Purple transformationa UK-based AI-powered rail data analytics company, has raised £4.5m in a funding round led by Mercia Ventures via the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II and supported by Sure Valley Businesses.
The company’s platform, Yes, helps identify and prevent incidents such as theft, trespassing and anti-social behaviour on railway lines. aggregates data from CCTV cameras, IoT sensors, and other sources, then uses AI, machine learning, and computer vision to analyze it and provide actionable insights.
SiYtE provides an intelligent eye on each camera and alerts staff to potential risks.
As it can be used with older cameras, there is no need to replace existing equipment.
Founded in 2021, Purple Transform brings together senior executives from Cisco, Network Rail, telecoms and government. Its technology is currently installed across the rail network with over 900 cameras and sensors for applications such as detecting people or safety hazards on lines, reducing crime, tracking vehicles at level crossings and protecting equipment at remote sites.
The system has alerted the Transport Police to numerous incidents and the company is working with Lancaster University to assess its impact on suicide prevention. According to the British Transport Police, it has reduced bike thefts by 72% in three months at one site and led to 13 prosecutions.
Gregory Butler, Co-Founder and CEO, said:
“Purple Transform’s mission is to unlock the full potential of technology to improve safety, security, efficiency and overall human well-being.
“Having successfully deployed our technology in the rail sector, which is an extremely complex environment, we look forward to expanding to 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 deep knowledge of the rail sector and a strong culture of innovation. The business has quickly gained momentum and is now experiencing rapid growth, winning significant contracts in the UK and beyond.”
The Oxfordshire-based company currently employs more than 50 people.
As part of the funding round, Alex Brown, former CEO of Cisco UK and Ireland, has been appointed Chairman of the company.
The funding will enable the company to scale up its operations following a series of contract wins in the rail sector, deploy its technology in other sectors and expand its operations in the West Midlands.
Main image: Purple Transform. Photo: uncredited.
