Ascendx Cloud, a London-based tech start-up focused on developing applications to assist businesses in managing customer complaints, has successfully completed a significant fundraising round. The company has added former BT leader Gavin Patterson to its advisory board.

The start-up secured $110 million (£83 million) in a funding round led by Osprey Investors and Columbia Lake Partners, both prominent venture capital firms in London.

Founded two years ago by Turkish entrepreneur Ufuk Civilo, a former investor at TPG, Ascendx Cloud specializes in creating innovative solutions to enhance customer relationship management.

Notably, Ascendx collaborates with high-profile clients like DoorDash, which recently announced its acquisition of UK rival Deliveroo. The platform utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline how businesses address customer inquiries and complaints. When a customer reaches out to DoorDash, Ascendx’s AI system quickly processes the request and assigns a staff member to resolve the issue.

The functionality of Ascendx’s tools extends to sales teams, enabling them to efficiently allocate tasks and manage client leads. Civilo emphasized that traditionally, businesses relied on manual processes for these functions, which often led to inefficiencies. The integration of AI not only reduces operational costs but also mitigates interpersonal dynamics in decision-making.

The decision to bring aboard Gavin Patterson is seen as a strategic advantage for Ascendx. Under his leadership, the company reported revenues of $15 million in its inaugural year. Following his tenure at BT, Patterson took on roles including president and chief strategy officer at Salesforce, and he has recently been appointed chair of Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Patterson highlighted the pivotal nature of customer relationship management (CRM), noting that the adoption of AI and automation has become essential in the industry. He expressed confidence in Ascendx Cloud’s capability to spearhead this evolving landscape.

In addition to backing from Osprey Investors and Columbia Lake Partners, Ascendx has attracted investment from notable figures such as Chris North, the former CEO of Shutterful and Amazon UK, and Malte Janzarik, who previously led TPG Europe.