Tyneside digital accessibility tech firm Recite Me has secured a £4.6m from investor BGF - the second cash injection in the last few years.
The Gateshead-based software creator, which helps dyslexic and visually impaired use the internet, said the injection markets significant step in its growth plan. It follows a £4.2m boost from BGF in March 2023.
Recite Me was launched in 2009 by entrepreneur Ross Linnett, who was diagnosed with dyslexia, and found the majority of websites were inaccessible for people like him. It prompted him to develop a plugin tool that allows users to tailor their browsing experience. Having started with just four employees, the Recite Me team has now grown to around 100 staff, with its technology being used by more than seven million people around the world.
The software is designed to tackle online obstacles for those with disabilities, visual impairments, learning difficulties, older people and those who speak English as a second language. The firm also offers free accessibility training covering web accessibility standards, assistive technologies, and designing inclusive digital experiences.
Ross Linnett, Recite Me CEO said: "This marks a significant step forward in our growth ambitions and is another positive milestone on our investment journey with BGF. In the last 12 months, our pioneering technology has supported more than seven million users across Europe, the United States and Australia. Our ambition is to extend that reach – not only to accelerate our own growth, but to help millions more people to access online content around the world."
The follow-on funding signals the start of an exciting growth phase for Recite Me, as it looks to expand its accessibility offering. The additional equity funding takes BGF’s total investment in Recite Me to £8.8m
John Healey, BGF investor, said: "Since 2012, Ross and the team have built up a strong reputation as leaders in website accessibility software in the Ƶ. However, the market potential is vast with 98% of the world’s websites having accessibility issues. The follow-on funding will enable the team to strengthen their position in this exciting and attractive market, while investing further to develop their industry-leading technology that to date has had a fundamental impact on the lives of millions of people across the world.”
