Industry veterans launch Elevare Software Group with two acquisitions in housing

Building the technology backbone for housing's decade of renewal

LONDON, MANCHESTER, England and STOKE-ON-TRENT, England, Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Industry veterans David Lockie and Elona Mortimer-Zhika today launched Elevare Software Group ("Elevare") with the acquisitions of Rubixx and Voicescape, two leading technology providers to UK landlords. The deals mark Elevare's entry into housing, the first of multiple sectors it plans to invest in, as the Government drives a decade of renewal for social and affordable housing.

Elevare combines long-term capital, hands-on expertise and an AI-first mindset to help ambitious software and tech-enabled services businesses scale while retaining their identity. Backed by Livingbridge, the leading mid-market private equity firm, Elevare draws on Lockie and Mortimer-Zhika's track record of growing software businesses, including leading IRIS Software Group through its $4 billion recapitalisation, one of Europe's largest technology buyouts at the time. Rubixx and Voicescape will anchor a new housing technology ecosystem.

Rubixx's cloud-native housing management platform helps social landlords keep homes safe, meet regulatory obligations and operate efficiently. Founded by Simon Reay, Adam Parker and Michelle Holland, the business is built on open APIs and updated every eight weeks. It supports 40 organisations covering approximately 100,000 properties.

Founded by John Doyle, Voicescape uses behavioural science, data analytics and automation to help landlords engage residents, identify vulnerable households, improve rent collection and evidence compliance. Trusted by more than 135 housing associations and local authorities, its platform covers around four million homes. The acquisition also gives Elevare an immediate foothold at the intersection of housing and public sector technology. The transaction marks a successful exit for BGF, which backed Voicescape in 2023 and has reinvested alongside Elevare to support its next phase of growth.

The launch comes as landlords face growing pressure to improve the quality and safety of homes. Phase 2 of Awaab's Law extends their responsibilities for addressing hazards, while Universal Credit adds complexity to rent collection. Both are driving demand for technology that supports compliance, efficiency and better outcomes for residents.

David Lockie, CEO of Elevare Software Group, said: "Too many strong software businesses hit a ceiling, not because the opportunity isn't there, but because they lack the right support for what comes next. Founders don't need more theory or financial engineering. They need partners who've done it before. Elevare combines that experience with modern engineering, a cloud- and API-first approach and practical AI to remove friction and unlock growth.

"Rubixx and Voicescape are the start of our growing housing technology ecosystem. We're delighted to welcome both businesses and, together, help realise the sector's need for modern technology that enables landlords to work more efficiently and deliver better outcomes for residents."

Elona Mortimer-Zhika, Chair of Elevare Software Group, said: "Some of the most important software in the economy operates behind the scenes, yet it has historically been underserved when it comes to modernisation and innovation. As housing enters a decade of investment and reform, Rubixx and Voicescape show how the right technology and leadership can help organisations respond to growing industry expectations."

Simon Reay, Co-founder and Managing Director of Rubixx, said: "We started Rubixx because we believed the social housing sector deserved modern, flexible technology and a genuine alternative to the legacy systems that had dominated the market for years. Joining Elevare gives us the opportunity to strengthen those foundations, invest further in our product and people, and take Rubixx into its next stage of growth."

Gary Haynes, Managing Director of Voicescape, said: "For more than 25 years, we've helped housing associations and councils connect with the communities they serve more efficiently and deliver better outcomes. Joining Elevare marks an exciting next chapter. With their backing, we can build on that impact and bring Voicescape to more housing associations and councils."

Simon Peet, Partner at Livingbridge, said: "We're delighted to back Elevare. Our conviction starts with the team: top-tier software talent and deep operational experience coming together from day one. Across many markets we see a significant opportunity as vertical software stacks are refreshed, with AI as a genuine accelerator. Social housing is a great example of this, and Rubixx and Voicescape provide strong foundations in a sector where technology has an increasingly important role to play."

Elevare will support its businesses across technology, product, go-to-market strategy, finance, mergers and acquisitions, people and culture, and marketing.

Alvarez & Marsal advised Voicescape and Sequence Advisers advised Rubixx on their respective transactions.

Terms of the transactions were not disclosed.

Contact

For further information about the contents of this press release, please contact Sabah Chohan, Head of Communications and Brand at Elevare Software Group: sabah.chohan@elevaresoftware.com.

About Elevare Software Group

Elevare Software Group is an investment and specialist growth partner for innovative, vertical software businesses and tech-enabled services companies. Combining long-term capital with deep, hands-on operational expertise, Elevare works with founders and management teams to build resilient, scalable, category-leading companies. 

Led by a world-class leadership team with a proven track record of scaling and successfully exiting technology businesses, Elevare supports execution, strengthens core capabilities, and positions companies for sustained growth and future optionality.

To learn more, visit Elevare's website and follow Elevare on LinkedIn. 

About Livingbridge

Livingbridge is a leading mid-market private equity firm which empowers businesses to unlock their true potential. It takes a flexible approach to investing, focusing on adding the most value – this is why it focuses on four core sectors: technology, services, healthcare & education, and consumer. Livingbridge is an ambitious team with operations in London and Manchester. Its knowledge and network have supported the successful growth of our companies over the last 25 years, with many now household names.   

To find out more visit Livingbridge's website.

About Rubixx

Rubixx is a provider of cloud software for the social housing sector. Its integrated platform spans housing management, finance, support planning and CRM, helping housing providers streamline operations, improve efficiency and deliver better outcomes for residents. Founded by Simon Reay, Adam Parker and Michelle Holland, Rubixx develops and supports its technology in-house. 

To learn more, visit Rubixx's website and follow Rubixx on LinkedIn.  

About Voicescape

Voicescape is the UK's leading resident engagement solutions provider, combining AI, machine learning, behavioural science, automation and robotic process automation to transform how providers engage communities. 

Supporting over 135 social landlords and local authorities, delivering benefits to over 4 million homes, Voicescape drives measurable operational efficiencies and improved resident outcomes.

To learn more, visit Voicescape's website and follow Voicescape on LinkedIn.