
Gamified cyber-security learning platform venture, SudoCyber, has secured a seven-figure equity investment to support its growth plans. The Brecon-based firm has received a £1m investment from the £130m Investment Fund for Wales, which was launched in November 2023 by the economic development bank of the UK Government, the British Business Bank.
The £50m equity element of the fund is managed by Foresight Group, which has made its fourth investment and its first in Mid Wales.
SudoCyber founders Jason Davies, Marc Del-Valle and John Davies have all served in the armed forces. he investment bolsters its growth plans for their gamified training which is used by the military, police, academia and industry.
Established three years ago, the business began by training military personnel and has expanded to train cyber-crime police officers.
Last year it won a three-year contract to train officers across all UK forces and the UK’s 10 regional organised crime units. The firm also services most universities in Wales, including Cardiff, Wrexham and south Wales.
In its first funding round, SudoCyber said it will enable its 11-strong team to expand and recruit to further develop services, build the sales and marketing team, as well as expand internationally.
As part of Foresight’s investment, the SudoCyber team will be supported by Geraint McGrath, senior investment manager at Foresight, who has been appointed to the board. A military background has been crucial to the team’s success.
Mr Del-Valle, chief executive of SudoCyber, has more than 20 years of experience creating and delivering bespoke tactical and strategic communication instruction as part of his role within the British Army.
He said: “With the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats, it is essential that organisations maintain a knowledge of cutting-edge cybersecurity. We have equipped soldiers with the necessary skills to counter nation-state threats and this previous experience, insight and expertise has contributed to our success.
“From very early conversations with Foresight, we realised that we were aligned in driving the issue of cyber security forward.”
SudoCyber chief executive and co-founder Mr Davies, said: “We’re excited at the prospect this equity investment presents. We have ambitions to further develop the gamified elements of our learning platform, and to expand our client base in the UK and internationally.
“This includes reaching out to more universities where lecturers in cyber security appreciate being able to outsource some modules to benefit from our expertise.”
Bethan Bannister, senior investment manager, nations and regions investment funds at the British Business Bank, said: “The Investment Fund for Wales was established to provide the financial backing that innovative and ambitious companies like SudoCyber so often need, and we are particularly pleased to support their growth plans as they continue to scale.
“The SudoCyber team is expert within this specialist and increasingly vital sector, and they have established an impressive roster of clients.
“We look forward to tracking their success following this significant investment.”
Mr McGrath said: “We are very pleased to support SudoCyber with this significant £1m investment, marking our first investment in mid Wales and underscoring our commitment to supporting the growth of dynamic Welsh businesses.
“With this investment, SudoCyber is poised to enhance its capabilities, expand its team, and broaden its market reach. We look forward to partnering with Jason, Marc, and John on their exciting growth journey.”
Mr McGrath said: “We are very pleased to support SudoCyber with this significant £1m investment, marking our first investment in mid Wales and underscoring our commitment to supporting the growth of dynamic Welsh businesses.
“With this investment, SudoCyber is poised to enhance its capabilities, expand its team, and broaden its market reach. We look forward to partnering with Jason, Marc, and John on their exciting growth journey.”
Advisers
Foresight:
SME financial advice by FosterDenovo Dynamic Portfolios
Legal advice by Blake Morgan
SudoCyber: