Gigaclear has recently announced it has secured an additional £24 million (US$34 million) in new equity to accelerate the build of new Fiber-To-The-Premises (FTTP) networks delivering world-class ultrafast broadband to UK homes and businesses.

Led by Infracapital and Woodford Investment Management, the investment was fully subscribed by Gigaclear’s existing shareholders. This new equity investment follows hard on the heels of the US$28 million EIB loan facility announced in January.

Gigaclear builds completely new pure fiber networks that bring high quality, fast and reliable broadband connectivity to the UK’s rural population. It offers customers speeds up to 1Gbps, 30 times the UK average, via fiber optic cable all the way to each property in areas typically underserved by the existing large broadband providers.  

The company has already built and operates 60 rural fiber networks, and has a strong pipeline with a further 25 in construction.  It targets a market of 1.5 million households and businesses across thousands of rural communities seeking ultrafast and reliable broadband.

Gigaclear was advised in this transaction by Cameron Barney LLP.

Ed Clarke, Co-Founder and Director, Infracapital, said:

“We are delighted to continue our support for Gigaclear as it accelerates its growth rate and strengthens its presence in the market.  Having successfully secured several BDUK contracts and completed this round of fund raising the business is well placed to deliver its 2016 roll out plans.”

Matthew Hare, Chief Executive, Gigaclear said:

“We are building to tens of thousands of potential new customers this year.  The strong financial support of our shareholders lets us get on with the job of delivering Britain’s best future-proof broadband without delay.”