Cambridge-based Spotta, a pioneer in smart pest detection technology, has successfully raised £3 million in a recent funding round led by The Yield Lab, STIHL Ventures, and ACF Investors. The capital infusion is set to propel Spotta’s global expansion plans and further establish its cutting-edge solutions, particularly the highly successful Bed Pod detectors designed to combat the escalating bed bug crisis.
In a bold move towards reshaping the pest control landscape, Spotta, founded in 2018, has garnered support from existing investors such as Martlet, Wren Capital, Remus Capital, along with contributions from Cambridge Angels and Cambridge Capital Group. Growthworks, a new investor, has also joined the ranks, underscoring the widespread recognition of Spotta’s transformative technology.
Revolutionizing Pest Detection: The Bed Pod Breakthrough
Spotta’s flagship product, the Bed Pod detector, has become a game-changer in the hospitality industry. Nestled discreetly under mattresses in hotel rooms, these devices provide real-time data through automated alerts, offering precise information on the location of pests, including room numbers, timestamps, and photo tracking capabilities. This innovative approach empowers hotels and establishments to take immediate action, preventing infestations before they escalate.
The bed bug detection market has seen a surge in demand, driven by Spotta’s unprecedented growth this summer. Despite the setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on the hospitality industry, the recovery over the past two years, coupled with the rise in bed bug populations, has propelled Spotta to a record year, safeguarding over 3 million room nights.
Smart Pest Monitoring for Global Impact
Spotta’s ultra-low-power insect monitoring sensors employ machine learning and AI to continuously track pests, ensuring early detection and intervention. The technology’s versatility allows installation in diverse environments, from hotel rooms to forests and deserts. As highlighted in a recent Business Weekly case study, Spotta’s platform provides real-time insights into the activity of various insect species, facilitating targeted interventions and minimizing the economic impact of pest-related damages.
Insect pests collectively cost the global economy an estimated $570 billion annually, causing diseases, crop losses, and damage to businesses’ reputations. Spotta’s technology aims to mitigate these losses by enabling organizations to proactively address pest issues before they spiral out of control.
Expanding Beyond Hospitality: Agriculture, Forestry, and Horticulture
In addition to fortifying its position in the hospitality sector, Spotta plans to utilize the funding to accelerate its international expansion into agriculture, forestry, and horticulture. With an alarming 40% of global crop production lost to pests and diseases, Spotta’s technology provides a groundbreaking solution for farmers to detect and prevent insect outbreaks, reducing the need for pesticides and minimizing the environmental impact of crop farming.
Robert Fryers, CEO and co-founder of Spotta, emphasized the timeliness of the investment round, coinciding with a recent bed bug infestation in Paris. He stated, “The approach to insect detection has remained unchanged for decades. Infestations are found too late, after the damage is done. Spotta changes this.”
Tim Mills, Managing Partner at ACF Investors, expressed confidence in Spotta’s transformative potential, stating, “The Spotta platform delivers a real solution that can completely turn the insect pest control industry on its head. It’s a solution that protects people and crops but also hugely reduces the cost and environmental impact of treatment.”
With this latest funding injection, Spotta is poised to make significant strides in reshaping the pest control landscape globally, marking a pivotal moment in the industry’s evolution.