Simplestream, an SaaS company that provides multi-platform live-streaming and video-on-demand services to broadcast and media companies including Sony, AMC, A+E Networks, UKTV and Alchimie has secured a £1m loan from the alternative lender BOOST&Co to build on a strong period of growth.

With Covid-19 prompting a 30% rise in the consumption of digital media, the London-based firm has grown swiftly over the past 12 months, completing projects including the launch of a movie SVOD service for Sony in Africa, the creation of a multi-platform children’s service for Freeview Play and the design of a successful global MMA service for BKFC.

The funding will be used to roll out new features for its customers, such as content syndication to third-party platforms, and to hire 15 new employees, including six staff in its development department and four across its commercial and marketing teams.

Simplestream enables digital broadcasters across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and the US to distribute content directly to consumers across different platforms. It is one of the few companies to offer an end-to-end solution, from content acquisition to managing complex video workflows, and its service is compatible with all mainstream video platforms, including iOS and Android.

BOOST&Co is a leading provider of growth capital for innovative, fast-growing UK SMEs. The independent asset manager offers loans ranging from £2m to £10m, covering a wide range of sectors, with a strong track record in technology, media and telecommunications (TMT). It has funded more than £500m across more than 130 deals to date, and provided close to £200m under the government’s CBILS initiative to support SMEs during Covid-19.

Adam Smith, chief executive at Simplestream, says: “We are delighted with the confidence placed in us by BOOST&Co that has allowed us to refinance our existing venture debt. This will enable us to accelerate an exciting growth phase that will see us expand our customer base internationally for our cutting-edge, multi-platform end-to-end solution.”