Manchester’s Smartlife secures investment for wearable technology

Manchester-based wearable technology business Smartlife has secured equity investment to help commercialise its product.

Smartlife has developed technology which can be integrated into garments such as sportswear to read biometric signals and convert it into real time actionable insight.

The patented technology is paired with electronics which feed back information including heart rate, respiration, activity and calories burnt, so that the user can analyse these metrics alongside other performance markers such as speed and distance.

The company was formed in 2004 by director Mark Pedley who works alongside chief executive Martin Ashby and the private investors. The company partners with brands to develop smart garments that bring a level of information, once only accessible to medics and elite sports professionals, to the everyday athlete and health enthusiast.

The company’s continued R&D activity spans many sectors from health care and wound management to the military and emergency services, as well as elite and amateur sport.

Law firm Bermans has advised Smartlife on an equity investment from Australian investors.

“This investment is being used to accelerate the commercialisation process,” said Pedley. “During the next month we will be following up on meetings held recently in the States with a view to signing globally recognised sporting brands. We also have opportunities in Canada, EU, Australia and China.”

Jon Davage, a corporate partner in law firm Bermans’ Manchester office, led a team which included Robin Hastings and Neil Mumford.

“Smartlife is a great example of the thriving technology sector here in Manchester and are very pleased to have supported them in this transaction,” said Davage.

“It’s a very exciting time for the company and we wish them every success.”