Maven backs IP law firm with MEIF II debt funding

Maven

Lincoln-based intellectual property (IP) law firm, Panoramix, has secured a funding injection from the Maven managed Midlands Engine Investment Fund II (MEIF II) following support through the first Midlands Engine Investment Fund in 2022.

Published: Dec 12, 2024
Focus: MEIF Maven Debt Finance

Panoramix, a specialist IP law firm delivering high-quality and cost-effective legal services to both UK and overseas businesses, has secured a six figure follow on debt funding package through the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II via appointed Fund Manager for East and South East Midlands, Maven.

Today’s transaction follows Maven’s support through the first Midlands Engine Investment Fund in 2022, which played a critical role in enabling Panoramix to establish its presence in the East Midlands and expand its client base nationally while also growing its operations, building its team, and securing a permanent base in Lincoln.

Founded in 2019 by IP law specialist Kevin Hanson, Panoramix offers a flexible, attorney led service without the billable hours model commonly used across the industry. Instead, the business offers fixed fees based on task complexity and value, allowing clients to benefit from transparent and efficient services.

Panoramix supports a range of clients from start-ups and SMEs to multinational corporations across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, retail and manufacturing. It is also one of the few UK-based IP law firms authorised to conduct US trademark work, holding direct practice rights with the US Patent and Trademark Office, which enables it to provide UK clients with cost-effective US IP support.

The loan from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II will provide Panoramix with the resources to implement a comprehensive marketing strategy aimed at expanding its client base, particularly in the US market, where it has already seen strong demand. The funding will also enable the company to recruit additional staff, including a client relationship manager, an administrative support role and a part-qualified patent attorney to support its growing operations.

Kevin-Hanson-Panoramix-Richard-Altoft-MavenRichard Altoft, Investment Director at Maven and Kevin Hanson, Founder of Panoramix.

“The support from Maven and the Midlands Engine Investment Fund I in 2022 was critical in enabling us to establish our business in the East Midlands and grow our client base nationally. With further funding through Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, we intend to double our headcount and turnover within the next 24 months. This will involve development of new service offerings and expansion into new international markets. The future is looking very bright as we continue to revolutionise the IP legal services industry.”

Kevin Hanson, Founder of Panoramix

“Panoramix has shown impressive growth through its innovative service model, establishing itself as a trusted provider of intellectual property services and is now well positioned to capitalise on sector opportunities. Our initial support through Midlands Engine Investment Fund I enabled the firm to expand its capabilities and build strong foundations for future growth. We are pleased to provide additional support with debt finance from Midlands Engine Investment Fund II to enable the business to continue to grow its team and expand to new markets.”

Richard Altoft, Investment Director at Maven

“This new round of funding from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II follows investment from the first Midlands Engine Investment Fund, and we are pleased to see Panoramix continuing to thrive. This funding will support the company in creating new roles and exploring expansion opportunities overseas.”

David Tindall, Senior Investment Manager at British Business Bank

Through MEIF II – Debt Finance East and South East Midlands, Maven can provide flexible finance options to address a variety of business needs, including enhancing working capital, purchasing new machinery, capital expenditure, export finance, product development and team expansion. The Fund has supported a number of businesses across the region to date, including Advance Tapes, an independent adhesive tapes manufacturer, DUKE Distribution, a logistics and trackway installation provider, Vision4Sport, a sports hospitality specialist and sustainable tech business, Circulayo.

As Fund Manager of MEIF II – Debt Finance East and South East Midlands, Maven can provide business loans from £100,000 to £2 million to support both earlier and later stage businesses with real growth potential across a range of sectors. If your business, or the business you advise, is looking at debt finance as a solution to fund future growth please click here.

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Announcing the Sale of Expert Institute

Spectrum Equity

BOSTON, September 30, 2024 – Spectrum Equity has announced the sale of portfolio company Expert Institute, a leading provider of outsourced legal services to the attorney market, to Levine Leichtman Capital Partners (LLCP).

Spectrum Managing Director Mike Farrell, who led Spectrum’s 2017 investment in Expert Institute, reflected on the company’s growth in the intervening years. “It’s been a pleasure to watch them execute on their vision: growing from an expert witness search provider to an industry-leading intelligence platform for the legal community.”

Since 2017, the business nearly quintupled revenue, and made substantial investments in its core product. Chief among those investments was the 2020 release of Expert iQ, a proprietary expert management platform that enables attorneys to manage their expert witness casework, schedule conference calls, and communicate directly with experts.

“We’re proud of everything we’ve accomplished with Mike and the Spectrum team,” said Expert Institute CEO Michael Talve. “They’ve been essential partners to us — helping us recruit a world-class team and being trusted advisors throughout our partnership. They’ve given us the support we need to grow our business.”

“We’re grateful for the partnership with Michael Talve and the rest of the team,” said Farrell. “And we’re excited to see the continued innovation they’ll bring to the market.”

The Expert Institute was advised by Aeris Partners, and Cooley, LLP. LLCP was advised by Honigman LLP, Houlihan Lokey, Inc. and Robert W. Baird & Co.

ABOUT EXPERT INSTITUTE

Since its inception in 2010, Expert Institute has emerged as a pioneer in legal technology, offering unparalleled access to world-class experts, a wealth of legal data, and cutting-edge opposition research. The company’s innovative cloud-based platform Expert iQ provides sophisticated case management solutions tailored to the modern legal landscape. Having partnered with over 5,000 firms nationwide, Expert Institute stands out for its dynamic blend of expert research capabilities, medical insight, dedicated client service, and advanced technological solutions. This unique combination positions it as a transformative force in legal tech, redefining how legal professionals approach case preparation and strategy.

ABOUT SPECTRUM EQUITY

Spectrum Equity is a leading growth equity firm providing capital and strategic support to innovative companies in the information economy. For over 30 years, the firm has partnered with exceptional entrepreneurs and management teams to build long-term value in market-leading internet-enabled software and data services companies. Representative investments include AllTrails, CINC Systems, Definitive Healthcare, Empyrean Solutions, GoodRx, Lucid Software, Origami Risk, RainKing and Zenwork. For more information, including a complete list of investments, visit our portfolio page.

The specific companies identified above do not represent all of Spectrum’s investments, and no assumptions should be made that any investments identified were or will be profitable. View the complete list of our portfolio companies. Spectrum is not responsible for the contents of any third party website linked above, and has not confirmed the accuracy of any information provided therein.

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