Maven Capital Partners has successfully exited Manchester-based fintech AccessPay following its acquisition by US investment firm Accel-KKR, delivering a 2.5x return for investors in the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund I.
The transaction marks a significant milestone for both AccessPay and the wider Northern fintech ecosystem, underscoring the growing strength of technology businesses outside London and the role of regional investment funds in scaling high-growth companies.
Maven first backed AccessPay in 2018 through the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF), investing £1 million to support the company’s expansion. The funding enabled the business to scale operations, invest in talent and accelerate revenue growth at a critical stage in its development.
Since then, AccessPay has grown into a leading provider of bank integration software, connecting corporate finance systems directly to banking networks and enabling automated, structured payment and reconciliation processes.
The platform is now used by more than 1,000 organisations globally, reflecting strong demand for solutions that streamline financial operations and improve data accuracy.
The acquisition by Accel-KKR is expected to support AccessPay’s next phase of growth, including the development of new products and an accelerated acquisition strategy.
The US-based investor specialises in technology businesses and is likely to bring both capital and operational expertise to help expand AccessPay’s presence in international markets and strengthen its enterprise offering.
Anish Kapoor, (pictured) chief executive of AccessPay, said Maven’s early backing had been instrumental in the company’s growth.
“Maven supported us at a key point when we were scaling our market presence, and that foundation has helped us reach over 1,000 customers globally,” he said.
AccessPay’s growth highlights the increasing importance of regional fintech hubs, particularly in Greater Manchester, which contributes more than £1 billion annually to the UK economy.
The company has established itself as one of the fastest-growing fintech businesses outside London, gaining recognition for its innovation in bank connectivity and enterprise payments infrastructure.
Jeremy Thompson, partner at Maven, said the exit reflects the strength of the business built during the investment period.
“This transaction is a testament to the company’s leadership and the solid financial foundation established over the years,” he said.
The deal also illustrates the impact of public-private investment partnerships in supporting early-stage companies.
The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, backed by the British Business Bank, has played a key role in providing growth capital to businesses across the North of England.
Debbie Sorby of the British Business Bank said the exit demonstrates the value of equity finance in helping companies scale and succeed.
“This is a testament to AccessPay’s success and highlights the strength of the Northern fintech ecosystem,” she said, noting that further support will continue through the next phase of the fund.
For AccessPay, the acquisition represents a transition from scale-up to global expansion, with increased resources to compete in a rapidly evolving financial technology market.
For Maven and its investors, the 2.5x return reinforces the case for backing high-potential regional businesses early and supporting them through to exit.
As demand for digital financial infrastructure continues to grow, deals such as this are likely to become more common, reflecting both the maturity of the UK fintech sector and the increasing global appetite for scalable technology platforms.
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Maven exits AccessPay in private equity deal delivering 2.5x return