Anglesey’s Ecodetect raises £490,000 to scale AI marine monitoring for offshore renewables
Anglesey-based Ecodetect has secured £490,000 in equity funding to scale its AI-powered marine monitoring technology for offshore infrastructure as the UK’s renewable energy build-out accelerates. Half the round (£245,000) came from an angel syndicate led by M-SParc Angel Network member Bobby Williams, which also included £25,000 from climate-focused investor OnePlanet Capital.
The remaining £245,000 was provided by the Wales Angel Co-Investment Fund, managed by the Development Bank of Wales. Founder and managing director Dr David Gold said the investment will allow the company to grow its team, strengthen its technology and prepare to support the rapid expansion of offshore and floating renewables.
He added that Ecodetect aims to create high-quality local jobs in North Wales and develop technology in Wales that can be deployed internationally. The funding is expected to help create four new roles over the next six months and increase the firm’s capacity to deliver services at scale.
Ecodetect’s eco-detection toolkit uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify and record wildlife interactions with marine infrastructure, drawing on data from underwater imaging sensors. Its core clients are renewable energy developers that need environmental monitoring and reporting to comply with licensing regulations.
The new funding will also support technology development, including improved marine communication systems for data transmission and analysis. Lead investor Bobby Williams said Ecodetect is operating at the intersection of AI, marine science and renewable energy “at exactly the right time,” highlighting the company’s technical foundations and relevance to offshore developers.
Tom Preene, fund manager for the Wales Angel Co-Investment Fund, said the business is a strong example of Welsh innovation attracting angel investment. Ecodetect sees expansion opportunities across offshore wind, floating wind and tidal energy, particularly in Welsh waters, and believes its platform could extend to aquaculture, fishing and other marine sectors.