Highway Data Systems, a developer of automated quality assurance technology for the road construction and asphalt industries, has secured £1.3 million in funding from Maven Capital Partners. The investment comes through the Investment Fund for Scotland, delivered by the British Business Bank. The funding will support product development and expansion of its operations in the United States.
Founded and led by Managing Director Joe Charlesworth, it develops proprietary hardware, embedded electronics and software that replace manual and safety-critical testing processes on road construction sites. Its products cover quality assurance across the full asphalt lifecycle, from production and haulage through to laydown, and are deployed with infrastructure contractors including Eurovia, Holcim and Tarmac. It operates across both the United Kingdom and United States, with an established domestic client base and a growing presence in the US market.
The funding reflects increased demand for automated solutions in the road construction sector, as regulatory pressure and a focus on site safety drive contractors to remove technicians from hazardous environments. It will support incoming contract wins, ongoing product development and further expansion of US operations.
We are very grateful to the British Business Bank and Maven for the investment in our company at an exciting point in our growth journey. Data is only as good as its accuracy, and as a technology partner for major infrastructure projects we strive for engineering-grade precision. This backing will allow us to invest in our product development as we enhance our automated digital solutions for both the UK and international markets.
The Investment Fund for Scotland was established to support ambitious, high growth Scottish businesses. HDS exemplifies this, combining innovation with clear international growth potential. As the first investment delivered through the Greater Glasgow Innovation Cluster, this funding demonstrates the Fund’s role in strengthening connections between investors and innovative businesses in the region.
HDS has evidenced strong growth to date, developing a highly rated suite of products for customers across both roadside and plant, in both the UK and US. Joe and his team have significant experience and knowledge within the sector, and with the continuous market shift to automated processes there is a strong growth opportunity. We’re delighted to be deploying the Greater Glasgow Innovation Cluster initiative for the British Business Bank in Scotland, and look forward to supporting more companies across the country.
