Experts at creating value

Backing leaders in hard-to-reach security markets

Heligan oversees a portfolio of investments and they understand how isolating leadership can be without the right advisors. With specialist sector expertise and individuals holding high-level security clearances, Heligan can work with businesses and programmes that many investors simply cannot reach—providing informed challenge, guidance and capital to help leaders make their next strategic move with confidence.

How we create value

Sector specialists

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Deep expertise in national security, public safety and crime prevention to guide investment decisions and support portfolio company growth.

Proprietary network

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Global network of advisors and experts delivering strategic support and insight across every stage of the investment lifecycle.

Portfolio community

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We build strong connections across our investments to unlock synergies, share opportunities, and accelerate collective growth.

Group IP

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We see the world differently and our intelligence and insights drive smarter decisions and give our portfolio companies a competitive edge.

Heligan impact on portfolio businesses

  • Ballistics, intelligence, investigation & forensics
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    • Product development

      Identified opportunity to develop bullet recovery system using Scanwel (another Heligan investment company), increasing margins and enabling Arquebus to offer this as an Arquebus-branded product rather than supplying a third-party product.

    • Heligan network

      Leveraged relationships to assist in accessing Asia, Africa, Australasia and UK market opportunities.

    • Commercial introductions

      Support in presentations to key commercial partner, Idemia, also a potential strategic acquiror.

  • Ccl Logo (2)
    Digital forensics & cyber security
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    • HMRC liaison

      Assisting in negotiations with HMRC to re-phase historic HMRC debt.

    • Organisational support

      Strengthening and reshaping the executive team and streamlining operations.

    • CFO support

      Identifying and recruiting a new CFO. Working intensively with them once appointed to create enhanced financial reporting.

    • Forensic Science Regulator

      Facilitating and participating in direct discussions with the Forensic Science Regulator in respect of legislation implementation.

    • Overseas opportunities

      Introducing and brokering several overseas opportunities (e.g. a large software opportunity with the Indonesian Attorney General’s office).

    • Introductions

      Introducing CCL to KPMG and facilitating CCL being named one of only 20 KPMG alliance partners.

    • Heligan network

      Leveraging Heligan’s network relationships to assist in accessing new geographies.

    • Heligan Strategic Insights

      Introducing Heligan Strategic Insights team (HSI) to assist in market research and connections within UK agencies and HMG institutions.

  • Detertech
    Intelligence led security solutions
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    • Non-Exec Director

      Keith Bristow appointed as Non-Executive Director to provide access to the wider police and National Crime Agency (NCA).  In addition, he has provided challenge and positioning for the broader activities of DeterTech.

    • Market mapping

      Provided support in market mapping of prospective acquisition targets.

    • Acquisition support

      Input into the regulatory regime for its acquisition of SmartGuard in Denmark.

    • Portfolio introductions

      Introduction to CCL (another Heligan investment), to explore broader collaboration with forensic activities across UK police authorities.

  • Vulnerability research & exploit development
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    • Corporate structure and governance

      Created a new corporate structure, assisted with improvements in corporate governance and introduced HSBC and RSM as new global bankers and auditors.

    • Chairman appointment

      Identified and recruited Paul Taylor CBE as Chairman, with over 30 years national security experience across AWE, MOD and UK government departments.

    • CFO appointment and support

      Recruited a full time CFO, Andy Last, with experience in the vulnerability research sector.  Worked intensively with the CFO to create enhanced financial reporting.

    • Heligan network

      Leveraged Heligan network relationships to assist in accessing two new geographies (USA and Australia).  Introduction of Heligan Strategic Insights to explore potential avenues, including introduction to Special Forces teams in the UK and US.

    • Exit planning

      Initiated exit planning activities, including the ongoing preparation of an exit paper.

  • Predictive data analytics & insights
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    • Leadership support

      Enacting change through replacing the founder CEO and recruiting a new CTO. The prior founder CTO remains with the business but in an innovation role which is more suited to his skillset and vision.  
      Strengthening the senior management team through the recruitment of a COO, FD and Chief Product Officer.

    • Portfolio introductions

      Introducing the business to other portfolio companies, such as CCL.

    • Management guidance

      Working closely with management to provide greater financial reporting, cash management and more focused strategy sessions.

    • Heligan network

      Leveraging Heligan’s network relationships to assist in accessing new geographies.  This has resulted in sales opportunities with KPMG, regional port providers and global airlines, alongside opening up relationships within the UK banking community ahead of the eCDD launch.

    • Transition to recurring revenue

      Providing support and guidance to management in successfully transitioning Pandora Intelligence from project-based revenue to recurring license revenue.

    • Heligan Strategic Insights

      Introducing Heligan Strategic Insights (HSI) to assist in market research and connections within UK agencies and HMG institutions.

  • Scanwel Logo
    Precision forensic instruments, vacuum systems & analysis tools
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    • Leadership support

      Identified and appointed CEO to manage the investment and lead the acquisition of Projectina.

    • Financial guidance

      Provided finance support to improve reporting and analyse information in UK/IFRS GAAP.

    • Sales investment

      Encouraged management to invest in an experienced Head of Sales.

    • Marketing and NPD

      Facilitated strategy sessions to agree New Product Development (NPD) strategy. Invested in research to aid NPD plan, and adopted a new market orientation which led to acquisition.

    • Heligan network

      Leveraged Heligan network relationships to assist in accessing Asian markets.

    • Acquisition support

      Enabling the Scanwel team to increase capacity and market reach.

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    Heligan Investments LLP, a UK limited liability partnership. Registered in England and Wales No OC434999.

    Registered office: St Philip’s House, 4 St Philip’s Place, Birmingham, B3 2PP. Heligan Investments LLP (registered number 967118) is authorised and regulated by the FCA.

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    HELIGAN INVESTMENTS LLP (the “Firm”) is committed to ensuring that it, its partners, employees, agents and anyone contracted to it comply with the requirements of the UK Bribery Act 2010. 

    The Firm is committed to conducting its business fairly, honestly and openly, and has a zero- tolerance approach towards bribery and corruption. 

    The Firm has implemented a risk-based approach to identify areas where it may be at risk to bribery and has put in place systems and procedures to reduce and manage this risk. It reserves the right not to deal with other entities that do not make the same commitment. 

    The Firm has adopted and implemented a number of policies and procedures which are intended to prevent the Firm, its partners, staff or agents being involved in bribery. These are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain effective.   

    For further information on the Firm’s bribery risk policies and procedures please contact the Compliance Officer, to whom the partners have given day-to-day responsibility for ensuring that the Firm’s anti-bribery policies and procedures are adhered to.

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