SWIF Maven Equity Finance backs Q5D as part of a £10 million fundraise

SWIF Maven Equity Finance has participated in a £10 million fundraise to advance Q5D Technologies robotic cells that automate product electrification. The latest funding round includes an £8 million investment co-led by existing investors, Lockheed Martin Ventures, Chrysalix and Maven, with additional participation from SOSV, UKI2S, UntroD and CPI Enterprises and a £2 million investment from Innovate UK.

Q5D is tackling one of the most persistent bottlenecks in modern manufacturing: the manual assembly of wiring harnesses. Still done by hand in industries like automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics, this labour-intensive process is costly, error-prone, and often offshored to low-wage countries 
Q5D’s 5-axis manufacturing robots produce parts on demand and automate embedding wiring directly into the structure of a product, boosting productivity. This process can be co-located with final assembly to simplify supply chains and make them more resilient at a time of turbulence in global trade.

This funding will support commercial pilots, team growth, and the build-out of additional manufacturing capacity as Q5D moves toward full-scale deployment with leading industrial partners. Collaborative projects are currently underway with several of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers and their tier-one suppliers at Q5D’s Technical Assessment Centre in Bristol.

“Following our initial investment Q5D has demonstrated its impressive business model and the growth potential of its patented technology, gaining interest from major industry players, including several of the world’s largest wiring harness companies. We’re delighted to support Stephen and the team with this funding round as the business continues its momentum, accelerating the development of next-generation technologies."

Melanie Goward, Partner at Maven  

“As vehicles become increasingly sophisticated in their electrical and electronics functionality, wiring complexity has reached the limits of what’s possible with conventional harnesses. In addition, the disruption of complex supply chains for vehicle wiring has cost carmakers billions of dollars in lost profits over recent years. Our technology will enable them to take back control of product electrification and it’s encouraging to see so many experienced investors recognising the tremendous positive impact it will have on that industry and others. With no direct competitors and significant technical barriers to entry our potential market is vast.”

 Stephen Bennington, CEO of Q5D Technologies

Last year Maven backed Q5D to enhance its capacity to scale its innovative 5-axis platform, and the business now works with some of the largest and most innovative car makers at its Technology Assessment Centre in Portishead, a hub for testing and refining the company’s solutions alongside clients.

“We are delighted to be providing further support to Q5D Technologies through the South West Investment Fund. Their innovative approach to automating wiring assembly looks to address a critical challenge in modern manufacturing and this investment highlights our commitment to backing ambitious, cutting-edge businesses in the region. By enabling Q5D to scale and bring their technology to market, we are helping to create high-value jobs and strengthen the South West’s advanced manufacturing sector.”

Lizzy Upton, Senior Investment Manager at British Business Bank

SWIF Maven Equity Finance can provide investment of up to £5 million to support ambitious earlier and later stage businesses across the South West of England. To date, the Fund has backed sustainable packaging innovator, Kelpi, global wireless solutions provider, Blu Wireless, healthcare buy and build operator, Covestus, Microsoft adoption specialist, Changing Social, leading robotic additive manufacturer, Q5D, award winning dairy producer, Tom Parker Creamery and bar and restaurant group, Deckhouse.

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