The investment will allow Purple Transform to scale its operations after recent contract wins in the rail industry, expand into new sectors, and grow its West Midlands presence.

At the core of the company’s offering is its SiYtE system, which combines data from CCTV cameras, IoT sensors, and other sources. Using AI, machine learning, and computer vision, SiYtE provides real-time insights, identifying potential risks and alerting staff to incidents. Importantly, the system is compatible with older camera systems, eliminating the need for costly equipment upgrades.

Since its founding in 2021, Purple Transform has installed its technology across the rail network, using over 900 cameras and sensors to monitor safety hazards, reduce crime, detect vehicles at level crossings, and protect equipment at remote sites. The system has already proven effective, with transport police reporting a 72% reduction in cycle thefts over three months at one location, resulting in 13 prosecutions. The company is also working with Lancaster University to explore its potential for suicide prevention.

Based in Oxfordshire, Purple Transform currently employs over 50 staff, including a team in the West Midlands. The new funding will support the launch of a technology and logistics centre in the region, creating new jobs and strengthening the company’s connections with manufacturers and local universities.

Additionally, Alex Brown, former CEO of Cisco UK and Ireland, has been appointed as Chair of the company as part of the investment round.

Gregory Butler, co-founder and CEO, said: “Purple Transform’s mission is to unlock the full potential of technology to enhance safety, security, efficiency, and overall human well-being. Having successfully deployed our technology in rail, which is a highly complex environment, we’re looking forward to expanding into critical national infrastructure, ports, and manufacturing among other new areas.”

Jonny Nixon of Mercia Ventures added: “Purple Transform brings together a very high-calibre team with an in-depth knowledge of the rail industry and a strong culture of innovation. The company gained early traction and is now growing rapidly and winning significant contracts in the UK and beyond. This funding will help it to establish itself in the Midlands as the leader in the rail sector and expand into other industries.”

Barry Downes, Managing Partner, Sure Valley Ventures, commented: “As an AI Fund, this is exactly the type of business we like to back; founders with deep technology insights who then harness the power and utility of AI to provide real world practical benefits. What Greg and the team at Purple Transform are doing will be very impactful; not just in the rail sector but across a whole range of industries.”