BGF Ventures, based in the UK, drives innovation in climate tech, deep tech, and life sciences through early-stage investments in tech firms like Gousto and New Voice Media. Launched in 2015 with £200 million, it focuses on minority stakes to support sustainable growth, managed by industry experts like Harry Briggs and Simon Calver.
BGF Ventures, a division of BGF, stands as the UK’s leading venture capital firm with a dedicated focus on early-stage UK technology companies. Launched in September 2015 with a substantial commitment of £200 million, BGF Ventures aims to foster innovation and growth within the UK's tech landscape. This initiative is part of BGF's broader mission as the UK's most active growth capital provider, specializing in minority investments and value creation for small and mid-sized businesses.
The fund is managed by a dedicated team of industry veterans including Harry Briggs, Simon Calver, and Rory Stirling, who steer its strategic investments. BGF Ventures has an impressive portfolio of investments in tech-driven firms, with notable names such as Gousto, Tapdaq, and New Voice Media. Its broader technology investments also feature companies like Unruly Media, The Exchange Lab, Bullitt Group, and Skyscape.
BGF Ventures is unique not only for its substantial financial commitment but also for its robust support framework designed to help early-stage companies scale. The fund focuses on sectors that include climate technology, deep tech, and life sciences, addressing key future-oriented industries. The investment model adopted by BGF is distinctive in its patient approach, avoiding controlling equity stakes, thus allowing founders to retain control of their companies. This model supports long-term, sustainable growth and fosters enduring partnerships with entrepreneurs across various regions of the UK and Ireland.
Since its inception, BGF has invested nearly £4 billion in patient, minority capital, including over £1 billion in follow-on funding. This capital is complemented by significant value creation support tailored to meet the specific needs of its portfolio companies. This extensive financial backing and expert guidance have enabled hundreds of businesses across diverse sectors—such as education, technology, waste management, advanced tech, AI & data, and healthcare—to unlock their full growth potential.
Unique to BGF's approach is its deep integration within local and global business communities, with experienced teams spread across every region of the UK and Ireland. This network facilitates strong partnerships and drives meaningful contributions to the growth economy. With a portfolio that spans from family businesses and university spinouts to globally recognized brands, BGF Ventures prides itself on being a strategic partner that delivers far more than just capital.
Potential partners and entrepreneurs are encouraged to engage with BGF Ventures for a partnership built on understanding, long-term support, and a flexible investment approach. With a history of successful exits and substantial growth stories, BGF Ventures remains committed to fueling the engine of growth within the UK's vibrant tech sector.
Our pitch deck template will guide you through the requirements of an Accelerator-ready presentation.
Georgian, headquartered in Toronto, is a venture fund investing in high-growth B2B software companies with a focus on applied AI, conversational AI, and product-led purpose. Managing $5.6B, it offers financial and technological expertise, creating toolkits to integrate AI. Georgian is renowned for its support ecosystem and innovative investment approach, driving significant growth for its portfolio companies.
Next Coast Ventures, an Austin-based venture capital firm, provides early-stage capital to high-growth startups in 'next coast' markets across various industries like digital healthcare, cognitive health tech, HR Tech, and e-commerce. Offering financial backing, resources, mentorship, and strategic insights, they partner with resilient entrepreneurs to foster innovation and market leadership.
Lightbank, based in Chicago, Illinois, invests in disruptive technology startups across diverse industries, providing financial backing, strategic guidance, and operational expertise to foster growth and innovation. Emphasizing hustle, speed, integrity, teamwork, passion, and preparation, they partner with entrepreneurs to revolutionize markets and drive significant, lasting impact.
GD1 (Global From Day One) is an Auckland, New Zealand-based venture capital fund supporting globally ambitious Kiwi tech startups from seed to scale, providing capital, operational expertise, and international network leverage. Focused on tech, digital metal casting, insurance innovations, clean tech, and retail intelligence, GD1 ensures startups attain global success.
Octopus Ventures, a London-based venture capital firm, invests globally across the U.S. and Asia in health, fintech, deep tech, consumer, bio, climate, and B2B software sectors, annually deploying over £200 million to support start-ups through IPO, emphasizing people, community, and environment with a hands-on, sector-specific expertise and a history of transformative investments.