Cowbridge-based U Test Diagnostics has secured a £225,000 loan from FW Capital, via the British Business Bank’s Investment Fund for Wales, to accelerate the rollout of its clinically approved at‑home health tests.
Founded in 2024 by brothers Harry and Jamie Griffiths, the business is scaling up to meet rising demand for quick, accurate and accessible diagnostics.
U Test offers a comprehensive range of health tests covering internal organ health, reproductive health, infections and deficiencies. Their kits deliver accurate and reliable results within 5–10 minutes. The business also provides a full-circle service through a partnership with Evaro, giving customers immediate access to a GP and treatment or antibiotics if needed.
Growth has been driven by contracts with major retailers including Home Bargains and Savers. Furthermore, U Test is in discussion with the NHS about supplying bowel screening tests and has engaged directly with Bowel Cancer UK, while the business has also been awarded exclusive UK and Ireland rights to sell the world’s first and only saliva-based pregnancy test. This will be launched in Morrisons stores UK-wide at the end of April.
Harry Griffiths, Co‑Founder of U Test Diagnostics, said: “U Test is for the masses, not just the privileged few. These tests can genuinely save someone’s life, and we’ve always prided ourselves on making the tests affordable. We saw first-hand during Covid how critical reliable tests can be, but we also saw a lot of less reliable kits on the market.
“Demand for our kits has grown at a rate of knots, and many people still don’t realise that lab‑accurate results are available at home in minutes. This investment means we can keep up with demand from retailers and boost our marketing, to make more people aware of the range of tests available.”
Navid Falatoori, Deputy Fund Manager at FW Capital, who led on the investment, said: “U Test is scaling quickly by combining clinical quality with accessibility. Harry and Jamie have experience in the diagnostics sector and a strong track record of large‑scale supply.
“Their growth in the first 11 months shows clear market demand for accurate, fast at‑home testing. Our early-stage funding will help the business expand production, strengthen marketing and keep pace with increasing orders from major retailers.”
Bethan Bannister, Senior Investment Manager, Nations and Regions Investment Funds at the British Business Bank, said: “Wales has a growing reputation for innovation in sectors such as life sciences, and businesses like U Test are helping to drive that forward.
“Through the Investment Fund for Wales, we’re committed to backing companies with the ambition to scale, innovate and compete on a larger stage. This investment reflects our continued focus on supporting high-growth businesses that can deliver long-term economic impact across Wales. It’s also great to see the partnership with Evaro, which recently completed a $25M Series A funding round, which the British Business Bank participated in.”
The deal was also supported by Tanya Wilson and Rhys Jenkins of SME Finance Partners, who helped U Test in securing funding.
The British Business Bank-backed Investment Fund for Wales launched in 2023 and operates across the whole of Wales. The fund includes a range of finance options with loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investments up to £5 million to help small and medium-sized businesses start up, scale up or stay ahead. FW Capital is responsible for larger loans of £100,000 to £2 million.
For more information, visit https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/finance-options/nations-and-regions-investment-funds/investment-fund-for-wales
