This UK Cybersecurity Startup Just Raised $3.5M to Protect SMEs

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-20

A Leeds-based digital security company is making waves in the cybersecurity world with a fresh injection of cash. Xentra, a startup that helps small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) stay safe online, has secured a $3.5 million investment to fuel its next growth phase. This funding round was led by Maven VCTs and NPIF II – Maven Equity Finance. The money will help Xentra strengthen its leadership team, speed up customer acquisition, and boost revenue from its existing clients. ### What Xentra Actually Does Founded in 2021 by Marc Fairclough as Fairtech Solutions, the company rebranded to Xentra after an acquisition and strategic restructuring. It offers managed cybersecurity and digital protection services through a subscription model. Think of it as a one-stop shop for SMEs that don't have the resources to build their own security teams. Xentra's core offering combines technology, managed services, and expert know-how through its STAX bundles and customer portal. These packages simplify how businesses buy and manage cybersecurity tools, compliance requirements, and safeguarding measures. The goal? Help companies strengthen their digital defenses without the headache of piecing together multiple solutions. ### Why This Matters Right Now Cyber threats are getting more sophisticated by the day. Small businesses are especially vulnerable because they often lack the budget or expertise to protect themselves. That's where Xentra comes in. By offering around-the-clock protection and expert guidance, they level the playing field. Henry Doyle, CEO of Xentra, put it this way: "This investment gives us the resources to accelerate our growth plans and strengthen every part of the business. We have built Xentra by focusing on what matters most; expert advice, responsive support and solutions that genuinely help our customers manage increasingly complex cyber security, compliance and safeguarding requirements." ### The Numbers Behind the Growth Lewis Jones, Investment Manager at Maven, highlighted some impressive metrics. Xentra has quadrupled its annual recurring revenue (ARR) in just the last two years. And they're serving over 90 customers already. That kind of growth doesn't happen by accident. Jones added: "Xentra operates in an attractive and growing market with demand for outsourced, subscription-based cyber security driven by increasing cyber risk, regulatory standards and insurance requirements. Henry and the senior team have decades of experience in dealing with cyber vendors to allow them to find the right solutions for customers." ### What's Next for Xentra The company has clear plans for this fresh capital. They'll invest in: - Sales and marketing to attract new customers - Further development of their proprietary customer portal - Expansion of the STAX product suite These moves should strengthen their modular, subscription-based offering. That means more opportunities to bring in new clients, keep existing ones happy, and drive recurring revenue growth. ### The Bigger Picture This funding round is part of a larger trend. More and more businesses are outsourcing their cybersecurity needs. Regulatory requirements are getting stricter. Insurance companies are demanding better security practices. And the cost of a data breach keeps climbing. For SMEs, the choice is clear: invest in protection or risk everything. Xentra's model makes that investment more accessible. And with this new funding, they're positioned to help even more companies navigate the complex world of digital security. It's a smart bet on a growing market. And for the thousands of small businesses out there struggling to keep up with cyber threats, it couldn't come at a better time.