Maven Capital Partners has successfully exited Manchester-based fintech AccessPay following its acquisition by US investment firm Accel-KKR, delivering a 2.5x return to investors in Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund I.
The transaction represents a significant milestone for both AccessPay and the North’s wider fintech ecosystem, highlighting the growing strength of technology companies outside London and the role of regional investment funds in scaling high-growth businesses.
Maven first backed AccessPay in 2018 through the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF), investing £1 million to support the company’s expansion. The financing enabled the company to scale operations, invest in talent and accelerate revenue growth at a crucial stage in its development.
Since then, AccessPay has grown into a leading bank integration software provider, connecting corporate financial systems directly to banking networks and enabling automated, structured payment and reconciliation processes.
The platform is now used by more than 1,000 organizations worldwide, 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 new product development and an accelerated acquisition strategy.
The US-based investor specializes in technology companies and is expected to bring both capital and operational expertise to expand AccessPay’s presence in international markets and strengthen its enterprise offering.
Anish Kapoor, (pictured) CEO of AccessPay, said Maven’s early support was instrumental in the company’s growth.
“Maven supported us at a crucial point as we scaled our market presence, and this foundation has helped us reach over 1,000 customers worldwide,” 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 companies outside of London, gaining recognition for its innovations in banking connectivity and business payments infrastructure.
Jeremy Thompson, partner at Maven, said the exit reflected the strength of the business built over the investment period.
“This transaction is a testament to the company’s leadership and solid financial foundation built over the years,” he said.
The deal also highlights the impact of public-private investment partnerships in supporting early-stage companies.
The British Business Bank-backed Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund has played a key role in providing growth capital to businesses in the north of England.
Debbie Sorby of the British Business Bank said the exit showed the value of equity financing to help businesses 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 in the next phase of the fund.
For AccessPay, the acquisition represents a transition from scale-up to global expansion, with more resources to compete in a rapidly evolving financial technology market.
For Maven and its investors, the 2.5x return strengthens the case for supporting regional companies with high potential at an early stage and accompanying them through their exit.
As demand for digital financial infrastructure continues to grow, such deals are likely to become more common, reflecting both the maturity of the UK fintech sector and the increasing global need for scalable technology platforms.
