VisaDoc, a UK start-up whose platform automates the visa process for business travellers, has secured a six-figure investment from Mercia. The funding will help VisaDoc meet overwhelming demand in the run-up to a much larger planned funding round next year.
Many countries are tightening visa requirements due to concerns over immigration, yet visa application remains complex and cumbersome, with a high reliance on manual processes. Launched in March this year, VisaDoc's platform replaces fragmented, manual processes, creating and validating visa applications across over 190 destinations while giving employers complete visibility over the process and the travel patterns of their staff.
Adoption has already come from over 100 global enterprises, including Toyota, Anglo American, RELX plc and the Civil Aviation Authority. Following the investment, VisaDoc is to establish a team in Leeds.
Founded by James Tomlin and Oleh Voronko, VisaDoc draws on the pair's experience in senior roles at a US-based multinational that provides a manual visa application service.
Millions of employees travel overseas on business each year and every big company has visa horror stories to tell. At best, staff may be denied entry to a country – at worst they can be fined, permanently banned or even end up in jail. Our platform helps companies ensure compliance with the rules, manage business trips more effectively and save time. There is nothing like this on the market currently and we have had overwhelming demand. The funding will enable us to expand the team and roll it out to more customers as we start to scale the business.
Visa application is complex and cumbersome with a high reliance on manual processes, whether by companies themselves or by external service providers. James and Oleh saw an opportunity to automate these process and their new platform has quickly taken off. We believe it could transform this part of the business travel market and are pleased to support them as they prepare to raise a larger funding round.
