The perfect place to build an automotive tech business

"The support we’ve received from Robert, Ian and the County Council has been invaluable...their guidance and introductions have made a real difference.”

The founder of a groundbreaking simulation software company in Leamington Spa has praised Coventry & Warwickshire as “the perfect place” to study and build a business in the automotive sector.

With a rich mix of large technology firms such as Codemasters, IBM and Jaguar Land Rover, alongside innovative SMEs, the region has long been a magnet for talent. Many graduates have gone on to launch successful ventures of their own.

Raoul Popescu-Ghimis, who graduated from Coventry University, worked for several local firms before founding RACE (Rapid Axle Concept Evolution) Software in 2020. The software business, which supports the development of vehicle suspension systems via proprietary cloud-based simulations, now employs 11 people and continues to grow from its base in Leamington.

“Coventry University played a key role in helping me get started in my career,” said Raoul. “The course gave me the right foundation, and the support from my lecturers after graduation helped me secure my first job in the industry. Now, Warwick Business School is supporting their students in a similar way — and I’m proud that some of them have come to RACE.”

RACE offers placements to students from Warwick Business School, giving them real-world experience while bringing fresh energy and ideas into the business.

“We receive quick and valuable support from the Warwick Business School team,” he added. “The students are focused on business development, which aligns with our current expansion needs.”

As RACE has grown, the company has been supported by Warwickshire County Council through both the Automotive Specialist Ian Flynn and Business Growth Advisor Robert Dyer. Ian connected Raoul with contacts from the Department for Business & Trade and helped with export opportunities and international delegations. In 2023, a meeting at the Mill Street Exchange led to an introduction to Robert, who guided RACE through the Innovate UK Immersive & Creative Industries Launchpad grant — which RACE successfully secured.

The County Council has continued to support the company with introductions and networking opportunities. Raoul was also introduced to the Business Ready Programme, delivered by the University of Warwick Science Park, which helps high-growth SMEs scale further.

RACE also achieved a major milestone at Venturefest, winning the competition through a pitch delivered by Raoul that secured mentoring and support from local venture capital group Minerva.

RACE Software is a fully cloud-based simulation platform for developing suspension systems. It requires no installation and runs directly in any web browser. Its clients span the spectrum, from motorsport teams and innovative EV startups to OEMs, Tier 1 and Tier 2 supplier and universities.

“We’ve helped bring vehicles into production around the world — from small manufacturers to OEMs and motorsport teams looking to improve performance,” said Raoul. “Our customer base is global, but it all started here in Coventry & Warwickshire. The support we’ve received from Robert, Ian, and the County Council has been invaluable. Their guidance and introductions have made a real difference.”

“We are proud to be making a global impact while contributing to the region’s economy and innovation ecosystem.”