Case Studies

Catalyst have had over 11 years experience in helping companies grow and find
venture capital funding. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding
our case studies or would like to discuss how we work with companies as a
strategic funding partner.

1. CASE STUDY: Integral Mobile Data

Integral Mobile Data Ltd (IMD) is a mobile data management

company, IMDs first product is mForms. mForms Their first product is mForms. is
capable of integrating and transferring text, multi-media data (such as imagery), RFID,
biometrics, bar code, GPS and web-based information, in realtime or in batch using
modems. Platform and bearer independent, it integrates with a range of new or legacy
back office systems, enabling automatic, two-way up-date of databases.
The IMD team had developed the technology while working for NVP. NCP did not view
the technology as core and the team decided to buy out the technology and spin it out
as a separate company. Initially they had funded the business as using their own
resources and DTi grants.

Catalysts Role
Our first challenge was to develop a business plan and funding strategy with team that
maximised our chances of raising the funding required. We then began a marketing
campaign that involved talking to a wide range of private investors and angel groups.
From this activity were able to introduce an individual investor who wanted to play an
active role in the business. This strengthening of the management team was crucial in

deciding to seek external funding. In October we decided to approach selected

institutions to raise the funding required to growth the business.
Result
We raised 500,000 from Finance wales. The company moved to Wales and in early
2007 was acquired by OLM Group, the UKs largest independent supplier of information
solutions for childrens and adult services, who were quick to recognise the strength of
IMDs products and services and its excellent competitive position.

2. CASE STUDY: BlueU

We were extremely interested in the computer based training space because of our
experience of training professional staff in our previous lives. Ian had created of a new
web based learning concept. Ian put together a small team financed by his own
resources. Now he needed resources to create content and develop a market.
Catalysts Role
We started working with CEO Ian Claque to develop a business and financing plan for
the business that would give us the best chance of raising funding. Crucial to this
process was:
The focus and positioning of the business;
Analysing the size of the market;
Identifying the right pricing level;
Developing an IP strategy.
Result:

We initially closed a strategic funding round of 1,000,000 from private investors

through a private placement. Six months later a further 1,000,000 was raised from
Jupiter Fund Managers. Development of the business proceeded apace. The Company
had already signed contracts with over 100 corporate clients, including Compaq
Computer, BP, Toshiba, Dresdner Bank, Rabobank International, Legal & General,
BBP, tempz.com and Aberdeen City Council. BlueU was able to demonstrate key
advantages over other forms of training, including: proven effectiveness on retention
and completion rates; substantial cost savings; and interactivity, flexibility, speed and
convenience. On the basis of this success a further funding was closed a year later
when Net Partners invested 2.5 million.

3. CASE STUDY: Firebrand Media

The team had devised a new advertising medium in convenience stores. The founder
Dipo Olewayo was a retail consultant at McKinsey who had carefully studied the
convenience store sector in the UK and was convinced that a new model of in-store
advertising using digital screens carefully placed at the checkout would be successful.
Dipo had managed to secure a pilot system in a convenience store franchise in the
North-East of England. This franchise had subsequently been bought by Sainsburys.
Catalysts Role
Our first task was to work with the management team to develop a business plan and
corporate finance strategy that would give us the best chance of raising funding. Crucial
to this process was:
The focus and positioning of the business;
Strengthening the management team to include a leading industry figure as Chairman;
Developing the right advertising pricing model;

Identifying New Estates to be acquired;

Assessing the level of funding required.
Result
We initially closed a strategic funding round of 500,000 from a small privately owned
venture capital fund. A further 500,000 was raised from private investors a year later.
Firebrand is now installed in 250 Sainsburys convenience stores including the flagship
store in Sainsburys HQ. Firebrand is now a leading provider of in-store digital
advertising and is in negotiations with a number of major retail brands to expand into
their franchise.