A Bristol-based engineering and defence business, Rowden, has secured a £25 million investment to fund its ambitious expansion plans. Founded in 2016 by former Army Corporal Rob Harper, the company aims to reduce government reliance on multinational defence contractors and already employs over 160 staff.
Company Growth and Technology
Rowden, named among the fastest-growing tech companies in the South West last year, designs high-tech systems for organisations such as the Ministry of Defence (MoD), NATO, and emergency services. These systems focus on environments with limited or unreliable connectivity.
Job Creation and Facility Expansion
The latest funding from the government's National Wealth Fund will create 100 roles within the next 12 months and expand facilities in Filton. Rowden plans to add 500 new roles by 2032 to meet demand from UK and international customers.
Founder's Vision
Rob Harper, CEO and founder of Rowden, who received an MBE for his counter-terrorism work, stated: “Rowden was founded on the belief that the UK is a place where enduring engineering companies can be built, delivering impact for national resilience, economic growth and skills. We chose to partner with the National Wealth Fund because of the direct alignment with our mission and their mandate.”
National Wealth Fund Support
Oliver Holbourn, CEO of the National Wealth Fund, said: “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.”
Government and Defence Contracts
Rowden works with UK government customers, including the British Army, Cyber and Special Operations Command, and Scottish Fire and Rescue, and exports its technology overseas. The company is delivering key British Army programmes such as Human Machine Teaming and ASGARD, and contributes to the AUKUS AI for Acoustics programme.
Defence Minister Luke Pollard MP commented: “Rowden is exactly the kind of British engineering company we want to back - innovative, veteran-founded and delivering for our national security. The National Wealth Fund’s investment will help scale world-class sensing and information systems, creating hundreds of high-skilled jobs across the Southwest and West Midlands, and strengthening the industrial foundations that our Armed Forces depend on.”
