Sweet success as CANDDi secures £100K from Northstar Ventures

A Teesside start-up company has secured a £100,000 investment to create software that could revolutionise the way businesses deal with potential customers online thanks to Northstar Ventures’ Finance for Business North East Proof of Concept Fund.

CANDDi, (Campaign and Digital Intelligence) based in Middlesbrough, will use the funding to expand the team developing its advanced web analytics and marketing automation platform.

The company’s chief executive and co-founder, Tim Langley, explained: “Believe it or not websites are terrible at converting visitors into customers. It’s very hard to know who has been to your website, and why they didn’t buy something or make an enquiry. We help companies to better understand their prospects and respond appropriately with tailored offers and messages, or a more individual approach.”

The web-based product is being developed for car dealers and manufacturers initially, but will expand into other sectors including ecommerce, as the company grows.

“The beauty of this exciting new software is the way it helps brands develop a better understanding of prospect behaviour,” added Dr Richard Exley, Head of the Proof of Concept Fund at Northstar.

“CANDDi really impressed us with their new approach to web analytics and sales-lead generation – and the fact that they can convert window shoppers into customers.”

The Finance for Business North East Proof of Concept Fund is backed by the European Investment Bank (EIB), European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and regional development agency One North East (ONE).

Originally set up by Manchester-based Langley and co-founder Tom Cheesewright, CANDDi moved to Middlesbrough to join the Difference Engine accelerator programme which helps young companies to find backers.