CircleUp

CircleUp is a firm that funds consumer brands and pairs the money with data tools. It built a technology platform called Helio, which uses data and machine learning to find, sort and assess early-stage consumer companies.

What CircleUp offers

• Equity investment — funding for consumer brands to speed up their growth.
• Business loans — borrowing facilities that scale as a brand's sales and operations expand.
• Helio platform — analysis covering more than two million early-stage consumer brands.
• Data and insights — support for sourcing, evaluating and diligence in private company investing.

Who it works with

Consumer packaged goods businesses, including food, drink, personal care, beauty, apparel and sports brands. Founders quoted by the firm value its knowledge of the sector and its relationship-based way of working.

Key facts

• Technology: Helio
• Offerings: investment, lending and data access