A Bristol business developing a new approach to wiring and electronics has received £2m in funding to continue to revolutionise the manufacturing industry.
Automated wire harness manufacturer Q5D Technologies is already a pioneer in wire laying processes in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics. 
The investment, which includes £500,000 from private equity firm Maven Capital Partners, will enhance Portishead-based Q5D’s capacity to scale its innovative five-axis platform, which automates the complex process of adding wiring and electronics to 3D surfaces.
The technology offers a faster, more efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional manual processes.
Q5D’s platform has already gained interest from major industry players, including several of the world’s largest wiring harness companies and some of the largest and most innovative car makers.
The firm said this demonstrated its “impressive business model and the growth potential of its patented technology”.
The funding will also support the delivery of initial HaaS (hardware as a service) contracts and expand Q5D’s Technology Assessment Centre in Portishead, which has become a hub for testing and refining the company’s products alongside clients.
The investment from Maven Capital Partners, which has an office in Bristol, has been made through the British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund (SWIF).
Maven said the funding meant Q5D was now well-positioned to continue its momentum, bringing advanced automation capabilities to markets seeking to reduce costs, improve product quality and support the transition to smarter, more sustainable manufacturing.
Maven partner Melanie Goward, who is based in the firm’s Bristol office, added: “We’re excited to support Q5D as they scale up their operations, bringing their cutting-edge technology to market.
“The South West Investment Fund helps support and foster innovation across the South West and we look forward to seeing Q5D deliver its pioneering solutions to manufacturing sectors in the region and beyond.”
Q5D CEO Stephen Bennington said as Q5D was already attracting large number customers, so gaining investment to grow its support and business development teams was critical.
SWIF aims to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the South West.
The fund is increasing the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for smaller businesses in the region, providing funds to those that might otherwise not receive investment while helping break down barriers in access to finance.
SWIF and Maven Equity Finance together can provide investment of up to £5m to support ambitious earlier and later stage businesses across the South West.
The fund has also backed Kelpi, the Bristol biotech company developing innovative bioplastic food packaging from seaweed, global wireless solutions provider Blu Wireless, also based in Bristol, and Cheltenham-based healthcare buy-and-build operator Covestus.
