Funding deal for sensor manufacturer

A manufacturer of sensor equipment has secured nearly £800,000 in new funding to help food and beverage clients speed up their cleaning processes.

Birmingham-based 4T2 Sensors will use the funding to secure certifications for hazardous environments and hire for key positions.

Based on Birmingham Research Park in Edgbaston, 4T2 Sensors has developed a fluid analysis and monitoring sensor which can be used by customers in the food and beverage industry.

When these companies switch between products, they have to clean equipment via something called a ‘clean-in-place' process which uses harsh chemicals and large volumes of water.

Optimising this process is crucial in reducing downtime, costs and water wastage.

4T2 Sensors' product enables real-time control and optimisation of this cleaning process with claims of a 20 per cent reduction in the time spent.

This fresh round of funding will support 4T2 Sensors' market expansion through obtaining certifications alongside hiring product managers, application engineers, and hardware engineers to boost product development and market reach.

Chief executive Max Swinbourne said: "This investment is a major step forward in empowering food and beverage manufacturers to achieve significant sustainability gains.

"With this investment, we can expand our team and obtain key certifications, positioning 4T2 Sensors to become a leader in sustainable food and beverage production solutions.

"We're excited about the future and the positive impact our technology can have on the industry."

4T2 Sensors secured £796,000 worth of capital.

This comprised a £249,965 investment from the West Midlands Co-Investment Fund alongside undisclosed funding from US venture capital firm Waterpoint Lane and a group of angel investors.

The West Midlands Co-Investment Fund is managed by Birmingham-based venture capital firm Midven.

It was launched by the West Midlands Combined Authority and the West Midlands Pension Fund in 2023 to help expand SMEs that have high potential for growth.

Rupert Lyle, investment director at Midven and principle of the fund, added: "We're delighted to support 4T2 Sensors as it plays a crucial role in revolutionising sustainable practices within the food and beverage industry.