A thriving car lease company based on Keele University's Science and Innovation Park is set for a fast-growing 2021, after securing significant investment.

Moneyshake, which provides easy-to-use online tools that enable users to compare the UK’s leading leasing providers in one place, recently passed the milestone of £5 million worth of vehicle contracts sold, and ended 2020 by securing a seven-figure investment from the former managing director of a fortune 500-listed motor group.

The company, which was founded in 2019 by CEO Eben Lovatt, first moved onto the Science and Innovation Park in 2019, and has since expanded their Innovation Centre 6 office space three times in order to accommodate their growing team.

Eben commented: “Being placed on the Park has been great and has enabled us to develop solid connections with Keele Business School as well as work closely with our fellow tenants. We’ve found that being part of a collaborative community of like-minded organisation allows us to share networks and solve each other’s problems.”

Being based at the University has also enabled Moneyshake to access the multiple avenues of support available through the Keele Gateway, with initiatives such as internships and the Research and Innovation Support programme* supporting them to amplify their growth plans.

Eben continued: “We have benefited massively from internships and access to graduates, two of which have recently joined our team in full time roles. To be able to boost our workforce with talented individuals, whilst supporting them in their career, is a win-win for everyone involved.

“We have a unique culture and we’re very transparent throughout the business about our plan and vision. I think, in turn, this helps our interns and new staff grow in confidence in their roles which made a huge difference in the company. Our leadership style also saw us awarded with the Leadership Award in the University’s 2020 Breaking the Mould awards, which we were thrilled to be recognised for.”

Speaking about the future of Moneyshake, Eben added: “With 2020 being such an uncertain year for everyone, and 2021 already showing some challenges, businesses need to be dynamic in their approach, and I think that we have that adaptive ability.

“We have big plans for 2021 and our progress to date has given us a strong footing to build on. We’re currently in the process of developing new technology to enhance our users’ experience and have plans to double our team even further over the next 12 months, bringing more valuable jobs into the local area.”

For more information about workspace, internships and other support opportunities available via Keele Gateway, please visit www.keele.ac.uk/gateway

*The Keele Research and Innovation Support Programme is delivered through the Keele University Science & Innovation Park Smart Innovation Hub (Project reference 32R17P01691). This programme is part-funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the England 2014 to 2020 European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) Growth Programme.