Investment & Fund Management

In the case of Odilo, a digital content lending platform based in Spain, the company faced a critical need for external financing to expand its service offerings into the education sector. Founded in 2011 by Rodrigo Rodriguez, who had a background in cloud computing from his previous roles at Telefonica and British Telecom, Odilo aimed to transform the traditional library model by leveraging cloud technology to provide a platform for libraries and educational institutions to lend digital content while ensuring compliance with copyright laws.

Initially, Odilo operated without external financing for its first three years, relying on a small team of 14 employees. However, as the demand for their services grew, particularly in the education sector, they recognized the necessity for additional funding. In 2015, they reached out to Inveready, a Spanish finance specialist, which guided them to apply for an EU-guaranteed loan backed by the European Investment Fund (EIF) under the Investment Plan for Europe.

The tailored solution provided by Inveready and the EIF enabled Odilo to secure the necessary financing to enhance its platform and expand its market reach. As a result, Odilo has grown significantly, now employing 52 people from five different nationalities and operating internationally with offices in the US, Latin America, and Spain. The company has positioned itself as a leading software solution for libraries and educational institutions, and it is now also catering to hotel and tourism companies, offering a content-as-a-service solution that enhances user engagement through a digital content strategy. Future plans include expanding operations to Australia and the Middle East, showcasing the company's growth trajectory and the impact of the financing received.