Smartbox Assistive Technology Group has announced a new partnership with Verdane, the specialist growth buyout investment firm, that will accelerate international access to AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) technology which helps people who have difficulty with writing or speech.

Shaw & Co advised the Smartbox management team of Dougal Hawes, Jarrod Inott, Hannah Church and Simon Poole on the deal which will see Verdane become the majority shareholder in the business.

Headquartered in Bristol and Malvern, Smartbox is a market-leading creator of software and hardware solutions that give a voice to disabled people without speech and enables them to live more independent lives. Although more than 46 million people worldwide have complex communication needs that could benefit from AAC, it is estimated that just 1-2% have access to these technologies.  The partnership with Verdane, which offers extensive expertise in technology and scaling impact sustainably, will allow for greater investment in Smartbox and provides a solid foundation for the company’s plans for a three-fold increase in the number of people it serves by 2030.

Formed in 2006, Smartbox employs around 750 people and has a global presence that spans the US, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Australia, while Verdane has offices in London, Berlin, Munich, Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Helsinki.

Majority shares were previously held by the CareTech Group, which will continue to be a minority shareholder in Smartbox, while Three Hills, a private markets investment firm specialising in providing bespoke capital solutions to entrepreneur and management-led businesses in Europe and North America, will invest alongside Verdane and CareTech.

Dougal Hawes, Chief Executive Officer of Smartbox Group, said: “Choosing a values-driven organisation was essential for us when looking for a partner to help achieve our vision of a world where no one is left without a voice. Verdane stood out by going above and beyond to understand the needs of the AAC community and how Smartbox can support them through our technology and services. This partnership marks a milestone moment for the Smartbox Group as we expand our ability to support and serve more people around the world who need access to AAC.”  

Jim Shaw, Senior Partner, Shaw & Co, said: “The management team at Smartbox have done a phenomenal job growing the business to create an international organisation that is having impact on a global scale. We were delighted to again assist Dougal, Jarrod, Hannah and Simon with this next step in a truly exciting journey.”

Johanna Rydén, Director at Verdane, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with the Smartbox team to accelerate global access to their pioneering technology and to continue the company’s growth journey. Smartbox has demonstrated clear innovation in building its AAC solution and we’re looking forward to working alongside the entire team.”