Browne Jacobson advises Mercia Ventures on funding of SkillTech startup

UK & Ireland law firm Browne Jacobson has advised Mercia Ventures on its funding of digital HR platform TalentMapper.

The funding from Mercia Ventures, made in partnership with early-stage investment firm Haatch, will enable TalentMapper to expand its current team to manage growing client demand, add new features to enhance the platform and scale for growth by targeting other sectors including financial and professional services.

Mercia Ventures - a part of Mercia Asset Management plc - is a leading venture capital investor making equity investments of up to £10 million across all sectors, with specialisms in Software, Consumer, Healthcare and Deep Tech.

Established in 2023, TalentMapper helps organisations identify and develop the skills of their workforce. The platform is built for firms with more than 250 employees and gives HR teams a clear view of the capabilities and potential of employees, reducing the cost of recruitment and training, and helping to ensure equal access to career opportunities.

The Browne Jacobson team comprised of partner Jon Snade, senior associate Harry Pearson and associate Shania Sood.

Harry Pearson, Senior Associate at Browne Jacobson, said: “Mercia Ventures is one of the leading investors in the venture capital market, and we’re proud to have supported them on another investment in the tech space. Research shows that almost 60% of employers see the need to upgrade skills within the workplace and close the skills gap as a priority for the next decade – SkillTech is set to play a vital part in employers’ initiatives, and we look forward to supporting ambitious venture capital firms like Mercia on further investments in the industry.”

Stephen Windsor, Investment Director at Mercia Ventures, said: “TalentMapper is a forerunner in the emerging field of SkillTech which aims to address challenges such as the sharp rise in employee turnover following the pandemic, alongside the need to accommodate a new, and more digitally savvy, generation into the workplace. It has achieved remarkable growth in a short space of time which demonstrates the demand within the market and the value it provides to employers. 

“We’ve valued the support of Browne Jacobson’s Venture Capital team in this funding. The firm has a comprehensive understanding of both the venture capital market, as well as the tech-based start-ups space which provides many investment opportunities for us.”

The UK and Ireland Venture Capital and High Growth team at Browne Jacobson stands out for its expertise in advising investors and expanding, innovative companies on their domestic and cross-border venture capital and angel-led financing rounds, guiding clients all the way through to exit. The team has specialisms and insights across a range of sectors, including FinTech, InsurTech, CleanTech, HealthTech, AgriTech, Automotive, Advanced Manufacturing and Retail and Consumer.

The team has recently advised on significant transactions, including the funding round for the Irish technology company Inspeq AI by Sure Valley Ventures, as well as the investment in InsurTech firm Laka by the Dutch investment entity Achmea Innovation Fund.