We are delighted to share that SME Fund I has realised the sale of specialist intelligence and investigation management software company, Altia, to Bowmark Capital following a period of significant growth. NorthEdge Fund III has invested alongside Bowmark as part of the transaction to support the company’s continued expansion.
Altia, headquartered in Nottingham with offices in Glasgow, develops specialist software that automates key processes in criminal, civil and financial investigations across 24 countries, including the UK, US, Canada, and Australia.
Founded in 1997, the firm predominantly works with customers in the public sector, enabling investigation teams to automate processes using technology to improve workflow efficiencies and deliver actionable insights, which reduces time and money spent on investigations and improves prosecution rates.
Since partnering with NorthEdge in November 2020, Altia has grown Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) by over 20% per annum and maintained its market-leading Net Revenue Retention rates; invested significantly in product development, resulting in the launch of its AltiaHQ investigation management platform; and further increased its global presence – following the business receiving a Queen’s Award for International Trade in 2021.
During the partnership, we also supported Altia to undertake multiple acquisitions including: VeriSaaS, a field intelligence and evidence collection software business, providing the business with an additional product and exposure to US clients; Badger Software, the UK’s leading software for dealing with Crimes in Action and Critical Incidents; and most recently Aquila Intelligence Solutions Ltd, an open-source intelligence software provider. All of the acquisitions have enabled Altia to access new markets and provide a broader range of products to its customer base, across more of the intelligence and investigation value chain.
In addition, Altia continued to invest in its people during the partnership with NorthEdge – building out the senior leadership team, as well as being recognised as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces in Tech™ 2024 by Great Place to Work®.
Jon Pickering, Chief Investment Officer at NorthEdge said: “We’ve built a fantastic relationship with Rob and the Altia team over the last four years. Since our investment, we have seen the business grow internationally; expand its senior leadership team; invest in its people; and deliver new and innovative products which support customers around the globe make their communities safer.
“At NorthEdge, we are really proud to have played a part in building another business with real global, social, and commercial impact.”
Rob Sinclair, CEO of Altia said: “With NorthEdge’s continued support, we have been able to adapt to meet the ever-changing digital landscape and build upon what we have created since 1997. The team shared our vision and their insights and expertise have allowed us to continue excel in our field. As we move forward, we look forward to strengthening our impact and accelerating our growth further.”
The exit was led by Jon Pickering, Chief Investment Officer at NorthEdge, alongside Altia CEO, Rob Sinclair, and the wider senior management team at Altia.
NorthEdge and Altia were advised by KPMG (Corporate Finance), PwC (Financial Due Diligence), OC&C (Commercial Due Diligence) and Browne Jacobson (Legals).