Nutshell Software, a Newcastle-based technology company, has developed software that enables businesses to create their own mobile apps, without the need for coding. The software, which creates a fully functional mobile app in minutes, is already being used by private and public sector organisations such as Northumbria Police, Siemens, Network Rail and the NHS.

The funding will be used to further develop Nutshell’s products and expand their team, with the company currently employing 12 staff and looking to create around 40 jobs in the next three years.

The £1.2m investment was secured from two funds managed by Mercia, who were supported by Square One Law – the Northern Venture Capital Trust (VCT) Funds and the North East Venture Fund (NEVF), which is supported by the European Regional Development Fund.

Martyn Cuthbert, a former civil engineer and serial entrepreneur, launched Nutshell in 2017. He said “With 3.5 billion smartphones worldwide, mobile apps are an effective way for public and private sector businesses to roll out their services to a wide audience. Nutshell makes mobile app development easy and will help businesses large and small to drive innovation and growth.”

Aaron Lawson-Clark and Jan Oosthuizen from the Mercia team led the deal. Aaron said: “Nutshell stood out with both a market-leading product and a management team with experience in building a successful software company. Mercia is pleased to be backing another fantastic business in the North East of England.”

Aaron added: “We are delighted to have again worked with Mark, Luke and the team at Square One Law on this investment. As always they provided practical advice and guidance and were easy to work with.”

Mark Lazenby, head of corporate at Square One Law said, “It was a pleasure to support Aaron, Jan and the Mercia team on another transaction and we look forward to watching Nutshell grow and develop in the future.”