Truly, madly, deeply, and not at all scary

How Truly SMB secured six-figure funding from venture fund

Hello Rainmakers,

A Castle Donington tech firm is proving that even in the serious world of corporate finance, a bit of fun and a splash of AI can go a long way.

Ellie Hollinshead spoke to

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Truly SMB, founded in 2024, has secured six-figure funding from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II (MEIF II), managed by Maven Capital Partners, to support growth, expand its team, and explore opportunities across the UK and overseas.

The debt finance package is aimed at helping the company continue its mission of making enterprise-level technology simple, affordable, and useful for small and medium-sized businesses - without the jargon or headaches.

Tim Rookes

In November 2025, Truly SMB went through a leadership reshuffle. Tim Rookes, previously chief experience officer, stepped into the role of chief executive officer, while founder Vicky Critchley moved into executive chair.

The shuffle allows Rookes to focus on day-to-day operations and scaling the business, while Critchley can concentrate on long-term strategy, vision, and brand development.

“I’m absolutely buzzing to lead Truly SMB into its next chapter,” says Rookes. “We’re a business built on partnership, not products, and we’re here to make tech work harder for SMEs. Whether it’s IT infrastructure, accounting systems, or unlocking the power of AI, we’ve got our clients’ backs.”

Critchley said: “Moving into the Chair role lets me focus on the big picture while staying close to the team and our customers. Tim and I are completely aligned on where we’re going: building a business that small businesses genuinely trust and enjoy working with.”

Since its launch in early 2025, Truly SMB has grown quickly, serving over 300 SMEs across the UK.