Liverpool-based Ambitious Minds aims increase the number and availability of its services for the standardisation of spreadsheet modelling and also financial training courses.

Founded in 2009 by chief executive Sean McGuire and director Andrew Berkley, the company is pursuing growth in the education sector and has created an interactive game for secondary schools. The game, which assists students in learning financial skills, has been delivered to a number of schools in the UK and the Republic of Ireland after being piloted in Liverpool.

McGuire comments, ‘This significant investment allows us to increase our infrastructure and build on the very solid foundations that we have put in place in the last two years.’

The North West Fund for Venture Capital, which is managed by EV Capital, is a sub-fund of the £185 million The North West Fund that is financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Investment Bank (EIB).

Will Clark, EV investment director for The North West Fund for Venture Capital, adds, ‘The education sector has traditionally been difficult to crack, although we’re confident that with such a high energy and quality marketer such as Sean at its helm, Ambitious Minds will be incredibly successful in both the corporate and education markets.’

The evergreen North West Fund is the umbrella name for six funds that can be accessed by small and medium sized enterprises based in, or relocating to, the region. Amounts from £50,000 to £2 million provided through debt, equity and quasi-equity investment will be available for businesses to start, develop and grow.