A Lancashire company whose tech can deliver urgent messages during disasters and major incidents is hoping to expand globally after winning funding through the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).
Kirkham-based Audiebant, founded by father and son Gary and Josh Dean, creates communication systems to deliver instant messaging when incidents including lockdowns, natural disasters and emergencies occur. Those messages range from audible alerts, mobile notifications, and desktop messaging through to messages on digital public displays.
Customers include NHS trusts, schools and the Ƶ Government, while its safety communication systems are operational across more than 600 client sites.
Now it has secured “a seven-figure investment” from NPIF II – Praetura Equity Finance, which is managed by Praetura Ventures as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II.
Audiebant plans to use the funding to develop its software as a service technology, including its patent-pending multilingual outdoor unit and AI-powered emergency response platform, and also aims to expand its global footprint.
The company recently launched in the US and, after launching in Luxembourg, is planning more European growth.
Audiebant says demand for its services is growing worldwide, particularly as and as venues need to be more prepared for emergencies and acts of terror.
The company is also looking to promote the use of its technology beyond emergency situations – such as for allowing events companies to relay useful information such as set times.
Josh Dean, chief executive of Audiebant said: “This partnership represents more than capital. Praetura brings deep strategic expertise, a strong network, and a shared belief in our mission – to save lives and improve safety through intelligent communication. Their investment is a powerful endorsement of the scale of what the whole team at Audiebant have built, and the global opportunity that lies ahead.
“With installations now underway in both Europe and North America, and a distributor network spanning dozens of countries, this is a pivotal time for Audiebant. The backing from Praetura will allow us to continue building momentum at speed and scale.”
Peter Carway, investment director at Praetura Ventures, said: “We’ve seen the Lancashire tech scene developing and evolving for a number of years, and Audiebant represents the very best of it. Audiebant is a category leader in intelligent, real-time safety communication, and we are proud to be supporting the team as they look to bring their proven system to a global audience and fulfil their hugely ambitious plans.”
Sue Barnard, senior investment manager at British Business Bank, said: “Audiebant is showcasing the very best of the tech companies that are leading the way in the North. And now, with this funding, the business is able to take their operations global, placing Lancashire on the map as an area where innovative businesses can set up and grow, especially with the assistance of readily available access to finance.”
Audiebant was advised by Alvarez & Marsal and Beyond Law Group. Praetura Ventures was advised by Gateley.
Last month Praetura announced plans to merge with Par Equity to form the PXN Group, subject to FCA approval.
