Bristol-based lawyers at international law firm Osborne Clarke have advised Mera Investment Management (Mera IM), a specialist real estate lender, as it secured significant equity backing from a private family office to accelerate its growth plans and future lending ambitions.

The investment will see Mera IM look to deploy some £100 million of lending this year. Founded in 2019 by ex-Topland financier Ed Matthews, Mera IM is backed by private client capital. Having concluded its first loan in 2020 and delivered £30 million of new lending in 2022, the boutique lender is targeting ambitious growth for 2023. Its plans include developing its existing team, investing in technology to service increased demand from borrowers and deploying significant capital into senior and mezzanine loans.

Mera IM was assisted by Osborne Clarke’s venture capital team, led by corporate partner James Taylor, with support from senior associate Adam Turner, both of whom are based in Bristol. Partner Tom Bussy and associate director Andrew Parsons – also both based in the firm’s Bristol office - advised on banking. Meanwhile associate Caroline Hynes advised on employment and partner David Nisbet on tax.

Ed Matthews, chief executive at Mera IM, said: “Having built our lending business organically over the past 15 months, this latest equity injection is a significant accelerator to our plans as we seek to grow our team and our lending pipeline. I’m very thankful to James, Adam and the rest of the Osborne Clarke team. Their expertise and diligence was very reassuring and made for a smooth transaction process.”

James Taylor said: “It was a pleasure to support Mera IM on securing funding that will enable the business to accelerate its growth plans. I look forward to seeing Ed and the Mera IM team build on their success to date as they pursue further opportunities.”

Osborne Clarke's international venture capital team is a go-to practice for companies operating in tech-enabled industries. From start-up through venture financing and the growth journey beyond, whether continuing to sale, IPO or international expansion, the team has an outstanding track record advising businesses, entrepreneurs and investors that are driving innovation. Osborne Clarke’s dedicated resource centre, OC Ventures, brings together experts from across our international network to deliver a holistic seamless service to clients throughout the ventures ecosystem.