Nearhuman Raises £350,000 in Pre-Seed Funding
Nearhuman, a Bristol-based startup focusing on micromobility safety AI, has announced the successful closure of a £350,000 pre-seed funding round. SFC Capital led the round, providing the financial backing needed to advance the company's innovative safety solutions for e-scooters and e-bikes.
Company Background
Founded by Faizan Mir, who also serves as CEO, Nearhuman aims to revolutionize safety in the micromobility sector. The company develops intelligent systems that utilize edge AI and computer vision to improve safety measures for e-scooters and e-bikes. By integrating their AI technology directly onto vehicles, Nearhuman seeks to address rising safety concerns linked with the increasing use of these micromobility options in urban areas.
Use of Funds
The newly acquired funds will be directed towards the development of an on-device safety technology. This technology includes a retrofit AI camera system that detects pavement riding and road hazards, processing footage directly on the vehicle to maintain privacy standards. This system is currently being tested in a live pilot in Bristol, and the funding will accelerate these efforts, potentially expanding to more cities in the future.
Addressing Safety Concerns
As the popularity of shared e-scooters and e-bikes grows, so do safety incidents. According to the Department for Transport, e-scooter casualties in Great Britain have more than tripled from 2020 to 2025. Similar trends are observed across Europe, prompting operators, councils, and road safety groups to seek innovative solutions. Nearhuman's technology aims to fill a critical gap by providing real-time data on vehicle usage and safety.
Conclusion
With this funding, Nearhuman is positioned to enhance its AI-driven safety systems, aiming to make micromobility a safer option for urban commuters. As the pilot in Bristol progresses, the company looks forward to contributing positively to the micromobility landscape.