Our Impact Fund has acquired a majority stake in Crowdguard, a specialist in hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) solutions, helping to protect people at public events, sports stadia, entertainment venues and in city centres across the UK and Ireland.
Based in Standish, near Wigan, Greater Manchester, 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 based on the assessed threat, vulnerabilities, operational requirements and consequences. Its services cover the full process, from risk assessments and solution design through to deployment, installation, assurance, servicing, and maintenance.
As an independent, growing business with access to equipment from across the market, Crowdguard can recommend solutions suited to each location, rather than taking a product led approach. This means balancing security with practical considerations such as crowd flow, emergency vehicle access, and keeping public spaces welcoming.
Deborah Ainscough founded the business in 2019 with a clear focus on raising standards in the way HVM is assessed, specified and deployed, ensuring protective measures are proportionate to risk and installed in accordance with their tested configuration. Iain Moran joined as Managing Director in 2022 and has played a central role in the company’s growth since, building the team and strengthening Crowdguard’s reputation with local authorities, stadiums and major event organisers. Deborah and Iain 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 events of all sizes such as 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, with organisations placing greater emphasis on proportionate, risk led measures, operational resilience and assurance.
With our backing, Crowdguard will invest in its people, further strengthen its leadership team alongside Deborah and Iain and develop its systems, operations, technology and assurance processes, while continuing to raise standards and capability across the sector.
Greg Holmes, Senior Investment Director in the Palatine Impact Fund, 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.”
Deborah Ainscough, Founder of Crowdguard said: “This is an incredibly exciting moment for Crowdguard and an important step in the journey. Crowdguard was built with a clear focus on improving standards in the HVM sector and that commitment has remained at the heart of the business as we have grown. Today our approach is broader – understanding risk, providing the right solution and making sure it is delivered, installed and maintained to the right standard.”
“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.”
The deal was led by Greg Holmes, Senior Investment Director in the Impact Fund; Beth Houghton, Impact Managing Partner; and Jihad Karambizi, Investment Manager. Greg Holmes and Beth Houghton will join the Crowdguard board.
We were advised by Hill Dickinson (Legal); Forvis Mazars (Financial); Armstrong (Commercial); Quinn Partnership (People Strategy); RSM (Tax) and Lockton (Insurance).