Empresas y finanzas

Futuretec Raises VC Funding for Breakthrough Oil Technology



    Futuretec, whose innovative technology delivers major benefits in
    the construction of oil and gas wells, has secured venture capital
    funding of GBP 4 million from Scottish Equity Partners and Energy
    Ventures III LP to support its ambitious global growth strategy.

    Futuretec products enable clients to achieve impressive results in
    casing oil and gas wells, reducing risk and maximising operational
    efficiency. Technology solutions, which deliver enhanced performance
    in casing operations, are becoming increasingly important against a
    backdrop of record high oil prices and rising drill rig costs. This
    creates a significant opportunity for Futuretec.

    The company´s products are targeted at the expanding $5 billion
    global market for completion technology. Its first commercial product,
    Turboblade, is being used successfully in the North Sea, Middle East
    and Continental Europe.

    Lance Davis, Chief Executive of Futuretec, said: "Our high quality
    centraliser products are rapidly gaining ground with international
    clients. We are delighted to have attracted backing from SEP and
    Energy Ventures who are experienced and highly-regarded investors in
    the energy technology sector. The new funds will enable us to expand
    our international sales network for existing products and to complete
    the development of innovative new casing technologies."

    David Sneddon, a Partner in SEP said: "Futuretec is an exciting
    new addition to SEP´s energy investment portfolio. It is led by an
    experienced management team and its products address a growing need
    for new technology solutions in the global energy sector. Futuretec
    has achieved a tremendous amount to date and this provides an
    excellent platform for future growth."

    Ole Melberg, Managing Partner in Energy Ventures III AS said:
    "Futuretec has a significant opportunity to capitalise on strong
    international demand. Its first product has proven to be highly
    effective and has been well-received in the industry. It has a strong
    pipeline of products under development and a management team with a
    track record for delivering results. We have every confidence it will
    achieve its full potential."

    NOTES TO EDITORS

    About Futuretec

    Aberdeen-headquartered Futuretec develops leading-edge technology
    to enhance casing and liner activities and cementing. Futuretec is
    expanding its international network and developing a portfolio of new
    high-quality products for well construction.

    www.futuretec-ltd.com

    About Scottish Equity Partners (SEP)

    SEP is a leading European venture capital firm based in Glasgow
    and London. The investment team has backed and built world-class
    companies in the information technology, healthcare and energy-related
    technology sectors. SEP, which was recently named Venture Capital Firm
    of the Year, previously co-invested with Energy Ventures in energy
    services company MTEM which was sold for $275 million to Petroleum
    Geo-Services (ASA:PGS) (OSE. MTEM was recently named Venture Capital
    Technology Exit of the Year. SEP´s portfolio includes several
    leading-edge energy services company ArkEx and battery technology
    specialist Atraverda.

    www.sep.co.uk

    About Energy Ventures

    Energy Ventures is a leading venture capital firm specializing in
    the upstream oil and gas technology arena. Energy Ventures advises
    three oil and gas venture funds with a combined capital base in excess
    of US$400 million. Energy Ventures has offices in Stavanger, Aberdeen
    and Houston. Target companies are located in the North Sea and North
    America with significant international potential. Investment drivers
    include new technologies and their application to enhance performance,
    raise productivity, reduce cost and open new markets.

    www.energyventures.no