Vision Zero Connect secures six-figure funding through MEIF II

AI powered ESG management platform, Vision Zero Connect, has secured a six-figure funding package from the British Business Bank’s Midlands Engine Investment Fund II through Maven, appointed Fund Manager for the East and South East Midlands. 

Vision Zero Connect was founded by Richard Ford, who brings over 30 years of experience in sustainable energy and utility infrastructure consultancy across global markets. The company has developed two international proprietary platforms: ESG Navigate, an end-to-end ESG reporting software, and Portfolio One, a live building performance platform that captures, monitors and reports real-time building performance data across property portfolios.

Both platforms have been developed largely in-house, with limited outsourcing, allowing the company to retain full ownership of its intellectual property.

The company’s ESG Navigate platform streamlines reporting through comprehensive data management, automated supply chain communication, and compliance with international regulations, while Portfolio One continuously monitors building energy performance and provides detailed benchmarking and reporting.

Vision Zero Connect’s platforms offer the flexibility to support both individual properties and global asset management firms, reflecting the company’s focus on helping clients meet legislative requirements and address sustainability and performance management challenges, from the simple to the complex

The funding will enable Vision Zero Connect to support working capital requirements during the rollout of its platforms across new customer portfolios, accelerate further product enhancements including the integration of AI features, and facilitate strategic growth with the creation of new roles across the business.

From L to R : Tamil Ramadoss, Chief Technology Officer, Patrick Kassell, Technical Delivery Lead, Melissa Mendonca, Digital Marketing Lead, Sarah Mowbray, Senior Administrator, Rich Ford, Chief Executive Officer.

"This funding marks an important milestone in our growth journey. With the support of Maven and the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, we can accelerate product innovation and deliver on a major national contract that will showcase the capabilities of our platforms at scale. Our mission is to support property portfolios in meeting increasingly complex ESG and energy performance requirements with technology that drives efficiency, transparency and sustainability."

Richard Ford, CEO of Vision Zero Connect

"Supporting businesses like Vision Zero Connect is key to driving meaningful progress in sustainable real estate. Their cutting-edge platforms address critical energy and ESG reporting challenges that are becoming essential for institutional investors and asset managers. We are pleased to provide funding that will enable them to scale operations and accelerate product innovation, reinforcing Maven’s commitment to backing forward-thinking companies."

Sajid Sabir, Investment Manager at Maven

“The Midlands Engine Investment Fund II continues to play a vital role in supporting ambitious businesses across the region. This latest investment in Vision Zero Connect will help accelerate the company’s product development and create new job opportunities. It’s encouraging to see the Fund helping deliver real, measurable impact for businesses throughout the Midlands, driving growth and innovation."

David Tindall, Senior Investment Manager at British Business Bank

This latest investment adds to a growing list of businesses backed by MEIF II - Debt Finance East and South East Midlands. To date, the Fund has backed a diverse range of businesses including, Sleaford Building Services, mechanical, electrical and construction contractor, Lemon and Lime, a home staging business, TextureJet, a DeepTech firm, Sunset Commercial, a commercial brokerage business, Panoramix, an IP law firm, Advance Tapes, an independent adhesive tapes manufacturer, DUKE Distribution, a logistics and trackway installation provider and Vision4Sport, a sports hospitality specialist.

As Fund Manager of MEIF II - Debt Finance East and South East Midlands, Maven can provide business loans from £100,000 to £2 million to support both earlier and later stage businesses with real growth potential across a range of sectors. If your business, or the business you advise, is considering debt finance to support future growth please, click here.