Manchester tech firm on upward trajectory following £5m support package

Manufacturing aftersales technology solution provider, Partful, has received £5m in funding to automate its 3D aftersales SaaS platform.
The investment has been led by Northern Gritstone, with participation from Par Equity and US-based Blumberg Capital.
It will propel the automation of Manchester-based Partful’s platform and accelerate the company’s growth within the $640bn aftermarket sector.
The platform gives users access to interactive 3D models that explode to reveal each product’s individual components – making it easier for the customers and dealers of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to identify and order the components they need, and access the work instructions needed to fit them.
With the introduction of automation, OEMs are being empowered to take complete control of this process.
The ability to self-serve means that users can simply upload their data – CAD files, Bill of Materials as well as their own tribal knowledge – to create a parts catalogue fit for aftersales purposes.
As well as making it even easier for OEMs to create interactive documents, automation also saves significant amounts of time. The enhanced platform makes it possible to create a 3D parts catalogue in hours, rather than weeks.
Sam Burgess
Sam Burgess, CEO and co-founder of Partful, said: ‘‘Developing the next iteration of our platform is an important step in helping OEMs to overcome these challenges.
“Having the backing of Northern Gritstone, Par Equity and Blumberg Capital is vital and we are thrilled to have their backing as we help OEMs support customers, eradicate costly order errors and maximise revenues.’’
Duncan Johnson, CEO of Northern Gritstone, said: “This growing Manchester-based tech company has already won large OEM customers thanks to its technology and is set to create more jobs in its North of England team.”
Tom Croy, Investment Director at Par Equity, said: “At Par Equity, we’re passionate about backing innovative businesses capable of transforming entire industries – and Partful is a perfect example.
“Manchester is a key hub for innovation and an area where Par Equity continues to expand its presence, so we’re thrilled to partner once again with Northern Gritstone to support this Manchester-based business.”
He added: “Having initially invested in 2021, with a follow-on in 2023, we remain committed to backing Partful as they continue to lead the way in aftersales technology. With the launch of Partful 2.0, we’re excited to see its growing impact across the market in years to come.”
Stanton Green, senior director at Blumberg Capital, said: “After sales is a multibillion dollar global marketplace experiencing a digital evolution and we believe Partful is at the forefront of that transition.
“The Partful team has delivered real business value to OEMs. Our continued support emphasises the tremendous expansion opportunities ahead, especially in the US which is core to our goal of broader international adoption and innovation.”
Since its initial seed funding investment round in January 2022, Partful has secured a total sum of £11.2m.
The business counts Maeving, Lear, Kolpak, Triangle Tube and Ideal Heating and Allett Mowers among its customer base.