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BGF Ventures

Europe, Aberdeen City, United Kingdom, Aberdeen

Description

BGF Ventures was initially established as the dedicated early-stage venture arm of BGF (Business Growth Fund), focusing on nascent technology companies across the UK and Ireland. While BGF Ventures as a distinct entity was later integrated back into the broader BGF operations, BGF continues its commitment to backing early-stage businesses with significant growth potential. This strategic shift means that BGF now directly manages these investments, leveraging its extensive network and resources to support promising startups.

Currently, BGF targets ambitious early-stage companies that demonstrate a strong market proposition and clear pathways to scaling. Their investment philosophy for this segment is to provide patient capital, often taking minority stakes to allow founders to retain control while benefiting from BGF's strategic guidance. Typical first cheque sizes for these early-stage investments range from approximately £1 million to £5 million, though BGF has the flexibility to deploy larger sums for companies exhibiting exceptional promise and requiring more substantial capital injections. This range translates to roughly $1.25 million to $6.25 million in US dollars, based on prevailing exchange rates.

BGF stands as a prominent and highly active growth capital investor in the UK and Ireland. Since its inception, the firm has deployed over £3 billion across more than 500 companies, solidifying its position as a key player in the regional investment landscape. With a widespread presence through 15 offices across the UK and Ireland, BGF offers not just capital but also local expertise and a robust network to its portfolio companies, aiding their development from early stages through to significant growth and potential exit.

Investor Profile

BGF Ventures has backed more than 50 startups, with 5 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 32 rounds, about 64% of its total and boasts 4 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Series Unknown, Series A, Series B rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United Kingdom, United States, Ireland.
  • Strong thematic focus on Health Care, Manufacturing, Renewable Energy.
  • Led 2 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $1.3M – $6.3M.

Stage Focus

  • Series Unknown (22%)
  • Series A (20%)
  • Series B (20%)
  • Seed (16%)
  • Series C (8%)
  • Post Ipo Equity (4%)
  • Series F (4%)
  • Angel (2%)
  • Private Equity (2%)
  • Series G (2%)

Country Focus

  • United Kingdom (92%)
  • United States (6%)
  • Ireland (2%)

Industry Focus

  • Health Care
  • Manufacturing
  • Renewable Energy
  • Semiconductor
  • Biotechnology
  • Software
  • Autonomous Vehicles
  • Food And Beverage
  • Information Technology
  • Medical Device
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does BGF Ventures frequently co-invest with?

BP Ventures
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Co-Investments: 2
Halma
Europe, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom, Slough
Co-Investments: 2
UCL Technology Fund
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 4
Heartcore Capital
Europe, Hovedstaden, Denmark, Copenhagen
Co-Investments: 3
FW
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 3
IP Group
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 3
Perwyn
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 3
Octopus Ventures
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 4
IQ Capital
Europe, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom, Cambridge
Co-Investments: 3
Parkwalk Advisors
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 5

Which angels does BGF Ventures often collaborate with?

CA
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 1
CS
Europe, England, United Kingdom
Shared Deals: 1
JC
Europe, Shropshire, United Kingdom, Shrewsbury
Shared Deals: 1
PC
Europe, Hovedstaden, Denmark, Copenhagen
Shared Deals: 1
AJ
Europe, England, United Kingdom
Shared Deals: 1
PH
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 2
SL
Europe, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom, Cambridge
Shared Deals: 1
SH
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 1
JM
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 1
SF
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by BGF Ventures?

Cambridge GaN Devices

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom

Cambridge GaN Devices is a semiconductor company focused on developing GaN power devices aimed at creating greener electronics.

ElectronicsManufacturingSemiconductor
Series CFeb 18, 2025
Amount Raised: $32,000,000
Echion Technologies

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom

Echion Technologies develops XNO anode materials designed for Li-ion batteries used in heavy-duty electric vehicles.

BatteryEnergy StorageManufacturingRenewable Energy
Series UnknownNov 21, 2024
Amount Raised: $12,584,964
ITC Service

Hebburn, South Tyneside, United Kingdom

ITC Service provides an IT support service.

Information Technology
Series UnknownNov 19, 2024
Amount Raised: $8,885,910
BWP Group

Marlow, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom

BWP is an integrated marketing agency working with purpose-driven businesses to deliver commercial results.

AdvertisingMarketingPersonal BrandingPublic Relations
Series UnknownNov 12, 2024
Gaussion

London, England, United Kingdom

Gaussion develops a novel solution using an external magnetic field to enhance battery performance.

BatteryRenewable EnergySemiconductor
Series AAug 12, 2024
Amount Raised: $11,907,974
Echion Technologies

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom

Echion Technologies develops XNO anode materials designed for Li-ion batteries used in heavy-duty electric vehicles.

BatteryManufacturingRenewable Energy
Series BJun 13, 2024
Amount Raised: $37,032,024
Orbex Space

Forres, Moray, United Kingdom

Orbex is a space company that offers orbital launch services specifically designed for small satellites, with a focus on reusability.

AerospaceAutonomous VehiclesSatellite CommunicationSpace Travel
Series CApr 18, 2024
Amount Raised: $20,767,270
ViaNautis

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom

ViaNautis is at the forefront of developing novel medications capable of crossing biological barriers.

BiopharmaBiotechnologyMedical
Series ANov 13, 2023
Amount Raised: $24,558,590
Artus

London, England, United Kingdom

Artus is a HVAC and refrigeration equipment manufacturing company that offers heating and cooling product.

Manufacturing
Series UnknownOct 12, 2023
Cue Technologies

London, England, United Kingdom

Enhance sales and support with WhatsApp: Boost engagement and streamline customer service.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Customer ServiceInformation TechnologySoftware
SeedOct 12, 2023
Amount Raised: $500,000