Vape Guardian raises funds to develop vape-detection tech

Vape Guardian has raised £350,000 in seed funding through Angel Investment Network, as the UK-based company targets wider adoption of its vape-detection sensors in schools and other settings where vaping is prohibited.

The business sells hardware that detects vaping and sends alerts to staff. It describes the technology as an automated alternative to approaches such as increasing supervision of toilets or restricting access to facilities.

Vape Guardian was founded by husband-and-wife team Simon Hassett and Jean Hassett. The company positions the product as a response to youth vaping rates, citing NHS data that 1 in 4 students aged 11 to 15 have tried vaping.

Product and alerts

The sensors resemble smoke alarms and can be installed in existing buildings. Vape Guardian says a 10-point formula detects exhaled vapour and THC. Alerts are sent via SMS, email, or an app, and the system is designed to integrate with existing fire and security systems.

Vape detection has become a growing procurement topic for schools, as educators and site managers report difficulties identifying vaping in areas such as toilets and changing rooms. Suppliers market sensors as a way to reduce disruption from supervision and to provide evidence for disciplinary processes.

Vape Guardian says its systems are used in more than 400 schools across the UK and Ireland, and that it is the named brand on new Department of Education tenders that require vape detection.

Growth plans

The company aims to reach 1,000 schools by the end of 2025. It also plans to expand beyond education into aviation, workplaces, and leisure venues, and to support activity across the UK, the US, Australia, and English-language international schools.

The deal highlights continued interest from angel investors in safety and compliance technology that can be deployed across large estates. Schools have faced budget pressure in recent years, increasing scrutiny of spending. Suppliers have positioned detection products as a way to reduce staff time spent on enforcement and to cut fire alarm incidents linked to vapour and aerosols.

Simon Hassett, founder and CEO, said the company's focus is air quality and enforcing restrictions on vaping in certain settings.

"At Vape Guardian, we're dedicated to creating safer, healthier environments through advanced vape detection technology. Our mission is simple: to help schools, businesses, and public spaces maintain clean air and protect individuals from the risks associated with vaping."

He said the funding supports the company's strategy and plans for new markets.

"This funding from Angel Investment Network is a pivotal step in our 2026 strategy. It supports us to scale our presence in education and also bring our proven technology to the aerospace and workplace markets, where vape-induced fire alarms and health risks are becoming major operational headaches," Hassett said.

Angel platform

Angel Investment Network operates an online platform that connects early-stage businesses with investors. It says it spans 42 networks across 90 countries, with a community of nearly 2 million users, and that deals facilitated through the platform range from £10,000 to £1 million.

Xavier Ballester, head of brokerage at Angel Investment Network, said investors were drawn to the company's early commercial progress.

"Vape Guardian is addressing a rapidly growing global health problem with a groundbreaking, proprietary solution. Our investors recognised the strength of their genuine traction. They have already generated significant revenues, impressive for a three-year-old business. They stand out for the twin strengths of market-leading hardware with a holistic approach to education and policy," Ballester said.

Vape Guardian says it sees a large potential market in education and forecasts revenue of £97 million by 2029. It is also pitching its sensors for aviation and workplace environments, where operators can face disruption from alarms and enforcement issues tied to vaping rules.