Wilder Sensing, a developer of software for biodiversity monitoring using audio and Artificial Intelligence (AI), has secured a £300,000 equity investment from the South West Investment Fund, via appointed Fund Manager The FSE Group. This forms part of a £700,000 investment round that also includes Oxford Innovation Finance and Cambridge Angels. The new funding will enable the company to create 15 new jobs, increasing its capacity to deliver cutting-edge solutions in biodiversity data collection and analysis.
Wilder Sensing has developed an innovative AI-based platform designed to measure and report on biodiversity through the analysis of audio data. The platform uses commercially available bioacoustic recording equipment to deliver accurate analysis of wildlife sounds, currently focusing on birds, and expanding over time to include bats, insects and other species. This continuous data collection offers more detailed and consistent insights compared to traditional static and human-led surveys.
Wilder Sensing's platform has already attracted a diverse range of customers, including Somerset Wildlife Trust, ecological consultancies and large-scale farming businesses, as well as a project for BBC's Springwatch. With potential applications across many sectors including Agriculture, Renewable Energy, Mining, Oil & Gas and Construction, the company is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in sustainable development and biodiversity conservation efforts.
Geoff Carss, CEO and co-founder of Wilder Sensing, which is based near Wedmore in Somerset, said: "The biodiversity collapse is one of the top global risks identified by the World Economic Forum, with over half of the world's GDP relying on nature. Our technology addresses the urgent need for accurate, scalable, and unbiased biodiversity monitoring around the world. This investment will enable us to enhance our platform and expand our reach, helping industries and government bodies make informed decisions backed by solid data."
Matt Browning, Investment Manager at The FSE Group, commented: "Wilder Sensing's innovative approach to biodiversity monitoring aligns perfectly with current market drivers and new legislative requirements. The company's participation in respected incubator and accelerator programs, along with its strong intellectual property potential, demonstrates its commercial viability and scalability. We are excited to support Wilder Sensing as they lead the way in this growing market."
As businesses and governments increasingly prioritise sustainability and nature regeneration initiatives, Wilder Sensing offers a robust solution to ensure activities are backed by data, enhancing environmental accountability and reducing the risk of greenwashing.
Paul Jones, Senior Manager from the British Business Bank said: “Wilder Sensing represents the kind of innovative, fast-growing business that the South West Investment Fund is dedicated to supporting. The team’s technology offers a powerful tool for industries looking to achieve meaningful sustainability goals, providing the accuracy and scale needed to make data-driven decisions for environmental stewardship. This investment reflects our commitment to nurturing businesses in the South West that contribute not only to the region’s economic strength but also to positive environmental impact.”
Richard Cooper, Managing Director at Oxford Innovation Finance, added: “Wilder Sensing has been generating significant interest for its pioneering technology which accurately measures and analyses biodiversity. With an increasing focus on corporate environmental goals, it is well positioned to lead the market for precise ecological data and reporting, and support environmental management efforts.”
The purpose of the South West Investment Fund is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the South West. It offers a range of commercial finance options with smaller loans from £25k to £100k, debt finance from £100k to £2m and equity investment up to £5 million. The fund is increasing the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for South West smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and helping to break down barriers in access to finance.
Published: December 2024.