Explorage.com

Michael-Bakewall
Deputy Portfolio Manager

The backing of the Development Bank, Huw as the lead investor and the wider syndicate means that we are now well-placed to realise our vision with the comfort of knowing that they understand the challenge of starting up and scaling a fast growth tech business.

Anna Roberts, Founder

Based in Anglesey, Explorage.com is an online marketplace that allows self-storage facilities to list their space and customers to find, compare and instantly reserve the right space for their needs.

There are approximately 27,000 new storage bookings each month in the UK, and the sector is now worth an estimated £48 billion annually. Yet, comparing and reserving the right solution can be an inconsistent and long-winded process.

Here’s how our equity and angel finance is supporting Explorage.com to deliver an effective online marketplace for storage operators and its customers.

The brains behind Explorage.com

At just seven years old, Anna Roberts first demonstrated her entrepreneurial flair and determination when organising a fundraiser to persuade Flintshire County Council to invest in her village park.

She qualified as a chartered surveyor from university, yet Anna was driven by a desire to help people with problems and a focus on doing the right thing for customers. With 60% of customers who use self-storage doing so because they are experiencing a stressful life event, Anna decided to form Explorage.com.

Since forming the company, the team has grown to five full time staff members, alongside interns and consultants who have helped Explorage.com grow significantly.

Working with us to grow Explorage

Explorage.com

In November 2022, a syndicate of nine business angels joined the Development Bank of Wales and M-SParc in backing Anna as she prepared to launch Explorage.com’s online platform.

Huw Bishop of Camau Nesaf was the lead investor of the syndicate that invested a six-figure sum in Explorage, with Angels Invest Wales providing match funding from the Wales Angel Co-investment Fund. Recognising the company’s potential, M-Sparc’s Accelerator Programme also committed funding to Explorage.com.

Anna used the money to make key hires and begin regional rollouts throughout the UK, and Explorage has since received additional equity funding from our Technology Seed Fund to further develop the technology behind Explorage.com.

Anna commented: “The backing of the Development Bank, Huw as the lead investor and the wider syndicate means that we are now well-placed to realise our vision with the comfort of knowing that they understand the challenge of starting up and scaling a fast growth tech business. It’s a really exciting time and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved so far.”

Tom Preene of Angels Invest Wales said: “It’s often the simple ideas that become the very best businesses. Anna’s determination and entrepreneurial mindset means that she is definitely one to watch so we’re delighted to be supporting Huw and the syndicate of business angels with this investment.”

Angels Invest Wales

Wales' biggest angel network, Angels Invest Wales, connects experienced investors with Welsh businesses seeking private investment

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