Medical packaging maker Shawpak secures £500k backed by Maven
At a glance
This article covers a debt funding package on 30 September 2025 for Shawpak, a UK manufacturer of packing equipment for medical devices, led by CEO David Shaw. The company secured £500k from the Maven-managed Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, with backing from the British Business Bank.
What does Shawpak do?
Shawpak manufactures specialist packaging machines for medical devices, including compact rotary thermoforming equipment. They are used to form and package components, reduce material waste, speed tool changes and increase production capacity.
Why is Shawpak useful?
Problem
Medical device manufacturers face bulky, space hungry thermoforming machines that waste material and slow production through long tool changes. This limits efficiency, output and increases costs for hospitals and device makers needing precise components.
Solution
Shawpak explains that it builds compact, rotary thermoforming machines that reduce space, speed tool changes and cut material waste. It also offers on site testing, wider production capacity and global spares and service support from Derby.
How much did Shawpak raise?
Shawpak raised £500k in a debt funding package from the Maven-managed Midlands Engine Investment Fund II. This makes it the 61st largest funding round in September 2025 (61 recorded). The deal is also 434th among UK investments this year (468 recorded) in the Startupmag database, as of 30 September 2025.
For details on how Startupmag compiles its rankings, view our Methodology.
Who invested in Shawpak?
Key investors in the deal included:
- Midlands Engine Investment Fund II (MEIF II): A regional fund that provides debt and equity finance to growing businesses across the Midlands, supporting expansion and capital investment.
- Maven: An investment manager that provides growth capital to UK small and medium-sized enterprises, frequently operating through regional funds and programmes in the Midlands and wider UK.
- British Business Bank: A government-backed institution that increases access to finance for smaller UK businesses by supporting and investing through regional funds and national programmes.
In the funding announcement, Richard Brighty from Maven said:
Shawpak has brought genuine innovation to medical device packaging, re-engineering a legacy process into a compact, efficient solution that resonates with global manufacturers. David and the team have built a strong installed base and a compelling aftermarket proposition across service and spares.
The investor said the investment will help Shawpak move to a facility that supports expansion and the next phase of growth.
In the funding announcement, David Tindall from British Business Bank said:
The British Business Bank and the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II are committed to improving access to finance for growing businesses across the whole of the Midlands. We’re thrilled that this latest investment will support Shawpak to build and test new machinery to increase operational capacity.
The investor said the British Business Bank encourages businesses in the region to explore the financing options available through the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II.
If you're researching potential backers in this space:
- Explore our list of Healthtech venture capital firms in the UK
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Who founded Shawpak?
David Shaw is the CEO of Shawpak.
In the funding announcement, David Shaw said:
This investment marks an exciting new chapter for Shawpak. With the support of Maven and the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, we can expand into a facility that will allow us to increase capacity, deliver even greater innovation, and continue supporting our customers worldwide.
Where is Shawpak based?
Shawpak is based in Derby, UK.
What sector is Shawpak in?
Shawpak operates in the Healthtech sector. Healthtech covers companies creating technology for healthcare and medical devices. It includes machines and services that help make, pack or test medical equipment.
Key trends and challenges in Healthtech:
Automation and compact manufacturing
Manufacturers are adopting compact automated machines to cut material waste and speed production, for example compact thermoforming equipment.
Regulatory standards and certification burden
Makers must meet standards like ISO 13485 and UL 508A, adding costs and time but enabling market access.
Aftermarket service and supply chain resilience
Strong service networks and regional spares hubs reduce downtime, helping hospitals and NHS trusts maintain patient care.
For a deeper look at innovation in this space, see the latest funded Healthtech startups in the UK
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