Railway safety tech start-up secures £2m investment from Praetura Ventures and Blackfinch Ventures
Summary
The company behind a wearable safety solution, which helps to improve the safety of railway staff and prevent avoidable incidents, has raised \xa32m from Praetura Ventures and Blackfinch Ventures, as it aims to expand into new sectors and global markets.Lincoln-based Tended has created an innovative geospatial positioning device to alert rail workers when they exit designated safe zones, allowing them to maintain a safe distance from onsite hazards, such as open lines and in-use heavy machinery.Train companies are often fined millions for track deaths and near misses. The funding will be used to strengthen the business IP portfolio, release the next generation of its wearable device and increase its headcount across sales and engineering.Praetura partner Andy Barrow joins Tendeds board, alongside Ijaz Khan from Blackfinch Ventures. Together, Andy and Ijaz bring key experience including from other board positions across software businesses in their growth phase.Since raising the investment, Tended has also begun its expansion into Ireland, Northern Ireland and the Netherlands, with the business working alongside influential leaders within the rail sector - including Irish Rail and Translink - to digitise worksites and put safety at the forefront.\U0001f4ac Leo Scott Smith, CEO and founder of Tended, said:"Our mission is to put an end to preventable accidents and fatalities. Working with top-tier investors and partners, were pushing the boundaries with geospatial technology and developing some exciting new capabilities that are moving us closer to this mission. This is why companies must do everything in their power to protect those who work on the railways.Tended instantly inspired us with its approach to advanced geospatial technology, which is already having a profound impact on the safety of trackside workers.