A technology business helping elderly people live at home for longer has received £200,000 seed investment from Mercia Fund Management (MFM).

Canary Systems Ltd uses mobile and wireless technology to monitor the behaviour and activity of elderly people in their homes.

The system sends text and email alerts to family members if the signals change or stop.

MFM invested as part of an initial seed round. Canary Systems plans another round in coming months with new investors committed.

The money will help the business run a series of pilots with local authorities and domiciliary care organisations ahead of a full launch.

William Cotton, chairman of Canary Systems Ltd, said: “Initially the funding has helped us to further refine the product ahead of its market launch and to build our first production order.”

He added: “We are excited to be working with the Mercia Fund Management team, and look forward to receiving the benefit of their expertise as we fulfil our potential.”