Apiary Capital has invested in performance-io (PIO), a prominent life sciences performance marketing and SEO agency, to support its international growth and service expansion. Founded in 2018, PIO has quickly established itself as the first specialist SEO agency in the regulated pharmaceutical sector, employing over 60 people across the UK, US, India, Japan, and South Africa.

CEO and founder Matt Lowe emphasized the importance of timing in the market, stating that PIO has effectively created a niche for SEO in the pharmaceutical industry. He believes that partnering with Apiary Capital will help PIO solidify its position as a global leader in online performance and SEO.

The investment from Apiary will facilitate PIO's expansion in the US and Japan while also promoting the integration of AI-driven SEO solutions. PIO is at the forefront of implementing search generative experience (SGE) strategies, which enable clients to enhance their online performance and reduce costs.

Chief Commercial Officer Jason Brown noted that PIO is well-positioned to meet the growing demand from clients seeking to leverage new AI technologies for efficiency and growth.

This investment is part of Apiary’s second fund, which closed in 2024. Jess French, a director at Apiary, expressed enthusiasm about partnering with PIO, highlighting the firm’s focus on investing in founder-led businesses that deliver measurable value to clients.