BGF Ventures, a London-based venture capital firm, has been making waves in the startup ecosystem since its inception.
With a unique combination of scale, long-term capital, and streamlined investment process, BGF Ventures has become one of the most active and dynamic investors of equity capital in growing companies.
Top Venture Capital Firms London
Despite being based in London, BGF Ventures has also been providing funding for companies outside the capital. The fund’s initial investments are typically between £2m and £10m, but it can invest up to £15m in follow-on rounds.
This has allowed BGF Ventures to become one of the top venture capital funds in the UK.
But it’s not just about the money for BGF Ventures. The firm is known for backing entrepreneurs and innovators, and providing strategic support to help companies grow and succeed.
With a focus on ambitious businesses, BGF Ventures has been instrumental in helping many startups achieve their goals.
A Brief History of BGF
BGF is a venture capital firm based in London, UK. It was founded in 2011 by Stephen Welton to address the chronic and longstanding shortage of funding available to small and mid-sized firms in the UK and Ireland.
Foundation and Growth
In its early years, BGF started with a modest investment of £2.5 billion. However, due to its innovative approach and commitment to supporting entrepreneurs, the firm quickly gained popularity and grew to become one of the most prolific growth investors in the world.
16 Offices Across the UK and Ireland
BGF has 16 offices across the UK and Ireland, making it one of the most regionally-focused venture capital firms in the region. These offices are strategically located to ensure that BGF can provide local support to entrepreneurs and small businesses in different locations.
Since its inception, BGF has invested more than £3 billion in over 400 small and mid-sized companies in the UK and Ireland. The firm’s success is attributed to its unique approach to investing, which involves providing long-term funding and support to entrepreneurs who are passionate about growing their businesses.
Overall, BGF has become a game-changer in the venture capital industry, providing much-needed funding and support to small and mid-sized businesses in the UK and Ireland. With its commitment to regional growth and its innovative approach to investing, BGF is well-positioned to continue making a positive impact on the business landscape in the UK and Ireland.
Investment Strategy
BGF is a venture capital firm that invests in growing companies in the UK and Ireland. Their investment strategy is focused on being a non-controlling equity partner to businesses that have a strong potential for growth. In this section, we will take a closer look at their investment strategy and what makes it unique.
Focus on Growing Companies
BGF’s investment strategy is centered around investing in growing companies. They are looking for businesses that have a strong potential for growth and that are looking to scale up. They are not interested in investing in businesses that are already mature and established.
Initial Investments and Patient Outlook
BGF takes a patient outlook when it comes to their investments. They are not looking for a quick return on their investment and are willing to wait for their investments to grow. They also make initial investments of between £2m and £10m, but they are willing to invest up to £15m in follow-on rounds.
Non-controlling Equity Partner Approach
BGF takes a non-controlling equity partner approach when it comes to their investments. They are not looking to take control of the businesses they invest in, but rather to be a partner to the business and help them grow. This approach allows the businesses they invest in to maintain their autonomy while still benefiting from BGF’s expertise and support.
Overall, BGF’s investment strategy is focused on investing in growing companies that have a strong potential for growth. They take a patient outlook when it comes to their investments and are willing to wait for their investments to grow. They also take a non-controlling equity partner approach, which allows the businesses they invest in to maintain their autonomy while still benefiting from BGF’s expertise and support.
Key Personnel
Leadership Team
BGF Ventures has a dynamic leadership team that is always on the lookout for innovative and ambitious businesses to back. The team is led by CEO Andy Gregory, who has over 20 years of experience in private equity and venture capital. He is known for his ability to spot emerging trends and identify promising investment opportunities.
Joining him is Aaron Baker, a Director at BGF Ventures. Aaron has a keen eye for detail and is responsible for sourcing and executing new investments. He has a wealth of experience in venture capital and has worked with a number of successful startups.
Board-Level Non-Executives
In addition to the leadership team, BGF Ventures has a number of board-level non-executives who provide valuable insight and guidance to the firm. These individuals have a wealth of experience in a variety of industries and bring a unique perspective to the table.
One of the non-executives is Jane Reoch, who has over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. She has held a number of senior positions at major banks and is known for her strategic thinking and ability to navigate complex regulatory environments.
Another non-executive is Mark Williams, who has over 25 years of experience in the technology industry. He has held a number of senior positions at major tech companies and is known for his expertise in product development and innovation.
Overall, BGF Ventures has a talented and experienced team of individuals who are passionate about supporting innovative and ambitious businesses. Whether it’s the leadership team or the board-level non-executives, each member brings a unique perspective and skillset to the table.
Sector Expertise
Investments Across Industries
BGF is a venture capital firm that invests across a wide range of industries, including healthcare, technology, automotive, energy, life sciences, oil and gas, artificial intelligence, cloud, financial services, and retail. With a long-term mindset and a focus on strong management teams and business potential, BGF provides growth capital and support to accelerate progress.
BGF’s portfolio includes companies such as healthcare technology firm Current Health, automotive data platform Wejo, and financial services provider Neyber. By investing in a diverse range of industries, BGF is able to spread its risk and capitalize on opportunities across different sectors.
Active Investor in the UK Region
As an active investor in the UK region, BGF has backed over 180 businesses in London and the South East alone. In fact, since 2011, 47% of equity deals secured by high-growth UK companies and backed by PE or VC firms have gone to businesses based in London, and that proportion is increasing, standing at 51% in 2021.
BGF’s expertise in the UK region allows them to identify and invest in promising businesses, providing them with the capital and support they need to grow and succeed. BGF’s portfolio includes UK-based companies such as energy storage provider Moixa, life sciences company Bicycle Therapeutics, and cloud-based HR software provider CIPHR.
Overall, BGF’s sector expertise and active investment approach in the UK region make them a valuable partner for businesses looking to grow and succeed in a variety of industries.
Key Events and Initiatives
Birmingham Tech Week Participation
BGF Venture Capital Firm London participated in Birmingham Tech Week, which took place from September 13 to 17, 2023. The event brought together tech businesses, investors, and innovators to share knowledge and ideas. BGF was one of the sponsors of the event and had a booth where visitors could learn more about the firm’s investment philosophy and portfolio companies.
Scaleup Summit and Growth Forum 2023
BGF will be participating in the Scaleup Summit and Growth Forum 2023, which will take place in London from November 20 to 22, 2023. This event is organized by the Scaleup Institute, an organization that supports high-growth businesses in the UK. The summit will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing scaleups. BGF will be one of the sponsors of the event and will have a booth where visitors can learn more about the firm’s approach to investing in growth-stage companies.
LinkedIn Takeover and Jimmy’s Jobs Podcast
BGF recently took over the LinkedIn page of Jimmy’s Jobs, a popular podcast that features interviews with entrepreneurs and business leaders. During the takeover, BGF shared insights into its investment strategy and portfolio companies. The takeover was a success, with many people engaging with BGF’s content and expressing interest in learning more about the firm.
In addition, BGF was recently featured on an episode of Jimmy’s Jobs Podcast. During the interview, BGF’s CEO Nigel Owens discussed the firm’s approach to investing in growth-stage companies and shared his insights into the UK’s startup ecosystem. The episode was well-received, with many listeners praising Nigel’s wit and humour.
Overall, BGF is committed to being an active participant in the UK’s tech ecosystem. The firm’s participation in events like Birmingham Tech Week and the Scaleup Summit and Growth Forum 2023, as well as its social media initiatives like the LinkedIn takeover and Jimmy’s Jobs Podcast appearance, demonstrate its dedication to supporting and promoting the growth of high-growth businesses in the UK.
Awards and Recognition
Thames Valley Dealmakers Awards
BGF Ventures has been recognised for its excellence in investment at the Thames Valley Dealmakers Awards. The awards celebrate the achievements of top dealmakers in the Thames Valley region, and BGF Ventures has won several awards in recent years.
The firm won the “Venture Capital Firm of the Year” award in 2019, which recognised its outstanding performance in supporting early-stage companies. This award was a testament to BGF Ventures’ commitment to investing in innovative and disruptive businesses that have the potential to transform their industries.
B Corp UK and B Lab Certification
BGF Ventures is proud to be a certified B Corporation, a recognition of its commitment to social and environmental responsibility. B Corps are businesses that meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
BGF Ventures is one of the few venture capital firms in the UK to have achieved B Corp certification, and this reflects its commitment to making a positive impact on society and the environment. The firm has also been recognised by B Lab, the non-profit organisation that certifies B Corps, as a “Best for the World” company in the “Customers” category.
Overall, BGF Ventures’ awards and recognition demonstrate its commitment to excellence in investment and social and environmental responsibility. The firm is dedicated to supporting innovative and disruptive businesses that have the potential to create positive change, and its B Corp certification is a testament to its commitment to making a positive impact on society and the environment.
Contact Information
BGF Ventures is a venture capital firm based in London, UK, with a total of 16 offices across the country. In order to get in touch with the firm, there are several ways to do so.
Website and Social Media
BGF Ventures has a website that provides information about the firm, its portfolio companies, and its investment philosophy. The website is a great resource for entrepreneurs who are looking for funding and want to learn more about what BGF Ventures is looking for in potential investments. The website also has a contact page that provides a form for entrepreneurs to submit their business plans.
In addition to its website, BGF Ventures is active on social media, including LinkedIn. Following BGF Ventures on LinkedIn is a great way to stay up-to-date on the firm’s latest investments and news.
Office Locations
BGF Ventures has 16 offices across the UK, including locations in London, Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, and Bristol. The firm’s London office is located at 13-15 York Buildings, WC2N 6JU. The other office locations can be found on the firm’s website.
Entrepreneurs who are interested in meeting with BGF Ventures can contact the firm to schedule a meeting at one of its offices. BGF Ventures is always looking for new investment opportunities and is happy to meet with entrepreneurs who are working on innovative ideas.
Overall, BGF Ventures is a great resource for entrepreneurs who are looking for funding and support. With its website, social media presence, and multiple office locations, BGF Ventures is accessible to entrepreneurs across the UK.
