Swoon Editions, a UK-based furniture business that connects designers with customers, has raised £4 million in Series A funding.

The online business was founded in March 2012. It says it “slices through traditional supply chains” connecting consumers with manufacturers and artisan designers directly.

It has grown from three employees to 36 in 12 months following seed investment of £1.2 million in May 2013. Octopus Investments led both and the latest round with additional investment from Index Ventures.

Brian Harrison, CEO and co-founder, said the money would go towards hiring an additional 20 staff members in London, Vietnam, India and China.

“We cut out unnecessary retail overheads and gain further efficiencies by only producing pieces we know are in demand.

In the past year we have tested every aspect of our business model, rapidly growing our base of suppliers, designers, customers and industry style watchers.

“We are delighted that this has inspired our original investors to provide additional capital to accelerate our growth.”