BGF launches new brand

BGF has launched a new visual identity as part of its brand refresh. The company, which is now the UK’s most active investor in growing businesses, will stop using Business Growth Fund in favour of the shortened BGF to better accommodate its three areas of investment – BGF Growth, BGF Quoted and BGF Ventures.

The refreshed visual identity is designed to attract the UK and Ireland’s most exciting companies, people and partners. The new strapline, ‘Invested in Growth’, reflects BGF’s commitment to provide more than money by using its connections and networks at all levels to help growing businesses and entrepreneurs thrive. The equals sign, which sits at the centre of the logo, symbolises equity and reflects BGF’s desire to align closely with the companies and people it supports.

BGF was set up in 2011 with £2.5bn and has since backed close to 200 companies. Last year, BGF was the UK’s top institutional investor and ranked the seventh most active private investor in the world by number of investments.

In 2014, BGF launched BGF Quoted to offer a distinctive new funding option for listed businesses, followed by the launch of BGF Ventures in 2015. With £200m to invest, BGF Ventures manages the largest pool of capital dedicated to earlier stage tech companies in the UK and Ireland.

An important element to the brand update is bringing BGF Growth, BGF Quoted and BGF Ventures under the same visual identity umbrella. This reflects our holistic and comprehensive approach to supporting and investing in companies at all different stages of their growth.

BGF has also expanded its geographical presence and infrastructure and employs more than 150 people across nine offices in the UK. The opening of our tenth office in Dublin, announced last month, marks the company’s move into the Republic of Ireland.

The brand refresh was carried out in consultation with BGF employees, investee companies and its wider network.

Stephen Welton, CEO, BGF said: “BGF has come a long way since 2011. Founded during a difficult business climate, we are now the UK’s most active investor. BGF’s expansion means that growing businesses and entrepreneurs have been able to seize opportunities, take new risks, scale up and create jobs.

“BGF’s three areas of investment – BGF Growth, BGF Quoted and BGF Ventures – specialise in partnering with businesses that, because of their growth stage, have different risk profiles. But these areas of activity share the same BGF offer, namely long-term, patient capital and minority stakes together with the emphasis on building strong partnerships with business owners and entrepreneurs.

“Our new identity is bold and emotive, designed to take our brand profile to the next level and reflect our deep-seated belief in being truly invested in the success of the companies and people we support right across the country.”