Bristol-based data and AI consultancy DATA3 has secured a £200,000 loan from British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund to help accelerate its growth ambitions and increase its headcount.

The investment, via appointed fund manager FW Capital, is helping DATA3 to invest in both the local, and global, growth of the business.

Founded in 2017 by female tech entrepreneur Helen Tanner, DATA3 has established itself as a leading data and AI consultancy in Bristol and beyond, with global clients and a global team. The company helps SMEs to power their growth by leveraging data and AI in secure, scalable ways.

DATA3’s team of data engineers, scientists and analysts work as strategic partners to design and build customised data and AI solutions for their clients. With a technology-agnostic approach, and a +92 net promoter score, they have grown the business to deliver 300+ data and AI projects to date, with bigger plans for the future.

Tanner said: “DATA3 began as a one-woman start-up and today is an established global award-winning data and AI business with a multi-million pound turnover. This is an exciting phase of our journey and we’re using this finance to scale up the business and create new jobs for local people passionate about data-driven and AI-powered products. Growing a business and being competitive is extremely difficult without the right support. It’s important to work with a finance partner who understands your vision and we’ve found just that with Jordan at FW Capital. He has helped us to access the South West Investment Fund which is supporting our plans to accelerate and strengthen our team.”

Jordan Berg, investment executive at FW Capital led the deal and explained: “DATA3 is a strong, well established female-led business operating in a rapidly growing sector. Data analytics and AI are becoming increasingly more important for all businesses. DATA3 are well positioned to maximise new opportunities and continue their growth journey. The support from the South West Investment Fund will enable targeted investment in both growth and people, fostering innovation and creating high-value, skilled employment opportunities within the region.”

Lizzy Upton, senior investment manager at the British Business Bank, said: “AI is reshaping every sector, and businesses like DATA3 are at the forefront of that transformation. The South West Investment Fund is here to ensure that innovative and ambitious companies in our region have the capital they need to grow and compete on a global stage.”