Rowden raises £25m from the National Wealth Fund to scale defence technology capabilities
The National Wealth Fund backed the Bristol-based engineering firm in its first direct investment focused on national security.
Rowden develops sensing, computing, and networking systems for defence and emergency services operating in demanding environments.
Rowden has secured £25m in funding from the National Wealth Fund to scale its sovereign defence technology and expand its operational footprint. The capital will enable the business to establish two new sites in the Southwest and West Midlands, driving job creation across the region. Founded in 2017, the company provides advanced sensing, computing, and networking hardware for the British Army and emergency services. This transaction marks the National Wealth Fund's inaugural direct investment in the national security and resilience sector.
From the founder
"Rowden was founded on the belief that the UK can build world-class engineering companies that strengthen national resilience and economic growth. We partnered with the National Wealth Fund because of its long-term commitment to supporting ambitious UK businesses in critical industries and strengthening sovereign capability,"
Rob Harper
CEO at Rowden
Investor perspective
"Building and sustaining our sovereign capabilities is critical to the UK's long-term security. With our backing, Rowden can accelerate its development of UK-built technologies for national resilience, while continuing to grow future talent here in the UK,"
Oliver Holbourn
CEO, National Wealth Fund
Use of funds
- 01Grow the team
- 02Scale operations
- 03Expand into international markets