BGF, probably the most energetic development capital investor within the UK and Eire, deployed £489 million in 2024, welcoming 47 new companies into its increasing portfolio of 360 firms.
Regardless of a subdued mergers and acquisitions panorama, a number of of BGF’s portfolio companies loved strong exits this 12 months, underscoring the advantages of BGF’s funding and worth creation mannequin. Engineering design consultancy Hydrock, design automation specialist DriveWorks, and training recruitment supplier Operam Schooling all exited efficiently, delivering cash multiples of 6x, 2.8x, and a couple of.5x respectively.
BGF sometimes invests in return for a minority fairness stake, providing entrepreneurs a crucial various funding supply to gasoline development forward of a future exit. “We’re pleased to have welcomed a new cohort of entrepreneurial companies that are driving growth, creating jobs, boosting exports, and fostering innovation across the UK and Ireland,” mentioned Andy Gregory, CEO of BGF.
Since its inception, BGF has surpassed £4 billion in whole investments, having supported over 600 bold SMEs. In 2024 alone, the organisation channelled funds into a various vary of ventures, reflecting its dedication to regional development. Current investments embrace Elite Dynamics within the North West, Skewb within the Midlands, Woodland Kitchens in Northern Eire and Sulmara in Scotland. Extra examples embrace Eventmaster within the Republic of Eire, Tevalis in Yorkshire, Vosaio within the South East, Tapered Plus within the North East, Pure Cyber in Wales, and Plant-Ex within the South West.
BGF can also be driving progress in crucial world areas comparable to sustainability and life sciences, with investments in Sunswap (pictured), Puraffinity, DEScycle, Wobble Genomics, NanoSyrinx, and Abselion. Notably, BGF joined forces with different key buyers to commit £25 million to the Spend money on Girls Taskforce, which has amassed £250 million for feminine entrepreneurs and women-led companies throughout the UK.
Looking forward to 2025, Gregory emphasised BGF’s dedication to fostering enterprise success and strengthening native economies: “As we move into 2025, we remain committed to driving growth, supporting value creation for businesses and shareholders, and playing a key role in delivering the sustainable growth the economy needs now and in the future.”
