Vision Zero Connect (VZC), a high-growth SaaS business at the forefront of ESG and energy performance management for the property sector, has secured a six-figure funding package from the British Business Bank’s Midlands Engine Investment Fund II through appointed fund manager for the East and South East Midlands, Maven Capital Partners.
The funding will accelerate the Nottinghamshire company’s product development, support the rollout of a major national contract win, and enable the creation of new jobs.
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 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.
Richard Ford, CEO of Vision Zero Connect, said: “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.”
Sajid Sabir, investment manager at Maven, said: “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.”
