DF Capital helps fuel Automotivate’s growth with flexible funding
Automotivate, the one-stop vehicle and fleet-sourcing experts specialising in minibus conversion and fleet operations, has achieved rapid growth with the help of DF Capital’s flexible funding. With a tailored inventory finance facility the company can now meet customer demands more effectively and has strengthened its position in its market.
About Automotivate
Founded in 2022, Automotivate started out as a consultancy helping large businesses procure vehicles. Founder Dominic Ilbury noticed customers were facing long waits for specialised vehicles. Seeing an opportunity to speed up the process, he expanded the business to include its own build programme. This involved sourcing panel vans and arranging their conversion into minibuses with a quick turnaround time. The team has grown to 21 in under three years, and prides itself on offering quick and reliable vehicle solutions that meet customers’ needs.
What did Automotivate need?
As the business grew, Automotivate faced a common problem: the need for capital to fund its growing operations. Conversions require upfront investment, and the business needed financing that could support the purchase and modification of assets without affecting its cashflow. The goal was to maintain steady stock availability when it was needed. Automotivate therefore required a finance partner that understood its unique business model and could provide the right support to keep its operations running smoothly.
How did DF Capital help?
Initially, the company faced a few challenges in securing finance for the period between purchasing the units and completing their conversion into buses. However DF Capital worked closely with Dominic to understand the business and stepped in with a tailored finance product that allowed the company to manage this funding gap effectively. This makes sure that vehicles are ready for customers without long delays, all while maintaining cash flow.
Results
With DF Capital’s help, Automotivate has seen strong growth. In June 2024, the company purchased 45 assets, which were ready for sale by the autumn. This ongoing access to finance has allowed it to maintain a continuous build programme, meeting customer demand quickly and efficiently. Automotivate can now focus on growth, delighting its customers and maintaining a competitive edge in the market.
Dominic Ilbury, managing director of Automotivate commented: “Working with DF Capital has been a game changer for us. A previous funder couldn’t really make sense of our business model as it’s ‘non-standard’ but DF Capital took the time to understand our offering and structured a solution that fits our needs. Its support has been key to our growth, allowing us to focus on what we do best – delivering high-quality vehicles to our customers quickly. It’s refreshing to work with a finance partner that is a true problem solver, gets what we’re trying to do and is willing to help us make it happen.”
Dominic Gibbs, relationship development manager at DF Capital, added: “Automotivate is a great example of how the right finance can help a business grow. By working closely with Dominic and his team, we were able to provide a solution that supports a unique business. We’re proud to help Automotivate achieve its goals and look forward to seeing its continued success. Our partnership with Automotivate shows how tailored finance can drive real results for businesses.”
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