Friday 1^st December 2023, Reading UK

Operational Solutions Ltd (OSL), a prominent player in counter-drone technologies, is pleased to announce a substantial follow-on investment of £3.5 million from BGF, a leading growth capital investor, taking its current total to £11.5 million.

This additional funding is an extension of the previous £8 million investment made in 2021. OSL currently provide solutions to customers such as Heathrow Airport and Wembley Stadium, and have experienced a 50% increase in revenue and over 50% team growth in the past year. OSL will be able to continue developing innovative solutions that keep pace with this evolving landscape, and further pioneer for safety and security for airports, sports arena, and events, amongst other markets.

OSL’s leadership of the Project HADO® consortium and the recent achievement of receiving the SME Creative Solutions Award are just a few examples of its leading innovation.

Drones are becoming integral to various industries – from sports and events to Critical National Infrastructure, all while being more commercially available than ever before.

Therefore, this investment comes as part of OSL’s growth funding strategy, aimed at advancing technology and commercial adoption, enhancing product offerings, and facilitating overall business expansion.

It underscores BGF’s continued confidence in OSL’s innovative approach to addressing the challenges posed by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

CEO Mark Legh-Smith emphasised the significance of this funding, stating:

“This investment is a testament to the progress OSL has made since our initial collaboration with BGF. The infusion of £3.5 million is dedicated to continuing our trajectory of technological advancements and product development. Importantly, it enables us to invest in our most valuable asset—our people—creating job opportunities and reinforcing our commitment to excellence in business development.”

Liam Pursall, investor at BGF, expressed enthusiasm, stating:

“OSL’s growth and technological development since our initial investment in 2021 has been very impressive. As the drone industry continues to gather pace, the need for comprehensive counter-drone capabilities and accurate situational awareness is growing across multiple end markets. Thanks to its leading technologies and expertise, OSL is at the forefront of this exciting new sector and its technology is key to unlocking the much anticipated Drone Revolution. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Mark and the rest of the OSL team and supporting the business as it continues to scale.”

About Operational Solutions Ltd (OSL):

Operational Solutions Ltd is a leading counter-drone technologies business based in Reading, UK. With a proprietary intelligent software platform, FACE®, OSL provides solutions to challenges posed by the increasing prevalence of unmanned aircraft systems in airspaces worldwide. The company actively supports major international airports, national infrastructure projects, and defence markets.

About BGF:

The Business Growth Fund (BGF) is the UK and Ireland’s most active growth capital investor, providing long-term capital for small and medium-sized enterprises. With a mission to unlock the potential of ambitious businesses, BGF supports companies in various sectors to achieve their growth goals.