Issue #310: LDC backs Shoptimised

Today we talk a North Tyneside raise, a Newcastle healthtech startup and a region-wide crusade to uncover hidden NE tech talent and potential.

Oct 17, 2025

Morning all, Happy Friday! Lots to get through today, so let’s dive straight in.

First up today is a raise for North Tyneside-based Shoptimised, a MarTech firm which has pretty much been a household name in NE tech since it emerged in 2018. Providing price comparison software, the business helps eCommerce brands sell more online by using automation, data optimisation, and AI to improve how their products are listed and advertised across digital channels.

Shoptimised, which now has clients around the world, this week revealed its landed “significant” funds from LDC, the investment arm of Lloyds Banking Group, to help support its growth strategy. Hopefully the team can add to their 40-strong headcount and continue to grow in the region.

Another good story to flag comes by way of an entrepreneurial student in Newcastle, who is preparing to face Dragons’ Den star Peter Jones having made the final of a coveted national awards programme. Yes, Daniel Indi Te’s digital health platform, TeMedix Health, helps people find appropriate musculoskeletal care from trusted physiotherapy clinics.

As a musculoskeletally challenged man myself - albeit I hop in between regional tech events nee botha, ey reader - I know it can be daunting navigating and accessing the right physical health support post-injury. So, this is cool to see and a good ambition to champion. Go Daniel!

Finally warm congratulations to Mark Ryan who many readers will fondly remember from days gone by at Campus North. Mark was on the first Ignite programme (Blooie) and remains highly active in the tech startup world. His current AI business Trig this month raised $6M in a seed funding round, led by 20VC, with participation from Frontline Ventures and angel investors.

Trig AI is headquartered in London; Mark is one of many North East-based innovators whose company is located outside of our hills. Regular readers of the Digest will know I’ve long been trying to uncover and connect with folks living in the region who are working in tech globally (though we perhaps don’t realise because they’re not telling you how purely belter they are on LinkedIn every five minutes).

Quite honestly, I’m especially passionate to get more good people leaning into NE Tech who may not feel part of the ecosystem or even the place we have here. So, if your aunt or neighbour or brother’s mate lives in Morpeth, Darlington or Gateshead but works for Microsoft, Scaleup X or OutOfRegion BigShot Y… tell me! Please. I promise I’ll even buy them (and you!) the coffee when I pitch Good Ship North East.

Our tech scene thrives on people coming together. But we need organisation. We need consistency. We need people with knowledge, experience and networks plugging in. What are you talking about, Jamie? Guys I’m talking… Exposure. Visibility. Momentum.

We have so much hidden talent, expertise and potential scattered across 8,500 km² of beautiful, North Eastern land. I’ll do my very best to connect, corral and coalesce. You’ll not see me shouting about the connections publicly, like I do for say a growth story or case study here in the region, but there’s so much value in this domain and we need more of it. Sincere thanks to those who regular help with this; you know who you are.

Alas, no Digest next Friday folks as I’m heading up to the Highlands for a wee break. Remember I do office hours at The Catalyst, Newcastle, every Friday morning 9 til 12. However I’m out and about across all corners of the region most weeks. If I can help, or you think I know someone who can help, don’t hesitate to drop me a line.

Have a great weekend, Jamie