75Media, a UK-based outdoor advertising (OOH) company, has secured a seven-figure investment from NPIF II – Mercia Equity Finance, managed by Mercia Ventures. The funding aims to accelerate the development of its proprietary AI platform, BOB (Billboard Optioning & Booking system), and support its international expansion in markets such as the US, Scandinavia, and the Middle East.
The capital injection will bolster 75Media’s position as a tech-driven leader in the OOH sector. BOB, designed to streamline campaign planning for brands of all sizes, enables data-driven roadside advertising bookings. The platform aligns with 75Media’s goal to democratize access to outdoor advertising while enhancing operational efficiency.
Since its launch in 2020 with two employees and 140 billboard sites, 75Media has grown to become the UK’s second-largest operator of large-format roadside billboards and sixth overall in the OOH market. Strategic acquisitions, including London-based iQ OOH in January 2024, have expanded its portfolio to over 1,200 classic and digital sites nationwide.
Paul Inman, CEO & Founder of 75Media, emphasized the strategic importance of the investment: “Mercia’s support isn’t just about capital. It’s a vote of confidence in our vision to build a tech-enabled outdoor advertising business that prioritizes both innovation and human impact. This partnership allows us to pioneer technologies that set new standards in OOH.”
Chris Borrett, Investment Director at Mercia Ventures, highlighted 75Media’s growth trajectory: “The company combines asset efficiency with digital sales channels. Paul and his team have the creativity and drive to disrupt this sector, and we’re excited to support their ambitions.”
Lizzy Upton, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank, noted regional economic implications: “75Media’s rapid growth underscores Leeds’ emergence as a tech talent hub. Their success aligns with NPIF II’s goal to attract investment to Northern England.”
Leadership Restructure
75Media announced key leadership changes: Paul Inman transitions from Managing Director to CEO & Founder, Joel Turner becomes Managing Director after joining as Commercial Director in 2023, and Joe Lawson moves from Sales Director to Commercial Director.
Advisory and Legal Support
Corporate advisory firm Cerelo Advisory (Jonny Sharp and Mick Morris) facilitated the fundraising. Legal counsel was provided by Freeths (Andy Francey and Farrell Tang) for 75Media and Brabners (Daniel Hayhurst) for Mercia Ventures.
About NPIF II and Mercia Ventures
The £660m Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), managed by the British Business Bank, provides loans and equity investments up to £5m to SMEs across Northern England. Mercia Ventures, part of Mercia Asset Management PLC, specializes in growth investments across sectors like software and deep tech, with £1.5bn in assets under management as of September 2023.
