Logistics tech platform YardOps has been valued at £2.5m after securing investment from early-stage VC firm Haatch and angel investors.
The Hull-based business is led by co-founders Jim Wardlaw, Matt Gibson, John Polling and Matt Weldon.
They developed the technology to help fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) firms make their logistics hubs more efficient.
Early-stage venture capital firm Haatch – through its SEIS Fund and British Business Bank-backed fund – together with York Angels, the angel investment platform, is providing funding to YardOps in a round that values the company at £2.5m.
The size of the investment has not been disclosed but is understood to be in the region of £500,000 and will be used to expand the customer base across the UK and Europe.
YardOps was launched as a standalone product in 2025 and co-founder Jim Wardlaw said: “Despite a world-leading FMCG industry, so many UK companies are still using manual processes for their yard logistics.
“We recognised the vast upside opportunity in terms of efficiency and speed of creating bespoke solutions for these operations. With the majority of operators relying on traditional processes, there’s a very significant addressable market.
“The benefits our customers have drawn from using our team’s software have served as proof of concept. We’re proud that Haatch and York Angels recognise the potential in YardOps and their funding provides us with the platform to help other FMCG firms benefit from our tech.”
Most yard operations software is designed for the US market, where sites are generally larger.
However, YardOps’ technology has been developed specifically for the UK and EU markets.
The platform features modules that integrate and optimise yard activities – including booking, gatehouse, shunter coordination, dock management, driver communication and trailer maintenance – delivering more efficient FMCG logistics operations.
YardOps offers customers reduced vehicle pick-up turnaround times, meaning fewer leased vehicles are needed on site; enhanced health and safety through more comprehensive operational tracking; and the ability to use live traffic data to better manage yard arrivals and departures.
Alongside FMCG, YardOps is also designed for operators in the manufacturing and logistics sectors.
The funding from Haatch and York Angels will be invested in further product development, sales and marketing, and strengthening the senior team.
YardOps recently appointed Martin Dougherty, who previously held senior roles at Wincanton and DHL, as commercial director.