Maven clients invest £3.4 million in logistics software business Podfather

Press release 08 April 2025

Maven Capital Partners ("Maven"), one of the UK’s leading private equity firms, has completed a £3.4 million investment in Edinburgh-based Epod Solutions Group Limited, which trades as “Podfather”.

Podfather staff photo

The business provides a comprehensive cloud-based logistics software solution designed to streamline fleet operations.

The transaction includes funding from Maven Investor Partners and IFS Maven Equity Finance, from the Investment Fund for Scotland (“IFS”), managed by Maven and delivered by the British Business Bank. The investment will be used to further scale and internationalise the business, as well as support the rollout of its latest enterprise software solution.

Established 25 years ago, Podfather has built up a strong reputation for its commitment to innovation and customer support, positioning the business as a trusted partner to a diverse blue chip client base looking to enhance their logistics operations. Podfather operates across multiple industries, including logistics, construction, food & drink, and healthcare, with its platform offering a fully integrated enterprise solution which includes route planning and optimisation, electronic proof of delivery, vehicle checks, real-time tracking and notifications, and detailed reporting.

The fleet management solutions market is experiencing strong growth, driven by the increased use of remote fleet management technology by operators seeking to improve efficiency, sustainability and safety. This increased adoption means the market is expected to reach $84.3 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 17.4% (Source: Meticulous Research).

David Milroy, Partner at Maven, said:

Podfather is a leading operator within its field, and we are delighted to have provided our clients with the opportunity to invest in this well established and profitable business. With our backing, and the clear ambition of Colin and his team, we are confident Podfather’s growth strategy can be realised and we look forward to helping the business capitalise on the growing market opportunity.

Colin McCreadie, Managing Director at Podfather, added:

Maven’s backing comes at an exciting time for Podfather. We have established ourselves as a leading provider of logistics planning solutions for fleet managers and with our great team, innovative product roadmap, and fantastic customer base, this partnership gives us the opportunity to realise our full potential, accelerating launch plans for new, innovative product applications. Most importantly, this partnership will enable us to deliver even greater value to our clients, helping them operate more efficiently, make smarter decisions and stay ahead in an increasingly complex logistics landscape.

Sarah Newbould, Senior Investment Manager, Nations & Regions Investment Funds, at the British Business Bank, said:

Podfather is a great example of a well-established Scottish business using technology to drive efficiency and enhance operations. The Investment Fund for Scotland is committed to backing high-growth companies that strengthen the local economy, and adds to the many businesses within Scotland’s tech ecosystem already benefitting from the fund. We are pleased to support Podfather as it continues to scale, expand its market reach, and develop new cutting-edge products for the industry.

Due diligence providers on the transaction for Maven were:
Legal – Burness Paull
Financial - Interpath
Commercial – RP Advisory
Insurance – Lockton
Management – Confidas People
 

Notes to editors

About Maven Capital Partners UK LLP

Maven Capital Partners is one of the UK’s leading private equity firms, specialising in investments in high-growth British companies. With a focus on innovation and value creation, Maven partners with visionary entrepreneurs to build market-leading businesses, supporting a range of transaction types, including management buyouts, growth capital, buy and build projects, equity value release and pre-IPO financing.

www.mavencp.com

About the Investment fund for Scotland

  • Operated by the British Business Bank, the Investment Fund for Scotland (IFS) provides a mix of debt and equity funding. IFS will offer a range of commercial finance options with smaller loans from £25k to £100k, debt finance from £100k to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million. It works alongside the in-region small business finance ecosystem, local intermediaries such as accountants, fund managers and banks, to support Scotland’s smaller businesses at all stages of their development.
  • The funds in which the IFS invests are open to businesses with material operations, or planning to open material operations, in: Greater Glasgow, Greater Edinburgh, Aberdeen and North East, Dundee and Tayside, South of Scotland and the Highlands & Islands.
  • Supported by Nations and Regions Investments Limited, a subsidiary of British Business Bank plc, the Bank is a development bank wholly owned by HM Government. Neither Nations and Regions Investments Limited nor British Business Bank plc are authorised or regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) or the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

Find out more on Investment Fund for Scotland