Nick Hutchinson, CEO and co-founder of Glider Technology, had always been focused on transforming the way building information is managed throughout construction projects. His company, founded in April 2016, had developed an innovative software product called Glider BIM, which aimed to simplify the complex task of organising and maintaining high-quality information for large, intricate building projects. Glider’s mission was clear: to make life easier for project teams and to provide building owners with the information they needed to safely operate and maintain their estates.
By 2023, Glider Technology had grown steadily, employing around 90 staff members. Although the company had operated digitally for most of its existence, an acquisition gave Glider a physical office in Chelmsford, complementing its headquarters at London Bridge in Central London. As the company expanded, Nick and his business partner, Steve, realised that in order to keep growing, they needed to secure external investment. Private equity seemed like the next logical step, but the complexities of such a move were unfamiliar to them. Pierce, their accountancy firm, recommended they speak to CG.
Pierce had worked with CG on numerous occasions and believed the business could provide the legal advice Glider Technology needed to navigate this important phase of growth. CG has a reputation for being pragmatic, commercial and responsive with a long-term focus on the relationship and as a result was the perfect fit.
From the first meeting, Nick was impressed the approach displayed by CG. He said: “They took a longer term view of the relationship and didn’t just dive into the legalities and discussing fees; they took the time to understand Glider and our objectives as shareholders. For us it wasn’t just about finding legal advice - it was about securing a partner who could help us evaluate different pathways, discuss experiences and take advantage of their knowledge of the investment journey.”
CG’s involvement began early, well before any formal offers were on the table with modest support with a debt facility. The Corporate team’s expertise and knowledge then served as an invaluable sounding board to help Nick and Steve explore their options, discussing the benefits and drawbacks of each approach, and offering insights that went way beyond purely legal advice.
When Glider Technology received a letter of intent from potential investors, CG alongside Pierce proved instrumental in guiding the company through the process. For Nick and Steve, who had never been through such an equity investment, the volume of unfamiliar terminology and nuance was daunting. But CG demystified it all, breaking down complicated legal jargon into simple terms that the Glider team could quickly grasp. Nick recalled how accessible and responsive the CG team was throughout the process, ensuring that he and Steve felt fully involved throughout and comfortable to raise concerns at all times.
As the deal progressed, CG’s role became even more critical. They not only handling the legal aspects but also advising on strategic approach and negotiation, providing practical insights that helped Glider navigate the final stages of the transaction. When necessary, CG’s shielded Nick and Steve from the pressure of the due diligence process, taking on much of the heavy lifting and ensuring the transaction stayed on course. For Nick, CG’s support went far beyond what he expected from a law firm - they were true partners who understood the intricacies of the deal and helped Glider achieve its goals.
With CG and Pierce by its side, Glider Technology successfully secured private equity investment, marking a major milestone in the company’s growth journey. Looking back on the experience, Nick commented: “CG weren’t just transactional lawyers - they acted as advisors who took a holistic view of the entire process, helping us understand not just what we were signing but also the broader implications of the deal.”
Nick has since recommended CG to several business contacts in similar positions, confident in the firm’s ability to guide others through the often-intimidating world of business transactions. In his words, “They made a complex process feel manageable, and we couldn’t have done it without them.”
For Nick and Steve, the partnership with CG proved to be more than just about legal advice - it was about finding trusted advisors who could help them shape the future of their company.