Press Releases

RISINGSTARS GROWTH FUND INVESTS IN GENCIA LIMITED

12 July 2005

The RisingStars Growth Fund, managed by EV, has completed an initial investment in Cheshire-based Gencia Limited. 

Gencia has developed a range of systems to enable the rapid prototyping of packaging designs. Founded in July 2001 by Brian Blundell and Matthew Faulkner, Gencia's systems are now being used by some of the world's largest brands such as Nestlé, Kodak and Proctor & Gamble.

"From two-man design agencies to packaging printers to multi-national brands, our systems provide the market with high quality printed prototypes produced in a few minutes instead of many hours, at a fraction of current costs", said Gary Thatcher, Gencia's Sales Director.

Faulkner added, "With the bulk of development behind us, we now need to market ourselves as quickly as possible. We already have systems in ten countries and the investment from EV will allow us to accelerate sales as well as provide a platform for further developments."

"After four years of sensibly managed growth - from an existing office in 3,500 square feet of converted farm buildings, we are now pleased to be relocating to the Daresbury Innovation Centre, where we will be able to provide truly world class demonstration, proof of concept and development facilities", said company founder, Brian Blundell.

Julian Viggars, EV Investment Director, pictured left, commented, "Gencia's solutions are impressive, enabling brand holders or designers to see and feel end product packages instantly and cost effectively. This has not been possible before, and is a real advance when you consider that the brands we see on the shelf go through a number of costly iterations of packaging prototypes. We feel that Gencia is poised for rapid growth in its current markets, and believe there is tremendous scope for other routes to market for the technology which we will explore with the team."   

The RisingStars Growth Fund is managed by EV and provides early stage risk finance to high growth technology companies located in the North West of England, at the seed or start-up phase, and will also invest at the 'proof of concept' stage. Companies must demonstrate excellent commercial prospects, and are likely to receive the funding in stages against development milestones. In addition to finance, the Fund offers considerable support and guidance in assisting companies with their strategic, technical and market development.

Notes to Editors

Contact details

Gencia is a pre-press technology company set up to design and bring to market innovative solutions to parts of the creative process, particularly in new pack design.

For further information, visit the conpany's website at www.thisisgencia.com or contact Brian Blundell on 01244 394259.