Sunderland based company gets £250,000 investment to set up online land marketplace

Rarely does a regional start-up aim to connect and enable an entire sector’s eco-system, but Sunderland-based Land Trader plans to do just that. Shaping a new digital service, it is creating a platform connecting people from all walks of life who have one thing in common: their love of land.
Land Trader aims to digitize the sale of commercial land via a transparent online market place, making it easier for people to buy and sell. The start-up is backed by Venture Capital firm Northstar Ventures, which invested £130k from the Finance for Business North East Proof of Concept Fund. It also received £120k investment from an angel investor.

Overseen by the corporate team at Mincoffs, led by Partner Peter Robinson, Land Trader formalized its growth plans securing the first round of investment in January. While development is underway on the platform, the leadership team is already focused on raising the next stage of investment.
Land Trader is the vision of founder Tom Stuart and his team, who are proud of their North-East roots and keen to make a real difference in the sector. Tom said: “Owning land is a dream shared by a great many British people, and even more are involved in the sale and servicing of the land sector. Yet working in or with the industry can sometimes feel an isolated place to be, particularly as an individual or small business.
“The North East has a wealth of knowledge and skill in the land sector and with strong support from experienced partners we are forging an infrastructural service, a marketplace and a communications tool for all, inclusive from the most professional to the individual.
“We’re now into the design and development phase, all thanks to Northstar and our Angel investor. We’re based in Sunderland Software Centre which is a superb place to innovate.”
Lord Mancroft, Chairman of Land Trader, brings traditional understanding of the role of land management and its patrons, “So much depends on Architects and Planners, there is such demand for houses yet the gap in suitable provision remains and change is at a snail’s pace.”
James Foster, Investment Manager at Northstar Ventures, said: “We’ve been impressed with team at Land Trader from day one and believe that their experience and expertise will be invaluable in making the platform a success. They’ve identified a clear need within land sales, and are building a comprehensive platform which will enable people to realise the value of their assets.”