Embargo Lands £350k UK Government Grant for AI-Powered Hospitality CRM
Deal News | Mar 26, 2025 | UK Tech Funding
Embargo, a tech firm specializing in CRM for the hospitality sector, has received a £350,000 grant from the UK government to develop an AI-driven CRM platform. This initiative, supported by Innovate UK's Smart Grant, follows the company's aim to provide advanced technological solutions for hospitality SMEs amid rising costs of operation. The AI model will analyze customer data to optimize pricing, marketing, and loyalty strategies. Co-founders Tsewang Wangkang and Fryderyk Szydlowski emphasize the role of automation in helping small businesses improve profit efficiency. In addition to the government grant, Embargo is also pursuing additional funding through an Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) to accelerate its growth strategy and expand its technological offerings.
Sectors
- Technology
- Hospitality
- Finance
Geography
- United Kingdom – The grant is awarded by the UK government and involves Embargo, a UK-based tech firm.
Industry
- Technology – The article discusses Embargo's development of an AI-driven CRM platform, highlighting the technology sector's role in advancement of hospitality solutions.
- Hospitality – Embargo specializes in CRM platforms designed specifically for hospitality businesses, making this industry highly relevant.
- Finance – The article involves grant funding and investment rounds, highlighting financial aspects in supporting tech development.
Financials
- £350,000 – Grant amount awarded by the UK government for the development of AI-driven CRM technology.
- $1.1 million (£850,000) – Seed round raised by Embargo in 2021.
- £740,000 – Additional funding raised by Embargo last year.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Embargo | Target Company | Company | A CRM, loyalty, and ordering platform serving hospitality SMEs. |
| UK Government | Grant Provider | Government | Awarded the grant through the UK Smart Grant initiative. |
| Innovate UK | Grant Administrator | Government | Facilitates the Smart Grant to promote R&D in the UK. |
| Tsewang Wangkang | Co-founder of Embargo | Person | Involved in leading Embargo's strategy and growth. |
| Fryderyk Szydlowski | Co-founder of Embargo | Person | Discusses the strategy and investor interest of Embargo. |