BGF Ventures
Investing in early-stage entrepreneurs with bold ambitions
invested in early-stage companies since 2011
early-stage businesses backed
Second most active lead series A funder in the UK
Source: dealroom.co
We think venture capital should better serve entrepreneurs. That’s why we take a long-term, patient approach to growth funding, as you never know how long it’s going to take to meet your growth objectives. Patient capital is a great option for companies that are establishing themselves. BGF’s ability to provide follow-on funding works very well for those still working towards profitability.
Venture capital success stories from all over the UK
From data science to quantum computing and even space, our early-stage investments are powering emerging industries with the capital and advice they need to grow.
BGF invested £3m in gousto in 2015 with follow-on funding of £13m in 2018.
- Gousto is the UK's original recipe box subscription service, founded in 2011.
- BGF was part of the recent £28.5m raise in 2018.
BGF was a part of a £23m investment in 2018
- Started in 2014, now valued at over £100m.
- The UK-based cybersecurity company specialises in safe browsing as a service.
£3.4m invested by BGF since 2017
- The travel SaaS company helps hotels get more direct bookings.
- Funding used to help build Triptease’s business in Asia and expand their Direct Booking Summit event.
Who we’re looking for
We work with UK and Irish companies with the vision to create the industry-defining companies of the future. Life sciences has been an important area for us recently, and we’re also looking at advanced manufacturing, sustainability and space. The UK and Ireland is flush with entrepreneurial talent and we want to leverage the BGF platform to support the brightest early-stage companies in the country.
Ask us about fundingWhat we look for is an idea that can become a global success. The key thing for me is that it is different enough.
Our venture stage investments are lead by Simon Calver. Simon has worked at a string of multinational companies including Unilever, PepsiCo and Dell. He’s best known for his tenure as CEO of LoveFilm, successfully leading it to an exit to Amazon in 2011.
Early-stage champions
We don’t pretend to know your business better than you do but we know how it feels to be in your shoes. We’ve been through our own ups and downs, founding, running and selling companies.
Why BGF?
You stay in control
We only ever invest for a minority equity stake. With a seat on the board, we offer guidance and expertise. The founders always remain firmly in control.
Venture funding
BGF is the most active investor in the UK and Ireland with an evergreen balance sheet of £2.5bn. We’ve invested more than £250m in over 50 early-stage companies.
Flexible patient capital
The unique way we’re funded allows us to be patient. We focus on long-term growth and provide further funding and support as a company continues to grow.
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Sign up to our newsletterBroad national vision
We’ve established early-stage champions in each of BGF’s regional offices who act as a lightning rods for opportunities across every region.
We're ready. Are you?
Want to join some of the nation’s most ambitious and successful companies?We’re always looking for the next brilliant business to back.
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