Watergate’s Unfiltered Year in Review, 2024
“Who would trust a company named Watergate?”
It’s a fair question. The name conjures up images of scandals, secrets, and questionable tape recordings. But here’s the twist: instead of covering up leaks, we stop them. And in 2024, we proved that bold ideas paired with bold technology can change how the world manages water.
This year wasn’t just about launching a product—it was about making a statement. From unexpected challenges to exhilarating wins, here’s how we made waves (pun absolutely intended).
Turning talk into action
When we launched Sonic last year, we didn’t just introduce a new gadget—we declared war on water waste. Sonic combines precise ultrasonic leak detection, real-time water usage insights, and automatic shut-off capabilities to protect properties, conserve water, and reduce costs.
By the numbers, Sonic delivered big:
We’ve already detected thousands of leaks before they could drain wallets or flood basements.
Our first customers are typically reducing water consumption by around 25%, but in some cases the savings are extraordinary. At just one of our customers we identified:
A 53% reduction in water usage, equating to 1.6 million litres saved monthly.
£100,000+ in annual savings through reduced water consumption, heating bills, insurance and maintenance costs.
Nearly 200 tonnes of annual CO₂e reductions
But 2024 wasn’t just about numbers. It was about sparking a movement. Educating people about proactive water management turned out to be as crucial as the tech itself. Because, as it transpired, a lot of people don’t realise how much water—or money—they’re literally flushing away.
Never standing still
If there’s one thing we don’t do, it’s settle. In 2024, we continued to make Sonic smarter, faster, and more adaptable, creating a platform that meets the needs of a world that refuses to stay still. Take, for example, our new modular app—an elegant solution that adapts to users like a tailor-made suit. Whether you’re a landlord managing tenants or a resident tracking your own usage, the app delivers.
And speaking of landlords, our centralised dashboard gives them a bird’s-eye view of water use across their portfolios, complete with sustainability metrics.
Check out how the Watergate app and dashboard work together in this short film.
Over the months, we also made Sonic more inclusive (tech-wise). With smart integrations for platforms like Home Assistant and hardware agnosticism for third-party devices, Sonic plays nice with the tools people already rely on. It’s all about control, convenience, and saving the planet one drop at a time.
Partnering for Impact
We’ve always believed that big problems need bold collaborations. In our first year, we kicked off relationships with organisations that share our vision:
Insurance: Helping reduce water damage claims with proactive leak detection.
ESG Platforms: Supporting real estate operators in tracking and improving water sustainability goals.
Utilities: Engaging with water companies to help meet the UK’s target of cutting per capita water consumption by 20% by 2037.
These partnerships extend our reach and create the ripple effect needed to solve the water crisis.
Spreading the word
We were also busy raising awareness where it matters most. We exhibited at Proptech Connect and our team spoke at major industry events, including Web Summit and an AI symposium hosted by Cambridge University. We attended multiple other events—including at Parliament where we were able to exchange ideas with policymakers.
And we didn’t stop there—we joined influential groups like Waterwise and the Good Homes Alliance water efficiency committee, ensuring our voice is heard at the highest levels.
When people finally catch on
They say the world takes notice when you’re doing something right. In 2024, the spotlight found us:
IoT Breakthrough Award: Proof that we’re not just innovating—we’re leading.
Finalist for FM & Property Best Technology Innovator and edie Net-Zero Awards.
A coveted spot at Web Summit Lisbon as an Impact Startup, where we shared our vision with global leaders.
Finalist in the Water Dragons competition, recognising our role in shaping the future of water management.
Winner of the TOTO Innovation Pitch Competition, unlocking new international collaborations.
But the real prize? Watching skeptics turn into believers as they realised the scale of what we’re building.
Customer stories
While awards and numbers are great, nothing compares to hearing from the people we’ve helped. Real customers. Real stories. Real impact:
These testimonials are why we do what we do. They remind us that behind every drop saved, there’s a family, a business, or a community benefiting from smarter water management.
Growing pains that made us smarter
Every startup story has its “Oh no” moments, and we’re no exception. Some of our challenges tested our patience; others tested our sense of humor.
First, there were manufacturing delays. With orders piling up, supply chain bottlenecks left some customers waiting, which—let’s be honest—wasn’t our favourite moment. But it forced us to diversify production, making us more resilient.
Then there was maintenance overload—a surprising side effect of Sonic doing its job a little too well. Customers, especially landlords, were shocked by how many leaks we uncovered and didn’t have enough resources to address them quickly. But here’s the thing: those leaks were always there. Sonic didn’t create the problem—it just held up the mirror.
Finally, we ran into the eternal startup headache: educating the market. Getting people to embrace proactive water management wasn’t easy. But through clear ROI examples and customer stories, we’re starting to shift perceptions—and habits.
Policy Woes and Importing Water from Norway
Here’s a fun fact to splash around at parties: England, the country famous for its rain, is considering importing water from Norway. That’s right—while we’re surrounded by drizzle, decision makers are debating whether to tanker in fjord water to combat droughts.
We’ve written letters, held meetings, and made our case for mandatory leak detection in new builds. After all, the government has pledged to build 1.5 million new homes, and yet some of the areas they’ve targeted—like Cambridge—don’t even have enough water to support them.
But let’s just say the government’s response wasn’t exactly overflowing with enthusiasm.
So, we’re taking matters into our own hands.
Working with organisations like BREEAM, we’re helping businesses achieve top sustainability ratings.
We’re in discussions with water utilities about how they can leverage our behaviour-changing technology, and we launched the Water Impact Calculator with Waterwise, giving people the tools to make a difference while policymakers decide whether to act—or keep dreaming of Nordic water imports.
2025: Bigger Goals, Bolder Ambitions
With momentum on our side, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of scaling and impact. Here’s what’s next:
Sonic Price Drop: By reducing the price to £299, we’re making smart water management accessible to more people than ever.
New Products:
The Tile sensor, an extremely thin leak point sensor for hard-to-reach places.
Solutions for large pipes for communal distribution networks and commercial spaces.
Hot water compatibility, because leaks don’t discriminate between hot and cold.
Expanding Reach: Whether it’s second-home owners, Airbnb hosts, or hospitality operators, demand is surging, and we’re ready to meet it.
How thin is the Watergate Tile?
Funding the Future
To fuel these ambitions, we’ve launched a new fundraising round. This isn’t just about money—it’s about partnering with those who share our vision. With the right support, we can accelerate innovation, scale globally, and redefine what sustainable water management looks like.
Investors who join us now aren’t just backing a product—they’re backing a mission to solve one of the world’s most pressing challenges.
The Final Word
So, who would trust a company named Watergate? Turns out, a lot of people.
2024 was our proving ground—a year where bold ideas became tangible impact. We faced challenges, celebrated wins, and laid the foundation for a future where water is valued and protected. To everyone who believed in us—thank you. Your support has made all the difference.
But this is just the beginning. As we head into 2025, we’re ready to tackle bigger challenges and redefine what’s possible in water management. Together, we’ll build a future where every drop counts.
Here’s to what’s next—bold, bright, and built together.
Krystian is the founder and CEO of Watergate, an entrepreneur in Proptech, Climate-tech, and sustainable insurance solutions. A pioneer in insurtech, he co-founded Neos (acquired by Aviva) and Locket, merging smart home tech with insurance. Krystian also contributes to regulatory standards and frequently speaks on insurance, IoT, and AI, offering unique insights on emerging tech and industry standards.