7 May 2025

Tended secures £2m from Praetura Ventures and Blackfinch Ventures to expand into new markets.

The round was led by Praetura Ventures with backing from Blackfinch Ventures and angels.

£2.0M

Lincoln-based Tended has developed a wearable geospatial safety solution that alerts rail workers when they leave designated safe zones.

Railway safety technology specialist Tended has secured £2m in fresh funding to scale its operations and bring its wearable devices to new sectors. The investment was led by Praetura Ventures through its EIS Growth Fund, with continued participation from existing backer Blackfinch Ventures alongside angel investors.

The capital will be deployed to strengthen the company intellectual property portfolio, launch the next generation of its wearable hardware, and expand engineering and sales teams. The raise follows notable commercial traction, including a substantial contract with Network Reserve and ongoing deployment by Siemens Mobility.

Since closing the round, the firm has initiated expansion into Ireland, Northern Ireland and the Netherlands. Praetura partner Andy Barrow and Blackfinch Ventures representative Ijaz Khan have joined the board to guide the business through its next phase of growth.

From the founder

"Our mission is to put an end to preventable accidents and fatalities. Working with top-tier investors and partners, we’re pushing the boundaries with geospatial technology and developing some exciting new capabilities that are moving us closer to this mission."

Leo Scott Smith

CEO and founder at Tended

Investor perspective

"Railway infrastructure relies on constant maintenance and the continued efforts of trackside staff to ensure services operate smoothly and safely. This is why companies must do everything in their power to protect those who work on the railways. Tended instantly inspired us with its approach to advanced geospatial technology, which is already having a profound impact on the safety of trackside workers. This investment also marks our latest foray into transport and using technology to improve infrastructure. We’re looking forward to working closely with Leo and the team, living by our ‘more than money’ ethos to help the business attract more major clients and contracts in the UK and around the world."

Andy Barrow

Partner, Praetura