Specialist investor Mercia Technologies has made its first investment since floating before Christmas.

The Henley-based company has invested £450,000 in nDreams, the second of an agreed three-tranche investment totalling £1.75 million.

The final instalment is due for payment towards the end of quarter one, giving the group has a 30 per cent direct holding in nDreams.

The company is a fast-growing UK virtual reality developer and publisher.

Mercia first invested in Franborough-based nDreams in March 2014 and the additional funds will allow nDreams to expand faster, invest more in R&D and increase the number of virtual reality projects it has in development.

Mark Payton, chief executive of Mercia Technologies, said: "nDreams is an excellent example of the execution of our business model of supporting the emerging stars arising from our third party funds under management.

"Mercia has been actively seeking software investment opportunities within certain areas of the virtual reality market and nDreams, with its strong leadership and well-regarded development team, offers expertise in both gaming and experiences."

Patrick O'Luanaigh, chief executive of nDreams, added: "We're delighted to be working with Mercia who share our belief in and vision for virtual reality and are helping us achieve our goals in this new and fast-growing area.

"With the help of these new funds, our aim is to continue to be at the forefront of development for this new medium and to create superior VR experiences."