Private equity firm Palatine has taken a majority stake in Crowdguard via its Impact Fund.
The Wigan-based firm is a specialist in hostile vehicle mitigation and works to protect people at public events, sports stadia, entertainment venues and city centres across the UK and Ireland.
Crowdguard works with organisers and operators of events in crowded spaces to assess the risks posed by vehicle-borne threats and develop protective security solutions.
Its services cover risk assessments and solution design through to deployment, installation, assurance, servicing and maintenance.
As an independent business with access to equipment from across the market, Crowdguard says it can recommend solutions suited to each location rather than taking a product-led approach.
That means balancing security with practical considerations such as crowd flow, emergency vehicle access, and keeping public spaces welcoming, the company said.
Deborah Ainscough founded the business in 2019, with a focus on raising standards in the way HVM is assessed, specified and deployed. Iain Moran joined as managing director in 2022.
Ainscough and Moran will both continue in their existing roles following the investment.
Crowdguard works with local authorities, stadiums, major event organisers, festivals and Christmas markets.
Its experience spans local firework displays and Remembrance Sunday parades to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, which was attended by a million spectators.
The investment comes at a time of increasing focus on protective security across public spaces, venues and major events, according to the firm.
With Palatine’s backing, Crowdguard will invest in its people, further strengthen its leadership team and develop its systems, operations, technology and assurance processes.
The deal was led for Palatine by Greg Holmes, senior investment director in the Palatine Impact Fund, Beth Houghton, impact managing partner, and Jihad Karambizi, investment manager.
Holmes and Houghton will join the Crowdguard board.
Holmes said: “Crowdguard is a strong fit for our Impact Fund. Its work addresses an important societal need, helping to protect people in the places where communities come together. It’s a good example of how businesses can deliver strong commercial performance while making a positive difference to society.
“Deborah and Iain have built a business with a strong reputation for quality and a clear commitment to raising standards across the industry. We’re looking forward to working with them to strengthen the business, invest in its capabilities and support its next stage of growth.”
Ainscough added: “This is an incredibly exciting moment for Crowdguard and an important step in the journey.”
She added: “Palatine shares our ambition for the business and our commitment to making a positive impact. Their investment gives us the opportunity to strengthen our team, technology and capabilities, continue to raise standards across the sector and protect more people, property and places.”
Palatine says the Impact Fund was established with the ambition to demonstrate that financial returns and positive social or environmental impact can go hand in hand.
The firm says the fund invests £5m to £30m in commercially driven businesses with a mission to positively impact on society or the environment.
Palatine was advised by Hill Dickinson (legal), Forvis Mazars (financial), Armstrong (commercial), Quinn Partnership (people strategy), RSM (tax) and Lockton (insurance).
Crowdguard was advised by Bamburgh Capital (corporate finance) and Clarke Willmott (legal).