News
i247 secures investment from LDC to drive growth
10 Mar 2026
i247 Group (i247), a leading provider of technology led fleet management services and custom software solutions for the automotive leasing sector, has secured investment from private equity investor, LDC.
Headquartered in Poole, i247 helps vehicle leasing companies to manage their fleets more efficiently and effectively via its proprietary technology platform, Flex 247. Its offering includes 24/7 service, maintenance and repair (‘SMR’) support, tyre management and preventative fleet management services, helping to keep customers’ vehicles on the road for longer and reducing maintenance costs. It also provides custom technology solutions via its SaaS division.
Founded in 2004, the family-run business now employs 270 people and manages more than one million vehicles for customers including Alphabet, Arval, Ayvens, Lex Autolease, Novuna Vehicle Solutions and Volkswagen Financial Services.
i247 has achieved strong growth in recent years, driven by long-standing customer relationships, investment in its market-leading technology, and a data-led approach to fleet management.
LDC is backing i247’s management team, led by CEO Sam Mason. The investment will support the company’s ambitious growth strategy, which is underpinned by continued delivery for customers, the expansion of its product portfolio both in the UK and internationally, and technological innovation to strengthen its platform, unlock new capabilities and enable customers to benefit from emerging opportunities such as connected vehicles and AI.
The investment was led by Investment Director Jacob Leone and Investment Manager Ana-Maria Garaba from LDC’s South team. Following the transaction, Jacob and Ana-Maria will join i247’s board as Non-Executive Directors. Geoffrey Page-Morris also joins as Non-Executive Chair, bringing a wealth of automotive and technology experience from senior roles at CitNOW Group and Sytner Group.
Sam Mason, CEO of i247, said: “Our partnership with LDC gives us the firepower to accelerate growth while continuing to focus on the exceptional service and innovation that has helped us to achieve our success so far. LDC brings sector experience in technology and automotive meaning they understand our market, and a local presence.”
The cultural fit between our organisations is strong, and LDC’s flexibility to invest for the long term aligns perfectly with our vision. We're now well positioned to continue pursuing our goals, both at home and around the world.”
Jacob Leone, Investment Director at LDC, added: “Sam and the team have built an exceptional business with long-standing customer relationships and a strong culture. i247 is helping to drive genuine innovation in the vehicle leasing sector, leveraging technology and data to deliver exceptional service. As a family business that has grown to employ hundreds of local people, it’s a fantastic example of the entrepreneurial ambition we see across the South. We’re proud to be backing them and we can’t wait to see what they achieve next.”
In the last decade, LDC has invested £717m into technology businesses with a combined enterprise value of £1.9bn. The firm also has significant experience in helping automotive businesses to grow, including Evolution Funding, Clifford Thames, SMH Fleet Solutions and Global Autocare.
LDC was advised by Grant Thornton (corporate finance), Shoosmiths (legal), CIL Strategy Consultants (commercial), RSM (financial), EY (tax), Panamoure (technology), Customer Contact Panel (operations), AON (insurance) and FSP (cyber).
i247 was advised by Trethowans (legal) and Saffery (tax).