RFID and supply chain technology firm SML Group bags FountainVest and CPE as new investors
SML Group, a specialist in RFID and brand identification solutions, reports that FountainVest and CPE have joined as new shareholders. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
SML is a supply chain and digital transformation partner to various apparel and retail brands. The company specialises in delivering end-to-end solutions across RFID, digital product passports (DPP), factory care solutions (FCS), digital IDs and tags and labels.
Ignatius K.C. Lau, Chief Executive Officer at SML Group, comments: “2024 marked the most successful year in our history, and 2025 has continued our growth journey despite global challenges. These milestones reflect the strength of our strategy, the dedication of our people, and our ability to adapt and execute with excellence.”
“The investment from FountainVest and CPE is a powerful validation of what we have built over the last four decades and a catalyst for the next phase. We will continue to evolve with determination - advancing innovation, strengthening leadership, and investing in our people.”
Rishi Pardal, incoming Chairman at SML Group, says: “SML’s greatest strength lies in its people - their creativity, commitment, and customer-first mindset. As we enter this next phase, our focus will remain on attracting and empowering talent, investing in innovation, and preserving our agility to ensure we are well prepared to serve our customers as they embrace a digitally enabled future.”
Andrew Huang, Managing Director at FountainVest, comments: “We have been following SML for many years, and see tremendous potential in its ongoing transformation. As a founder led company with an agile, entrepreneurial spirit, SML’s culture of innovation and collaboration reflects values we deeply believe in - integrity, teamwork, and forward thinking.”
“FountainVest has a deep network across the consumer, retail and industrial sectors, and we are excited for our collaborative partnership with the leadership team to support the company’s next chapter of growth.”
Hemeng Dong, Managing Director at CPE, says: “CPE has a broad investment ecosystem from key supply chain to potential customers, we are committed to supporting SML in delivering superior products and integrated digital solutions that enhance lead time, quality, and overall performance.”
“We’ll help the company meet growing demand for RFID, DPP and FCS solutions, explore new opportunities in labels, packaging, and software, and create long-term value for our customers.”
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
RFID technology was a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.
We received a record number of entries and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.
For a full rundown of all of the shortlisted entries, click here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC in Central London on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
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