The North East-based water technology company, Origin Tech, has secured a multi-million-pound investment from BGF, a leading UK growth capital investor, to accelerate its product development, growth, and international ambitions.
Founded in 2019 by Phil Surtees and John Marsden, Origin Tech specializes in innovative leak detection and repair solutions for water companies, employing advanced technologies that combine artificial intelligence, satellite data, and trenchless repair methods.
Key products and technologies include:
Origin Orbit: An AI and satellite-enabled leak detection system capable of pinpointing leaks within a 30-meter radius, helping water companies identify issues quickly and accurately.
Origin No Dig: A trenchless repair solution that seals leaks without excavation, eliminating the need for knowing the exact leak location and significantly reducing repair time, costs, and environmental impact.
The company reports it has already saved over three billion liters of water and repaired more than 10,000 leaks, demonstrating its impact on water conservation and operational efficiency. Its international rollout has begun, with plans to expand further into overseas markets, leveraging the scalable nature of its innovative solutions.
The BGF investment aims to support Origin Tech’s ongoing product development, accelerate its growth trajectory, and facilitate international expansion. John Marsden, co-founder and director, expressed enthusiasm about partnering with BGF: “Since 2019, we’ve turned our vision of reducing water loss and protecting the environment into reality. With this partnership, we can fully capitalize on the international potential of our technology.”
BGF’s commitment aligns with its broader regional funding strategy, including a £3 billion fund dedicated to supporting high-growth UK businesses over five years, with £400 million allocated for Yorkshire and the North East. BGF’s presence in Newcastle underscores its focus on addressing regional investment gaps and nurturing innovation in these areas.
John Healey, an investor at BGF, highlighted Origin Tech’s rapid growth and disruptive potential: “The company has established itself as a key innovator in the UK water sector. Its satellite-enabled leak detection and trenchless repair solutions are pushing the boundaries domestically and overseas, and we’re excited to support its next phase of expansion.”
With plans for further product development and ongoing international deployment, Origin Tech aims to become a global leader in water leak detection and repair, contributing to water conservation, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability. The partnership with BGF marks a significant milestone in this journey, positioning the company for sustained growth and industry disruption.
