Tech investor MFM eyes growth with Aston University spin-out
TECHNOLOGY investor Mercia Fund Management has announced its first investment in an Aston University spin-out.
Aston EyeTech has developed software that supports optometrists with diagnosis, selling optical products and conducting clinical trials. MFM has agreed to invest £230,000 in the first instance.
The funding will be used to grow the team and finance other resources as required in year one as the company looks to build and trial its initial product range.
A spin-out from Aston University’s School of Optometry, Aston EyeTech is targeting optical retailers in the UK and overseas, clinical trials organisations, domiciliary service providers and the NHS.
Its products are aimed at helping opticians make more accurate and consistent diagnoses of eye conditions, ensuring that high professional standards are met and that medico-legal protection is strengthened.
Opticians working with the firm could sell more items through greater personalisation of product recommendations.
For clinical trials, Aston EyeTech’s software should enable eye tests to be conducted more efficiently, with faster collation and analysis of results.
The software uses mathematical techniques never previously deployed in optometry, and Aston EyeTech says it is already being considered by a major player in the optometry sector which will host product trials and collaborate on development.
Paul Blackburn, executive chairman of Aston EyeTech, said: “The Mercia team has been excellent at pulling together phase one financing and in dealing with the complexities of the university’s involvement as a founder shareholder, including their licensing of intellectual property.”
Tim Hazell, MFM’s Senior Investment Director, added: “Mercia already has a strong track record of investing in university spin-outs and we are delighted to add an Aston University start-up to our portfolio. This investment will enable Aston EyeTech to make major steps in the commercialisation of its unique software in an established and highly receptive market. The company is yet another example of the high quality businesses that Mercia has backed with its university partners.”
