UK safety technology company Tended has secured GBP 2 million in investment from Praetura Ventures and Blackfinch Ventures to accelerate its growth, expand into new markets, and develop its next-generation wearable safety devices.
The funding round, led by Praetura’s EIS Growth Fund, will support Tended’s expansion across sales and engineering teams, strengthen its intellectual property portfolio, and help bring its new geospatial safety solutions to market. The company has already begun extending operations into Ireland, Northern Ireland and the Netherlands, collaborating with operators including Irish Rail and Translink.
Tended’s core product is a positioning device that uses rail-specific geospatial data to alert trackside workers when they exit designated safe zones. The technology, already adopted by companies including Network Rail and Siemens Mobility, aims to prevent trackside injuries and fatalities. Alerts are triggered in under 0.25 seconds, providing workers with critical time to avoid hazards. The solution also offers asset tracking and data insights for worksite safety management.
Track safety remains a concern across the UK rail network, with the Rail Safety and Standards Board recording 22 near misses in 2023–24. Tended’s approach seeks to replace traditional, paper-based safety methods with scalable digital solutions.
“Our mission is to put an end to preventable accidents and fatalities. With the support of top-tier investors and partners, we’re developing new capabilities that are moving us closer to that goal. This funding will allow us to expand into new markets and industries that can greatly benefit from our solutions,” Leo Scott Smith, CEO and founder of Tended, said.
The investment also brings strategic expertise to Tended’s leadership, with Praetura partner Andy Barrow and Blackfinch Ventures’ Ijaz Khan joining the board.
“Tended instantly inspired us with its approach to advanced geospatial technology, which is already having a profound impact on the safety of trackside workers. We look forward to helping the team attract major clients and contracts in the UK and globally,” Andy Barrow said.
Richard Harley, Ventures Director at Blackfinch Ventures, added: “We’ve seen Tended adapt and strengthen its position within the rail safety sector. The company now holds a unique place in the network, and we’re pleased to support its continued growth and innovation.”
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