Zoopla boss Alex Chesterman has increased his stake in a business set up to make it easier for students to book accommodation online.

Uniplaces has raised £2.2m in a second round of venture capital investment.

Serial entrepreneur Chesterman first committed funds said to be £200,000 in July 2012.

Last November, Octopus Investments – an early backer of Zoopla – put £700,000 into the business.

In the latest round of fundraising, Chesterman has been joined by Barclays Capital managing director Rob McClatchey in backing Uniplaces.

Uniplaces launched last year and says it has had over £5m worth of bookings from students both in the UK and overseas.

Currently, Uniplaces lists student accommodation in London, Madrid and Lisbon.

The new money it has raised will take the business into France, Italy and Holland, as well as growing the business further in its existing markets.