Participated · Seed · Sep 2025

Camera Intelligence is integrating an LLM-driven AI assistant directly into a Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera that connects to smartphones. The system enables voice control of camera functions and local content-editing tasks such as colour grading and style selection, aiming to simplify production for solo creators and small businesses. The company uses the latest AI processing chips to create a vertically integrated AI technology stack that supports rapid experimentation and embedded AI software. Founded in 2021 and based in London, Camera Intelligence aims to transform cameras from passive observers into intelligent collaborators. The €1.7 million Seed round will accelerate development of its integrated AI-native camera and content-editing solutions. Camera Intelligence plans to launch its LLM functionality to iOS users in autumn 2025.

Led · Convertible Note · Jul 2025

Productive Machines develops SenseNC™, an autonomous milling optimization SaaS that simulates and optimizes machine settings to streamline machining of high-value, mission-critical components. The software integrates directly with leading CAM platforms, including Siemens NX CAM and Mastercam. The company was spun out from the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and targets aerospace, automotive, and precision engineering customers. In July 2025 Productive Machines secured a £0.51M convertible loan note to support growth. The funding will be used to grow its customer base across the UK and Europe and to expand into international markets. The company positions itself as deep tech focused on manufacturing and CNC optimization through software-driven process improvements. Productive Machines is a Sheffield-based AI startup commercialising six years of Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) research on machining dynamics to reduce lead times, cycle times, maintenance, component waste and carbon emissions for manufacturers. The company has developed a computational model and digital twin that predict and mitigate harmful vibrations during metal and composite milling, determining optimal machine parameters to avoid wasteful configuration experiments. Its technology has already been deployed at ten major manufacturers, including Renault and MASA Aerospace. Productive Machines raised £2.2m in Seed funding and received grant support from Innovate UK. The company plans to use the funds to deliver its AI as a fully automated SaaS product and to grow the team from eight people to more than twenty. It is building a partner network with measurement specialist Kistler, metal cutting solutions company Seco and other machine tool and cutting tool manufacturers to commercialise and scale the solution.