Maven has invested £500,000 in ReadyGo, a diagnostics business developing innovative solutions for detecting infectious diseases, through the British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund.
Founded in 2016 by CEO Dr Ben Cobb, who has spent his career pioneering diagnostic products such as the GeneDrive system, and Chair Elaine Warburton OBE, a healthcare entrepreneur and former CEO of QuantuMDx, ReadyGo specialises in diagnostic tests and tools for use both at point-of-care and in laboratories.
The company’s product range includes solutions for sample collection, preparation, and testing, designed for both consumer and professional use. Its technology is compatible with diagnostic platforms and laboratory systems and also has applications in agricultural and veterinary diagnostics, as well as forensic testing.
ReadyGo’s flagship product, SnapCollect, is a one-piece disposable device that integrates sample collection and preparation in seconds across various sample types. Users simply bend the device to break an internal valve, releasing the exact amount of fluid needed for diagnostic testing. This process reduces testing costs and provides a more user-friendly, reliable, and robust alternative to traditional swab-based methods.
Investment from SWIF Maven Equity Finance will support ReadyGo’s product development, drive commercial partnerships, and fund R&D at its laboratory facilities at Newark Works, Bath Quays South. The funding will also help the company expand its team to meet the growing demand for its innovative diagnostic solutions.
“ReadyGo has developed innovative and cost-effective technology drawing commercial interest from leading diagnostics and pharmaceutical players. The team has utilised their combined 100+ years’ diagnostics knowledge, skills and know-how to develop and commercialise a suite of simple products enabling lab and decentralised testing solutions to move into the new field of consumer diagnostics. We’re delighted to invest at this time and support Ben and the team as the business embarks on a programme of growth."
Alexandra Lindsay, Investment Director at Maven
“Through Maven, the South West Investment Fund’s investment in ReadyGo comes at a pivotal moment for us. 2025 is set to be a breakthrough year, with major commercial partnerships for SnapCollect following rigorous technical and clinical evaluations. This backing fuels our expansion, driving innovation while championing British technology and growth in Bath and the South West."
Dr Ben Cobb, CEO at ReadyGo
“ReadyGo have developed a range of easy to use products that looks to lower costs and produce reliable lab-grade testing in almost any location. The South West Investment Fund is here to back innovation and help businesses like ReadyGo scale up and bring their groundbreaking technology to market."
Paul Jones, Senior Investment Manager at British Business Bank
The purpose of the South West Investment Fund is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the region. The Fund is increasing the supply and diversity of early stage finance for South West smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and helping to break down barriers in access to finance.
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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