Maven exits AccessPay to Accel-KKR delivers 2.5x return

Maven Capital Partners has successfully exited Manchester fintech AccessPay following its acquisition by US investment firm Accel-KKR, delivering a 2.5x return for investors in Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund I.

The deal marks a significant milestone for both AccessPay and the wider Northern fintech ecosystem, underscoring the growing potential of technology businesses outside of London and the role of regional investment funds in nurturing 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. Funding enables a business to scale up operations, invest in talent and accelerate revenue growth at a critical level in its development.

Since then, AccessPay has grown into a leading provider of banking integration software, connecting corporate financial systems directly to banking networks and enabling automated, streamlined payment processes and reconciliations.

The platform is now used by more than 1,000 organizations around the world, demonstrating the strong demand for solutions that simplify financial operations and improve data accuracy.

The Accel-KKR acquisition is expected to support AccessPay’s next phase of growth, including new product development and an accelerated acquisition strategy.

The US-based investor has a strong focus on technology businesses and is likely to bring both capital and operational expertise to help expand AccessPay’s presence in international markets and strengthen its business offering.

Anish Kapoor (pictured), CEO of AccessPay, said Maven’s early support has contributed to the company’s growth.

“Maven supported us as we grew our market presence, and that foundation helped us reach over 1,000 customers worldwide,” he said.

AccessPay’s growth highlights the growing importance of regional fintech hubs, particularly in Greater Manchester, which contribute more than £1 billion a year to the UK economy.

The company has established itself as one of the fastest growing fintech businesses outside of London, gaining recognition for its innovation in banking connectivity and business payments infrastructure.

Jeremy Thompson, a partner at Maven, said the exit shows the strength of the business built during the investment.

“This transaction is a testament to the leadership of the company and the strong financial base established over the years,” he said.

The agreement also demonstrates the impact of private equity investment partnerships in supporting emerging companies.

The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, backed by the British Business Bank, is playing a key role in providing growth capital to businesses in the North of England.

Debbie Sorby of the British Business Bank said the exits show the importance of equity capital in helping companies grow and succeed.

“This is a testament to the success of AccessPay and highlights the strength of the Northern fintech ecosystem,” he said, noting that further support will continue through the next phase of the fund.

For AccessPay, the acquisition represents a transition from scale to global expansion, with increased resources to compete in the rapidly evolving financial technology market.

For Maven and its investors, the 2.5x return strengthens the case for backing potentially high-potential regional businesses early on and backing them to exit.

As demand for digital financial infrastructure continues to grow, deals like this are likely to become more common, reflecting both the maturity of the UK fintech sector and the growing global appetite for unregulated technology platforms.