Welsh Tech Startup triumphs at Tech Nation Rising Stars Regional Final

Configur, a software development company specialising in addressing data literacy challenges, empowering data driven insights, and simplifying AI adoption, has been named the winner of the Tech Nation Rising Stars Regional Final for Wales and the South West.

The Newport-based startup emerged victorious among 10 finalists from across the region, solidifying its position as a rising star within the UK's thriving tech ecosystem.

The Rising Stars Regional Final, hosted in partnership with Tramshed Tech and TechSPARK at Engine Shed in Bristol on Wednesday, May 1st, 2024, is part of Tech Nation's competition celebrating the innovation and ideas of pre-seed to pre-series A startups across the UK.

Outshining a cohort of tech startups, including AiSentia, Bright Evolve, EthicsAnswer (Techstars '22), Finalrentals, Genletics, Good With, KOKORA, Madevo, and SpatialCortex, Configur's victory was hard-earned. Its unique value proposition, traction, milestones, and dynamic founder team impressed a panel of industry experts, including Alison Ettridge (Founder and CEO, Stratigens), Geraint Hampson-Jones (Head of Office - Senior Investment Manager, RBC Brewin Dolphin), Harry Alexander (Investment Manager, QuantX), Marina Traversari (Senior Director, Sage), and Phil Sampson (Head of Deals Wales, PwC).

Configur have secured a spot at the highly anticipated Grand Final during London Tech Week where it will be judged by a panel of high-profile investors including Dragons Den’s Tej Lavani. "We are thrilled and humbled by this recognition from Tech Nation, there were amazing pitches and it was great to be alongside companies that offer so much innovation and emerging tech," said Marco Oliver, CEO of Configur. "We're on a mission to demystify data, which is why we have developed software that harnesses the power of AI to revolutionise how businesses operate and reach new levels of data driven process. This achievement is a testament to our teams unwavering commitment to developing and delivering a platform for organisations across a large number of sectors and use-cases.”

Configur's success comes off the back of a significant investment round, raising £772,000 at a valuation of £6 million from esteemed investors, including an increased shareholding for Lord Mervyn Davies and continued support from existing investors as well as several new Angel Investors. This financial injection will fuel Configur's growth, allowing the company to expand its team across South Wales as well as establish a base in London.

"We are incredibly proud of Configur. This achievement validates their innovative approach to leveraging data as a strategic asset and celebrates their team's incredible talent and tenacity. We've had the privilege of watching Configur grow and transform from a team of two to a workforce of fifteen, and we know that this is just the beginning,” said Louise Harris, CEO at Tramshed Tech.

As Configur prepares to take the stage at the Grand Final during London Tech Week 2024, Tech Nation’s other Regional Heats continue to take place across the UK.