OREANDA-NEWS. September 17, 2015. Mercia Technologies PLC (AIM: Merc, "Mercia"), a Midlands-based investment group building, funding and commercialising technology businesses across the UK, has completed two follow-on investments into VirtTrade Limited ("VirtTrade") and Crowd Reactive Limited ("Crowd Reactive"). The investments coincide with VirtTrade's first virtual trading card game launch with Panini: "NBA Dunk" and a significant appointment to the Board of Crowd Reactive.

Mercia has invested a further 825,000 in VirtTrade, a digital trading card platform business. This follows VirtTrade's partnership with Panini Group, the world leader in sports and entertainment collectibles, which was announced in March.

VirtTrade's trading engine takes the principle of a traditional printed card/sticker album and turns it into an interactive digital trading environment. Panini has recently launched its first mobile app, entitled NBA Panini Dunk, utilising VirtTrade's proprietary technology and trading platform.

Mercia has also now invested the second tranche of 500,000 in Crowd Reactive, a user-generated content platform for events and venues, as outlined in its 18 March 2015 RNS announcement.

Alongside this investment, Crowd Reactive has appointed Will Whitehorn, the former President of Virgin Galactic, as Chairman. Mr Whitehorn will work with management specifically on EventsTag, a live social media feed for consumers, brands and businesses, and one of three product packages offered by Crowd Reactive.

Mr Whitehorn has over 30 years' experience in brand development, media and communication, and will assist the leadership team with the direction and strategy of the business, as it evolves from an early stage start-up to a globally established brand.

Mark Payton, CEO of Mercia Technologies PLC, said:

"We are pleased to make follow-on direct investment into two of our 'emerging stars', originally emanating from Mercia's third party funds under management. Both VirtTrade and Crowd Reactive now have significant commercial partnerships and our investment and support is to accelerate their continued growth.

Will Whitehorn joining as Chairman of Crowd Reactive is a testament to the quality of the businesses that we are supporting. The experience he gained from his time at Virgin, including working closely with Sir Richard Branson, will prove to be a valuable asset to the Crowd Reactive team."

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Whitehorn said:

"I am delighted to be joining such an ambitious and innovative team. Having worked for a globally recognised brand for many years, I know only too well how important it is to differentiate a business within competitive markets. EventsTag is uniquely placed to offer that opportunity."

Commenting on Mr Whitehorn's appointment, Rob Johnson, Investment Director at Mercia Technologies said:

"I have worked with CEO Dan Strang on Crowd Reactive's evolution since its early days and it's wonderful to see one of Mercia's 'emerging stars' attract such an industry heavyweight as Will Whitehorn. He will contribute invaluable experience and expertise as the team continues the international expansion of the business."