British Design Fund backs Manchester firm helping people keep houseplants alive
Ben Beavers, founder of SmartyPlants(Image: British Design Fund)
A Manchester start-up that helps people look after their plants has secured £190,000 in funding to help it develop its technology.
SmartyPlants was founded in 2023 to develop technology to support homeowners and help them to keep their plants alive. Its smart sensors are designed to tell owners what their plants need to thrive – such as when they need watering and if they need to be moved for more or less light.
Now it has received support from the British Design Fund (BDF), an organisation that helps early-stage businesses that are focused on problem-solving and smart design.
A Horticultural Trades Association report showed that in 2023, UK adults spent £700m on houseplants. But many of those plants die off thanks to, SmartyPlants says, issues such as “inconsistent watering routines, poor light conditions, and limited insight into plant health”.
The company provides sensors that offer real‑time information on everything from soil moisture and light levels toi temperature, humidity, and nutrients.
Founder Ben Beavers said: “SmartyPlants began with a simple idea: plant care should be intuitive, not intimidating. People want their plants to thrive, but they often don’t have the tools or information to make that easy. Our technology is designed to help users gain clarity and confidence, so they can enjoy their plants rather than worry about them.
Manchester technology startup SmartyPlants was founded in 2023(Image: British Design Fund)
“The idea came to me when we were redecorating. My partner was keen to introduce plants but felt sad because she’d killed every plant she’d ever owned. This bothered me, so with my background in biology, I set about building something to solve the problem. I started soldering some early prototypes and took it from there.”
He added: “It’s fantastic to have received this funding from British Design Fund, which follows earlier funding previously secured by the company. The funding will be used to support product development and exploratory work including early research into possible UK and international distribution opportunities.”
BDF CEO Damon Bonser said: “SmartyPlants is tackling a relatable, everyday problem with thoughtful design and a clear understanding of user needs. The team has developed a product that aims to bring simplicity and insight to plant care, and we’re pleased to support their continued development.”
