Vizgard: AI Security Firm Secures £1.5M Investment to Scale Operations
Deal News | Jan 22, 2025 | UK Tech Funding
London-based AI security firm Vizgard has successfully raised £1.5 million in an oversubscribed funding round to accelerate its growth and ambition to become a global leader in AI vision automation. Established in 2021 by former Royal Navy submariner Alex Kehoe, Vizgard focuses on advancing AI for defense and public safety systems. The funding was spearheaded by Sure Valley Ventures along with contributions from Midwich Ignite and Focal. Vizgard's FortifAI software is integral to its operations, providing real-time threat identification and automatic camera control, thus reducing operator workload. The firm boasts a customer base that includes the UK's Ministry of Defence, HMGCC Co-Creation, and significant police departments, marking its critical role in enhancing national security capabilities. Moreover, Vizgard is involved in a £12 million Innovate UK project developing a drone superhighway and has recently secured a Home Office contract for a knife-detection solution.
Sectors
- Artificial Intelligence
- Defense
- Technology
Geography
- United Kingdom – Vizgard is based in London and works on projects relevant to UK national security and defense.
Industry
- Artificial Intelligence – This industry is relevant as Vizgard develops AI solutions for threat identification and automation in security systems.
- Defense – Vizgard operates within the defense sector by providing AI-powered solutions for defense and public safety systems.
- Technology – Vizgard is a tech firm focusing on AI applications, dealing with camera-based solutions and edge processing technology.
Financials
- £1.5 million – Amount of funding raised by Vizgard in the oversubscribed round.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vizgard | Target Company | Company | An AI security firm offering real-time threat identification systems. |
| Sure Valley Ventures | Lead Investor | Company | A venture capital firm that led the funding round for Vizgard. |
| Midwich Ignite | Investor | Company | A participant in the funding round for Vizgard. |
| Focal | Investor | Company | Another participant in the funding round for Vizgard. |
| Alex Kehoe | Founder | Person | Founder of Vizgard and former Royal Navy submariner. |
| Ministry of Defence | Customer | Government | A customer of Vizgard's AI solutions. |
| HMGCC Co-Creation | Customer | Government | Another government customer of Vizgard. |
| Sesanti | Customer | Company | A British camera manufacturer and client of Vizgard. |
| UK Home Office | Customer | Government | Awarded Vizgard a contract for a knife-detection solution. |