Global software firm The Access Group has moved into the mass participation fundraising sector with the acquisition of Enthuse, the fundraising platform for events including the London Marathon.

The UK headquartered software firm works with more than 160,000 organisations globally and has bought Enthuse as it looks to add peer to peer fundraising and events to its charity focused products and services.

Enthuse was launched in 2012 and is the official partner of London Marathon Events and the Great Run Company, involving events such as the Great North Run, London Marathon and Brighton Marathon.

In January it was named as the official fundraising partner of the Baxter’s Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running.

“Access’ investment capability and long-term commitment to the charity sector will create exciting opportunities to accelerate our product innovation, said Enthuse founder and chief executive Chester Mojay-Sinclare.

“We’re looking forward to working together to help good causes maximise their impact”.

Access non-profit and education managing director Simon Baines added: “This partnership enhances our charity software offering by bringing additional fundraising capabilities to our platform, supported by specialist knowledge of charity sector requirements.

“Enthuse's digital fundraising tools will work alongside our existing solutions so that, through Access Evo, charities can access enhanced digital awareness, fundraising, donor and volunteer management and engagement tools designed for the sector's specific needs.

“We will maintain our commitment to open integration with other suppliers in the charity marketplace, ensuring charities retain freedom of choice in building their technology ecosystems.”

Last year’s London Marathon raised more than £75m, a new world record for an annual one-day fundraising event. Of this, £34m was collected through Enthuse. Meanwhile, £41m was donated via the JustGiving platform.

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