Facial recognition firm backed by Mercia

MERCIA Fund Management (MFM) has invested in a facial recognition software developer.

Henley-in-Arden-based MFM has backed Customer Clever, a facial recognition and biometric marketing technology developer through an initial £150,000 SEIS funding round.

Customer Clever, which is based in Tamworth, has developed technology that can help retailers, leisure venues and shopping malls to better understand customers and their habits.

The cloud-based software uses a facial recognition algorithm that can determine the gender, ethnicity, age and time of visit of a customer. In addition, the offering builds and stores accurate profiles of repeat visitors.

Customer Clever Play adds interactivity to the service, delivering tailored video and audio footage across various content platforms, which can target the customer directly.

The development team at Customer Clever are also exploring key extensions to maximise customer benefits and service flexibility. These extensions will include the sending of SMS alarms to managers whenever an underage customer enters the premises, and the monitoring of student attendance in lecture halls.

Adam Whitchurch, CEO of Customer Clever, said: “Customer Clever offers an innovative solution to help businesses improve their marketing strategy, whilst providing a tailor-made, unique shopping experience for their customers.” 

Rob Johnson, investment director at MFM, said: “We believe the biometrics sector will experience significant growth over the next decade, and Customer Clever is well placed to take first mover advantage with this innovative application within this growth industry and potentially establish a significant market share.

“We look forward to working with the Customer Clever team as we continue to support the company through its growth and development.”