Vizgard, a London-based company specializing in AI-powered automation for security and defence systems, has secured €1.7 million in funding to expand its engineering, business development capabilities, and international distribution. The funding round was led by Sure Valley Ventures with participation from Midwich Ignite and Focal, providing Vizgard the means to accelerate the growth of its proprietary FortifAI platform. This platform enhances security cameras, drones, and unmanned vehicles with real-time visual intelligence and autonomous capabilities.
Founded in 2021 by former Royal Navy submariner Alex Kehoe, Vizgard is focused on addressing the increasing demand for reliable AI automation in the defence and security sectors. According to Alex Kehoe, the UK has the potential to lead in defence AI innovation but has been slow to transition from proof of concept to deployment. Vizgard’s AI operates at the edge, allowing systems to react faster, act autonomously when communication is lost, and collaborate for actionable insights, whether on land, in the air, or at sea.
The company’s FortifAI software integrates traditional computer vision with advanced deep learning models to deliver robust performance in real-world scenarios. It uses low-power commercial processors to enhance a range of applications, including security cameras, counter-drone systems, and unmanned vehicles. One of its standout features is the Behaviour Risk Index algorithm, which calculates a danger probability score while blurring faces to protect privacy, ensuring its utility for both public safety and defence.
FortifAI significantly reduces operator workload by automating camera control and providing precise, real-time threat identification. The system can detect and alert operators to complex safety events, such as identifying vulnerable individuals in dangerous situations or at risk of self-harm. By combining cutting-edge technology with privacy considerations, Vizgard is positioning itself as a leader in AI-driven security solutions.
The funding will allow Vizgard to scale its operations and further close the gap between strategic vision and implementation in the defence AI sector. A recent report from the UK’s Defence Committee highlighted the disconnect between the country’s AI strategy and its practical application, a gap Vizgard is determined to bridge. By enhancing time-critical visual intelligence, Vizgard aims to meet the increasing operational demands that traditional systems struggle to fulfill.
The company has secured contracts with the UK Ministry of Defence, HMGCC Co-Creation, and leading defence technology firms. Its clients also include Sesanti, a prominent British camera manufacturer, and multiple national police departments. Vizgard is part of a €14.2 million Innovate UK consortium led by Altitude Angel, working on a 165-mile drone superhighway. The UK Home Office recently awarded Vizgard a contract to develop a portable knife-detection solution powered by its FortifAI platform.
Sure Valley Ventures, one of the lead investors, recognized Vizgard’s potential to transform the security and defence sectors. Brian Kinane, Founding Partner of Sure Valley Ventures, emphasized that Vizgard’s systems approach addresses reliability concerns, enhances performance in complex environments, and provides time-critical threat detection. With the rapid adoption of AI in defence and security, Vizgard’s innovative solutions are positioned to make it a global leader in AI vision automation.
Vizgard’s mission extends beyond technical innovation. The company is focused on creating practical, scalable solutions that integrate seamlessly into existing infrastructure. FortifAI leverages low-power processors to deliver efficient and cost-effective AI capabilities, reducing the need for expensive hardware upgrades. By combining traditional computer vision with advanced deep learning, Vizgard enhances situational awareness, reduces operator fatigue, and enables faster, more accurate responses to evolving threats.
This funding round marks a significant milestone in Vizgard’s journey to revolutionize AI-powered automation for security and defence. By aligning its technology with the needs of both public and private sectors, Vizgard is paving the way for a new era of AI-driven security systems that are reliable, scalable, and adaptable to complex challenges. With its proven capabilities, strong partnerships, and commitment to innovation, Vizgard is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of AI vision technology.
