Liverpool-based tech startup Marko Marketing has secured a 拢35,000 loan to bring its marketing platform to market.
The loan comes from NPIF II – River Capital & GC 老九品茶 Finance Smaller Loans, which is managed by River Capital & GC 老九品茶 Finance as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II.
Founded by tech entrepreneur Ben Abernethy in October 2024, Marko Marketing is said to have developed an affordable, Al-powered marketing platform designed specifically for small businesses that struggle to access effective marketing tools due to budget and resource constraints.
The funding will support the firm鈥檚 launch phase, including product development, marketing activities, and the engagement of IT contractors to assist with ongoing software improvements.
The subscription-based service costs 拢30 per month in a bid to make effective marketing technology accessible to smaller enterprises.
鈥淲e’re delighted to support Ben with this investment. Marko addresses a clear gap in the market for affordable marketing tools designed specifically for small businesses,鈥� said Sue Chambers, investment manager at River Capital.
鈥淏en’s extensive experience in both IT and marketing has enabled him to create a solution that truly meets the needs of smaller businesses.鈥�
Abernethy added: 鈥淭his investment from River Capital is crucial in helping us bring our innovative marketing platform to market.聽
鈥淲e’ve designed Marko to remove the complexity and high costs associated with effective marketing, making these tools accessible to businesses of all sizes.聽
鈥淭he early feedback from our test users has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re excited to start welcoming our first paying customers.鈥�