This article does not constitute financial advice and is designed for information purposes only.
We’re already halfway through April and this week’s crowdfunding roundup is a varied one. EV innovation, autonomous machines and an audiobook platform all feature in a cohort that’s hard to pin down to a single theme – which is perhaps the point.
The startup opportunity is everywhere right now and the founders raising this week are coming at it from different angles. So, who are the startups crowdfunding this week? Here they are.
1. ClearWatt
How much are they raising: £200,027
Website: www.clearwatt.co.uk
SEIS/EIS? Yes, EIS
About: ClearWatt is bringing transparency to the used EV market by giving buyers and sellers reliable, data-driven insights into the health of an electric vehicle’s battery.
The used EV market is growing fast, but battery condition remains the single biggest source of uncertainty for anyone considering a purchase. The battery is both the most valuable and most opaque component in an electric vehicle and without proper testing, buyers are largely taking a leap of faith. ClearWatt is working to remove that uncertainty for consumer confidence.
Where to invest: Europe Republic
2. Minima
How much are they raising: £350,000
Website: www.minima.global
SEIS/EIS? N/A
About: Minima is building the trust layer for autonomous machines, enabling devices to securely communicate, verify and transact without human intervention.
Designed for a world increasingly powered by IoT and machine-to-machine interactions, Minima provides the infrastructure needed to ensure data integrity, security and decentralised trust at scale. By creating a resilient foundation for autonomous systems, the company is unlocking a future where machines can operate independently and safely across industries.
Where to invest: Europe Republic
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- Startup of the Week: Ignite Improvement
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3. Whitby Distillery
How much are they raising: £200,007
Website: www.whitbydistillery.com
SEIS/EIS? Yes, EIS
About: Whitby Distillery is crafting history on North Yorkshire’s rugged coastline, producing distinctive spirits inspired by the character and heritage of its seaside surroundings.
Blending traditional distilling techniques with bold, contemporary flavours, the distillery is making waves with a range that reflects both place and creativity. Rooted in local identity and driven by craftsmanship, Whitby Distillery is carving out a unique place in the UK’s craft spirits scene.
Where to invest: Europe Republic
4. Spiracle
How much are they raising: N/A
Website: www.spiracleaudiobooks.com
SEIS/EIS? Yes, EIS
About: Spiracle is an independent audiobook and podcast platform offering community-driven curation as a thoughtful alternative to Big Tech.
Designed to prioritise discovery, quality and human recommendations, the platform connects listeners with meaningful audio content beyond algorithm-led feeds. Alongside its digital offering, Spiracle has created its “Audiobook in a Card” – a beautifully designed physical format that gives access to a full audiobook.
Where to invest: Crowdcube
5. Renegade Urban Winery
How much are they raising: N/A
Website: www.renegadelondonwine.com
SEIS/EIS? Yes, EIS
About: Renegade Urban Winery is reimagining winemaking for a new generation – think craft brewery, but for wine.
Based in East London, the company produces premium wines using grapes sourced from vineyards across the United Kingdom, bringing production closer to the city and its consumers. Already poured in leading restaurants and sold direct to customers, Renegade is building a bold, modern British wine brand.
Where to invest: Crowdcube
6. Tarquin’s Gin
How much are they raising: N/A
Website: www.tarquinsgin.com
SEIS/EIS? N/A
About: Tarquin’s Gin has established itslef as the UK’s No. 1 super-premium gin, generating over £45 million in sales in the past five years.
Known for its craft credentials and distinctive flavour profiles, the brand has built a strong domestic following and is now setting its sights on international expansion. The company is focused on replicating its UK success in the United States, one of the world’s most competitive spirits markets, positioning itself as a standout premium British export.
Where to invest: Crowdcube
