Edinburgh-based user experience consultancy, User Vision, has secured a six-figure equity investment from the British Business Bank’s Investment Fund for Scotland (IFS) through appointed Fund Manager, Maven Capital Partners.
User Vision was one of the first dedicated UK consultancies focused on user experience and accessibility across both digital and physical products and services. The agency applies extensive research methods such as surveys, interviews, focus groups and behavioural studies to give organisations a clear understanding of customer needs, pain points and motivations. This insight enables clients to develop and deliver user-centric strategies that improve engagement, accessibility, and satisfaction. In addition, User Vision provides service design expertise, audits, and training.
Over the past 25 years, the business has worked with more than 350 clients in over 50 countries, with longstanding relationships including Emirates, NHS, People’s Postcode Lottery and Vodafone.
Fuelled by expanding digital adoption across sectors and a stronger emphasis on customer-centric design, the UK UX market was valued at approximately $315 million in 2024 and is projected to grow 16.3% by 2031. This growth represents a significant opportunity for User Vision to expand its services and support more organisations in delivering accessible, research-led design.
The funding from IFS Maven Equity Finance will support the company’s next phase of growth, including the appointment of Martin Dempsey, an experienced commercial leader with a background spanning financial services, technology and professional services, as CEO and Adrian Astley Jones, a seasoned private equity executive and board advisor, as Chair, to strengthen User Vision’s leadership and drive a more targeted sales strategy. Investment will also support business development and marketing activity and expansion into more verticals within the wider digital transformation market. This marks the next stage in User Vision’s journey, focused on delivering ‘Insight that transforms experiences’ for clients across the UK and internationally.
“This investment is a powerful endorsement of everything User Vision stands for—our people, our expertise, and our reputation for pioneering research and user-centre design of services and products that makes a genuine difference. From day one we have believed in research-led, evidence-driven inclusive design, and this new partnership with Maven will help us amplify our impact, enabling more organisations to deliver experiences that are not only exceptional, but accessible to all.”
Chris Rourke, Founder and Executive Director of User Vision
“User Vision is a highly respected consultancy with deep expertise in user research and accessibility. As organisations increasingly recognise the importance of customer-centric design, the business is well placed to take advantage of growing demand for UX and accessibility services. We are delighted to be supporting the team as they scale, with the appointment of Martin Dempsey and Adrian Astley Jones bringing further strength to the leadership team.”
Rob Stevenson, Investment Manager at Maven
“Scotland’s technology ecosystem continues to add significant value to the economy, supporting jobs and competing on a global stage. The £150m Investment Fund for Scotland is helping to support smaller businesses in this fastest-growing sector. User Vision is well positioned for growth, and we are pleased to see it access the finance needed to support the business throughout its next stage.”
Sarah Newbould, Senior Investment Manager, Nations and Regions Investment Funds, at the British Business Bank
This marks the latest investment made by IFS Maven Equity Finance, showcasing Maven’s strong track record of identifying and nurturing high potential businesses, as well as the opportunity in Scotland to drive innovation and growth. The Fund has also backed advanced laser systems pioneer, PowerPhotonic, microbiology service provider, NCIMB, gene control University spin-out, Concinnity Genetics, B-Corp accredited water treatment business, Scotmas Group, and premium Indian ready meals business, Praveen Kumar.
IFS Maven Equity Finance can provide investment of up to £5 million to support ambitious earlier and later stage businesses across Scotland. If your business, or the business you advise, is looking for an equity investment as a solution to fund future growth, get in touch here.