Channel 4's Commercial Growth Fund today announced that it has invested in Rated People, an online marketplace matching homeowners with tradespeople, alongside Downing Ventures.

Rated People uses its online platform to provide a matching service for homeowners in need and local trades, allowing users to find help quickly via proprietary algorithms and a database of 50,000 registered tradespeople.

Celia Francis, chief executive of Rated People, said: “The £2.5bn of work flowing through us is huge and we’re operating in an exciting industry where that translates to a 4.5% market share. We’re delighted to have the financial support from Downing Ventures and Channel 4, to further accelerate our growth and meet our goals of helping tradespeople run successful businesses and ensuring homeowners can quickly find and recognise quality tradespeople who are available to meet their home improvement needs.”

Alex Mahon, chief executive of Channel 4, added: “At Channel 4, we like to work with innovative brands who have fantastic stories to share. We’re excited by the work Rated People is doing to transform the home improvement space and delighted to give them the medium to accelerate their future growth.”