An AI-powered handheld scanner that improves how spatial data is captured and used across the built environment has been developed by NavLive.
The company aims to transform the architecture and construction industry with its AI-powered scanner that creates surveys in real-time for the AEC (Architectural, Engineering, and Construction), Nuclear, and Defence Sectors.
Developed by academics in robotics research at the University of Oxford, NavLive’s cutting-edge handheld LiDAR scanner, combined with edge AI processing, allows users to scan all buildings, generating precise site drawings in real time.
NavLive’s scanner helps architects, developers, and construction firms capture highly detailed, accurate building site drawings with instant 2D/3D building models, RICS-grade 1:100 surveys, and direct Scan-to-BIM integration. This eliminates the need for third-party surveyors and integrates with all leading architecture software.
How has the team grown?
The team has grown to 15 and operates out of offices in London and Oxford. CEO Chris Davison is a seasoned entrepreneur who previously founded one of Southeast Asia’s largest challenger banks and brings extensive experience in venture capital and company scaling.
CTO Dr. David Wisth has a PhD in Computer Vision, SLAM, Robotics and is a leading expert in 3D mapping and artificial intelligence, and COO and CFO Vikram Negi is a veteran finance executive with a strong track record of building and scaling venture-backed companies across Europe and Southeast Asia.
NavLive has been used extensively across major construction projects by leading AEC firms, including Jacobs, AtkinsRealis, and Mace. NavLive has also been deployed for both nuclear and defense applications, including with the UK Atomic Energy Authority.
Chris Davison, CEO, NavLive said: “For too long, architects and construction professionals have been stuck with complex, slow, expensive, and error-prone surveys. Our AI-powered scanning solution delivers real-time, high-fidelity 2D and 3D scans that no other product on the market can match. We are building the underlying record of truth for spatial data across the entire lifecycle of a building, transforming how the AEC industry works.”
NavLive has now officially launched with £4 million in combined investment and grant funding. This includes a £3.3 million seed round led by OSE, with participation from SOSV, Oxford Capital Partners, Clearance Venture Partners, AE Works, Britbots, and Oxford Innovation Finance, alongside a £700,000 grant awarded by Innovate UK last year.
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