Vizion Zero Connect secures funding to expand ESG and energy performance platforms

Vision Zero Connect (VZC), a Newark-based software company focused on ESG and energy performance management in the property sector, has secured a six-figure investment to support its growth. The funding comes from the British Business Bank’s Midlands Engine Investment Fund II and was delivered through Maven Capital Partners, the appointed Fund Manager for the East and South East Midlands.

The investment will support job creation, accelerate product development, and enable the delivery of a major national contract. VZC plans to enhance its technology offering and scale deployment across customer portfolios.

Founded by Richard Ford, who has over 30 years of international experience in sustainable energy and utility infrastructure consultancy, the company has developed two proprietary platforms: ESG Navigate, which supports end-to-end ESG reporting, and Portfolio One, which monitors and reports real-time building performance data.

Both platforms have been built predominantly in-house, allowing the business to retain full ownership of its intellectual property. ESG Navigate helps organisations manage compliance and supply chain communication across international ESG regulations, while Portfolio One provides continuous building energy monitoring, benchmarking, and performance reporting.

The company’s tools are intended to support both individual properties and large asset management firms, offering flexible solutions to manage regulatory, sustainability, and performance challenges.

The funding will support working capital requirements, platform enhancements — including the integration of AI features — and strategic growth across the business.

Richard Ford, founder 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.”

David Tindall, senior investment manager at the British Business Bank, said: “The Midlands Engine Investment Fund II continues to play a vital role in supporting ambitious businesses across the region. This latest investment in Vision Zero Connect will help accelerate the company’s product development and create new job opportunities. It’s encouraging to see the Fund helping deliver real, measurable impact for businesses throughout the Midlands, driving growth and innovation.”

Image source: Vision Zero Connect