Wirral medical tech firm Jones AV secures six-figure cash injection from the £18m North West Business Growth Loan Fund and Flexible Growth Fund via River Capital. Tony McDonough reports

A Birkenhead venture that provides technology for hospital operating theatres has secured a six-figure cash injection.

Liverpool-based SME funder River Capital has provided the funding for Jones AV from the North West Business Growth Loan Fund. The cash will support the firm’s next stage of growth which will see the creation of six jobs.

Additional enabling support came from The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Flexible Growth Fund. River Capital manages both funds.

Founded in 2008 by director Ingo Aicher, Jones AV, has established itself as a pioneer in medical audio-visual integration, having completed more than 600 operating theatre integrations across 13 countries. 

The company’s innovative approach recently earned it the Best Healthcare Integration award at the 2024 Innovation Awards in Barcelona for their ‘Integrated Operating Theatre of Things’ system.

This funding package includes investment for working capital to manage cashflows and cash dedicated to enhancing the company’s proprietary operating theatre control software.

This software development initiative is expected to significantly boost Jones AV’s competitive edge and profitability in the medical technology market.

Ingo Aicher said: “This support from River Capital comes at a crucial juncture for Jones AV. It will enable us to capitalise on our robust order book, accelerate our software development, and continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. 

“We’re excited about the potential this creates not just for our company, but for advancing patient care through technology.”

READ MORE: River Capital exits software firm with 3x return

READ MORE: New Merseyside hub opens for ‘social businesses’

Jim Moore, investment manager at River Capital, added: “Jones AV exemplifies the kind of innovative, high-growth potential company we aim to support.

“Their track record of delivering cutting-edge solutions in healthcare technology aligns perfectly with our investment strategy.

“We’re confident this funding will enhance their expansion and contribute to the region’s growing reputation as a hub for medical innovation.”