Zelim’s North American expansion strategy

Zelim, based in Edinburgh, has appointed Commander Matthew Mitchell, a former United States Coast Guard (USCG) officer, as its Director of Search and Rescue.

Commander Mitchell brings two decades of USCG experience, most recently as head of search and rescue and policy.

He will oversee Zelim LLC, the company’s newly incorporated North American entity.

The expansion includes setting up a base on the USA’s East Coast and building a team to support sales of Zelim’s ZOE Intelligent Detection system, GUARDIAN rescue craft, and SWIFT Man-overboard Recovery Conveyor.

Zelim CTO Doug Lothian said: “Matt has already played a pivotal role in securing a cooperative R&D agreement with the USCG, resulting in ZOE’s development and market introduction.

“We look forward to continuing this relationship and drawing on Matt’s extensive experience and network.”

Commander Mitchell’s vision for maritime safety

Matthew Mitchell, Zelim’s new Director of Search and Rescue, highlighted the importance of the company’s technologies in addressing current limitations in maritime safety.

Mitchell said: “Zelim’s solutions represent a quantum leap forward in man-overboard monitoring and response.

“I am determined to ensure this technology is implemented worldwide.”

He described the ZOE system as the most significant advancement in search and rescue technology since 1946, with the potential to transform detection and response capabilities.

Mitchell added that Zelim’s commitment to improving maritime safety was a major factor in his decision to join the team.

Funding to support growth and innovation

Zelim recently closed a Series A investment round, securing £5.2 million in funding from Amati Global Investors, existing backers, and new private investors.

An additional £1.95 million was obtained through Innovate UK’s Innovation Loan programme to support the ongoing development of the ZOE product line.

Founder and CEO Sam Mayall said: “The successful closure of this round… indicates the confidence the market has in the company and our technologies.”

Zelim’s expansion into the Americas is central to its growth strategy, with a focus on meeting strong demand for its life-saving technology in North America’s maritime markets.

ZOE trials and North American partnerships

ZOE technology is being trialled across several sectors in North America.

A second installation is planned on a Texas-based offshore contractor’s jack-up rig, while the Canadian Civil Aviation Search and Rescue Association and North American defence customers are testing the system.

Zelim has already secured early partnerships and sales in the USA and Canada.

The physical presence of Zelim LLC will allow the company to meet growing customer demand more effectively.

Zelim expands to North America with US Coast Guard Commander appointment: Summary

Edinburgh-based maritime safety company Zelim has appointed former US Coast Guard Commander Matthew Mitchell as Director of Search and Rescue.

Mitchell will oversee Zelim LLC, a newly established entity on the USA’s East Coast, to support the expansion of its technologies, including ZOE Intelligent Detection, GUARDIAN rescue craft, and SWIFT Man-overboard Recovery Conveyor.

The company recently raised £5.2 million in Series A funding, along with £1.95 million from Innovate UK, to develop its product line and support North American operations.

ZOE is undergoing trials with Canadian and US defence customers and will be installed on a Texas offshore contractor’s rig.

Zelim’s CEO, Sam Mayall, described North America as a key market, citing growing demand for life-saving maritime technologies across various sectors.