VivaCity (or Vivacity Labs) works with national government, regional bodies and local councils to re-think and optimise the way traffic and transport infrastructure is built and used.

The technology provides anonymous, highly accurate data to deliver real-time insight into road networks and infrastructure and is at the forefront of developments of smart cities, active travel and autonomous vehicles.

Their AI-driven transport technology gathers data on modal share and travel patterns. Their sensors have been deployed across the UK, including Manchester, Cambridge and Sunderland. The business recently inked a deal with Nottingham City Council Data and their sensors were instrumental in Barnet Council’s recent successful ‘Levelling Up’ bid.

We initially led the £5mn Series A investment, alongside existing investors Downing Ventures and London Co-Investment Fund.

We led a follow-on investment of £7mn in February 2023.

Investment rationale

VivaCity utilised our existing funding to double its headcount and is recruiting for roles across the company. The company is also seeing strong international demand. It continues to expand – into the Nordics, Benelux, and Australia. Transport for  Greater Manchester is already a key partner. The Greater Cambridge Partnership, in conjunction with Cambridgeshire County Council, has also chosen to pilot this intelligent technology.

Our follow-on investment in 2023 was made to fuel their expansion into North America and carry on transforming cities into smarter, more efficient places to live and work.