AddParts, a UK-based technology company focused on improving operational continuity in pharmaceutical production environments, has secured a six-figure pre-seed investment from SFC Capital to support the expansion of its virtual storeroom technology. Announced on 29 April 2026 in Sheffield, the funding will support the continued development of the company’s platform, which is designed to help manufacturers reduce operational disruption and improve access to critical spare components. The investment comes as pharmaceutical producers face growing pressure to strengthen supply chain reliability, minimise downtime, and maintain output across highly regulated manufacturing operations. Pharma Manufacturing remains under increasing scrutiny as companies look for more resilient maintenance and production strategies.
The company’s virtual-first model enables manufacturers to digitally store and reproduce critical components on demand, reducing dependency on OEM supply chains and avoiding lengthy procurement delays. At the centre of the platform is a virtual storeroom that allows manufacturers to retain control over spare parts data while supporting proactive maintenance planning and improved production resilience. “Unplanned downtime is a global challenge for pharmaceutical manufacturers, with real consequences for cost, output, and supply continuity,” said Tom Fripp, founder of AddParts. “By digitising critical components and making them available on demand, we’re helping manufacturers respond faster and operate more resiliently.” The company stated that early customer engagements have already shown measurable operational improvements, including reduced lead times and stronger production continuity. Fripp added: “Early customer engagements have demonstrated measurable operational benefits, including significantly reduced lead times and improved production continuity. In some cases, avoiding a single extended stoppage fully offsets the cost of implementing AddParts’ more proactive spare parts strategy.”
Beyond spare parts reproduction, AddParts also supports reverse engineering of legacy components, digital capture of equipment data, and engineering improvements intended to reduce equipment failure risks and extend asset life. The company operates under an ISO 9001-certified quality management system aligned with pharmaceutical manufacturing requirements, supporting traceability, compliance, and documentation standards. Commenting on the investment, SFC Capital Fund Principal Ed Stevenson said: “AddParts gives manufacturers a digital record of their critical components, so they can reproduce what they need on demand instead of chasing OEMs. Tom has built something genuinely useful, and we’re pleased to back him.” Venture.Community also supported the company during the investment process. Executive Chairman and Founder Peter Hopton said: “AddParts is a really exciting company. We liked the team, the depth of the product, and the traction with customers. The firm is solving a key pain point in regulated production lines worth millions of pounds in savings.” AddParts has additionally been shortlisted in the Manufacturing Start-Up category at the Made in Sheffield Awards this year for its contribution to innovation in Pharma Manufacturing.
