus, to complete this investment.
Talk to the deal team
Related deals
Cibus has acquired Aweta from Standard Investment
Standard Investment has reached an agreement with Cibus Capital, advisor to the Cibus funds, on the sale of Aweta, a global leader in fruit and vegetable sorting, grading and packing equipment. Completion of the transaction is expected in the coming weeks. The transaction provides Aweta with a strong partner to support the company’s next growth phase. Under Cibus’ ownership, Aweta will pursue further international growth and accelerate investment in R&D, supporting the installed base and product innovation, including software and AI capabilities. Aweta’s leadership team will continue to lead the business.
Learn moreComtax has been acquired by Ryan
Comtax, a São Paulo-based tax technology consultancy specializing in tax determination and digital tax compliance, had been acquired by Ryan, the world’s largest firm dedicated exclusively to business taxes. The transaction marks Ryan’s entry into the Brazilian market, adding a specialized team and an established base of large corporate clients in Brazil, one of the world’s most complex tax environments, at a time when the country’s consumption tax reform is set to reshape how companies calculate and report indirect taxes. For Comtax, the acquisition brings access to Ryan’s global platform, technology and client network across more than 80 countries, creating opportunities to scale its tax determination and compliance offering beyond its current footprint. Comtax’s founders will continue to lead the business.
Learn moreGroGlass has been acquired by Apogee Enterprises
Apogee Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq: APOG), a leading US provider of architectural building products, services and high-performance coated materials, has acquired GroGlass, a Latvia-based developer and manufacturer of high-performance anti-reflective and UV-protective glass coatings. The acquisition brings GroGlass’ differentiated coating technologies and materials science expertise into Apogee’s performance surfaces segment, broadening its product offering and market reach while expanding its manufacturing and R&D presence in Europe.
Learn more