4T2 Sensors Seed Round, January 2025

Birmingham-based 4T2 Sensors, a company specializing in sensor technology for real-time fluid analysis, has secured £796,000 in a seed funding round. The funding includes a £249,965 investment from the West Midlands Co-Investment Fund (WMCO), managed by Midven, part of Future Planet Capital. Additional contributions came from Waterpoint Lane and a group of angel investors.

The funds raised will be utilized to support 4T2 Sensors in its market expansion, with a particular focus on helping Food and Beverage (F&B) manufacturers meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) requirements. Key areas of investment include obtaining certifications like ATEX for use in hazardous environments, expanding the team by hiring product managers, application engineers, and hardware engineers, and accelerating product development to enhance market reach.

Founded in 2018 by Max Swinbourne and Dr. Alexander Smith in Birmingham, 4T2 Sensors has developed a cutting-edge sensor technology designed to analyze fluids in real time using electrical signals. This technology enables accurate detection of fluid properties, including concentration, contamination, and mixture components. By providing real-time analysis, the sensors allow for improved control over industrial processes, resulting in enhanced efficiency and reduced waste.

The company's technology is particularly impactful in addressing challenges within the F&B industry. Manufacturers in this sector often face the difficulty of balancing diverse product offerings with efficient production. This includes managing the Clean-in-Place (CIP) process, which is required when switching between products. CIP processes typically use significant amounts of water and harsh chemicals, making optimization crucial for reducing downtime, costs, and environmental impact.

4T2 Sensors' fluid analysis and monitoring technology offers significant advantages in optimizing the CIP process. The sensor enables real-time control and monitoring, providing highly accurate data that allows for precise adjustments. Users have reported a 20% reduction in CIP time on average, contributing to greater operational efficiency and sustainability.

Commenting on the funding round, 4T2 Sensors CEO Max Swinbourne said, “This investment is a major step forward in empowering F&B 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 F&B production solutions. We’re excited about the future and the positive impact our technology can have on the industry.”

Rupert Lyle, Investment Director at Midven and Fund Principal of WMCO, highlighted the importance of the company’s work, stating, “We’re delighted to support 4T2 Sensors as they play a crucial role in revolutionizing sustainable practices within the F&B industry. Their innovative sensor technology has the potential to significantly reduce water waste and energy consumption, directly addressing a key environmental challenge.”

With this investment, 4T2 Sensors is well-positioned to advance its technology and expand its presence in the F&B industry. The company aims to leverage its innovative solutions to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and support sustainability efforts across the sector. The funding marks a significant milestone in 4T2 Sensors’ journey to becoming a leader in sustainable production solutions for the F&B industry.