Derby-based startup Vigilant AI.ai has secured £585,000 in pre-seed funding, led by venture capital firm Haatch, alongside contributions from the East Midlands Combined County Authority and the British Business Bank. 

The company builds AI “teammates” – generative AI systems designed specifically for regulated industries, helping businesses use AI safely and compliantly.

The funding will help the business expand its engineering and go-to-market teams, finalise pilot programmes and prepare for a wider commercial rollout in 2025.

The company’s founders say their technology bridges the “GenAI trust gap” by allowing financial and regulated firms to adopt AI tools without compromising governance or compliance