Villari’s Groundbreaking Approach to Steel Structure Safety
In an era of increasing industrial demands and the need for reliable infrastructure, ensuring the safety and longevity of steel structures has never been more critical. Villari, a tech company based in Delft, has developed an innovative solution that promises to revolutionize how we monitor the integrity of high-stress steel structures. With a new investment of €4 million, Villari is poised to strengthen its foothold in the European market and expand its operations globally. The investment was led by FORWARD.one and InnovationQuarter Capital, with additional support from two key strategic individuals integral to the company’s growth.
Founded in 2019 by Olivier Baas, Villari specializes in crack detection within steel structures. Its patented sensor technology is designed to detect micro-cracks and fractures in steel infrastructure, providing vital data to operators. These sensors, which function continuously around the clock, have a transformative impact on the maintenance and safety of structures like industrial cranes and bridges.
The Technology Behind Villari’s Sensors
Villari’s sensor system is specifically tailored to high-stress steel structures, such as those found in industrial and infrastructure applications. The sensors are capable of detecting even the smallest cracks and fractures in real-time, notifying operators immediately upon detection. This proactive monitoring allows for swift intervention, preventing catastrophic failures that can lead to significant downtime or costly repairs.
The technology offers a 24/7 monitoring system, reducing the chances of unnoticed structural damage and ensuring preventative maintenance. The ability to catch cracks early extends the lifespan of critical infrastructure, such as cranes used in ports or bridges relied upon for daily traffic. By providing accurate and timely data, Villari’s technology also reduces operational disruptions, offering businesses more control and reducing repair costs.
Funding and Expansion Plans
Villari’s latest €4 million investment round is designed to help the company scale up its operations. The round was spearheaded by FORWARD.one, a Dutch venture capital firm that specializes in hardware-driven deep-tech companies, and InnovationQuarter Capital, a regional economic development agency from Zuid-Holland. The funding will allow Villari to accelerate the deployment of its sensor systems throughout Europe and lay the foundation for global expansion.
The timing of this investment is critical, as Villari has already seen increased customer demand for its sensors across the Netherlands and other parts of Europe. The company plans to expand rapidly and has set its sights on entering international markets. According to CEO Olivier Baas, this additional funding will enable Villari to quickly deploy its technology, meet growing demand, and continue its global expansion efforts.
Previous Successes and Future Growth
Since its founding, Villari has achieved significant milestones. In 2023, the company received the prestigious DNV seal of approval, certifying the quality and reliability of its sensors. This certification marked a key achievement in gaining the trust of industries that require high-level safety for their structures.
Additionally, Villari has already installed its sensors at several high-profile sites, including Dutch government bridges and industrial cranes in harbors and steel manufacturing plants across Europe. These deployments demonstrate the broad applicability and reliability of Villari’s technology in various sectors, from steel production to infrastructure.
With this new round of funding, Villari is focusing on scaling its operations and making its technology accessible to more companies across Europe. The company also plans to enhance its research and development, ensuring its products stay at the forefront of sensor technology and crack detection.
Villari’s Impact on the Steel and Infrastructure Industries
Villari’s approach represents a major step forward in the steel and infrastructure industries. The ability to monitor and assess the structural health of essential assets like bridges and cranes is critical to ensuring the safety and efficiency of operations in many industries. Villari’s sensor technology not only offers a safety net against catastrophic failures but also contributes to a more sustainable and cost-effective way to manage industrial assets.
The company’s focus on early detection means that issues can be addressed before they escalate, reducing the need for extensive repairs or replacements. This proactive approach contributes to both economic savings and improved public safety, which is particularly valuable for infrastructure management at both the municipal and national levels.
In addition to their environmental and safety benefits, Villari’s systems also represent a shift toward more data-driven decision-making in the maintenance and management of industrial infrastructure. As the company continues to grow, it will play an essential role in revolutionizing the way we approach maintenance, sustainability, and safety in steel structures.
The Road Ahead for Villari
As Villari continues its expansion, the future looks bright for this innovative tech company. With strong backing and a clear market demand, Villari is well-positioned to become a leader in sensor technology for structural monitoring. By making crack detection accessible, affordable, and reliable, the company is helping industries worldwide make smarter decisions that ensure the long-term health of their critical assets.
With its cutting-edge technology and a strong business model, Villari is not only improving the safety of steel structures but also setting the stage for the future of smart infrastructure management on a global scale.
