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British Design Fund

Europe, England, United Kingdom, London

Description

British Design Fund (BDF) is a specialized venture capital firm headquartered in London, United Kingdom, dedicated to fostering the growth of early-stage, design-led product businesses across the UK. Established with a clear mission, BDF aims to bridge the gap between innovative product design and commercial success, providing crucial capital and strategic support to companies that demonstrate strong design principles and market potential. Their unique focus allows them to deeply understand the challenges and opportunities inherent in product development and scaling.

BDF's investment philosophy extends beyond mere capital injection. The firm prides itself on offering hands-on support, leveraging its team's extensive experience in product development, manufacturing, marketing, and distribution. This active involvement helps portfolio companies navigate critical growth phases, refine their product-market fit, and optimize their operational strategies. They seek out enterprises that not only possess well-designed products but also have scalable business models and ambitious leadership teams capable of executing their vision.

Financially, British Design Fund typically deploys initial investments ranging from £150,000 to £250,000, which translates approximately to $187,500 to $312,500 based on recent exchange rates. These initial cheques are often followed by subsequent funding rounds as companies achieve key milestones and demonstrate further growth potential. The firm has successfully raised and deployed capital through multiple funds, including the launch of Fund 2 in 2021, which targeted a total of £5 million to continue its investment activities. This structured approach ensures sustained support for their portfolio.

Ultimately, British Design Fund positions itself as a strategic partner for UK product businesses, recognizing that exceptional design is a significant differentiator in competitive markets. By combining financial backing with practical expertise, BDF plays a vital role in nurturing the next generation of successful British product companies, contributing to the nation's innovation economy and helping well-designed products reach their full commercial potential.

Investor Profile

British Design Fund has backed more than 39 startups, with 6 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 27 rounds, about 69% of its total and boasts 0 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Seed, Pre Seed, Series Unknown rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United Kingdom, Germany.
  • Strong thematic focus on Manufacturing, Health Care, Medical Device.
  • Led 4 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $187.5K – $312.5K.

Stage Focus

  • Seed (64%)
  • Pre Seed (21%)
  • Series Unknown (15%)

Country Focus

  • United Kingdom (97%)
  • Germany (3%)

Industry Focus

  • Manufacturing
  • Health Care
  • Medical Device
  • Medical
  • Machinery Manufacturing
  • Farming
  • Robotics
  • Electronics
  • Consumer Electronics
  • Information Technology
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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 British Design Fund frequently co-invest with?

HAX
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 1
Bethnal Green Ventures
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 1
SOSV
North America, New Jersey, United States, Princeton
Co-Investments: 1
Imperial College London
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 2
Kero Development Partners
Europe, Cheshire, United Kingdom, Chester
Co-Investments: 1
7percent Ventures
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 1
Carbon13
Europe, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom, Cambridge
Co-Investments: 1
Britbots
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 1
Parkwalk Advisors
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 1

Which angels does British Design Fund often collaborate with?

CS
Europe, England, United Kingdom
Shared Deals: 1
TB
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 1
EG
Europe, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands, Amsterdam
Shared Deals: 1
SJ
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 1
SD
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by British Design Fund?

Flomark

London, England, United Kingdom

A new IV administration set that easily, intuitively and reliably shows flow rate.

MedicalMedical Device
SeedJun 12, 2025
Amount Raised: $407,172
Zeus Sleep

Petersfield, Hampshire, United Kingdom

Zeus Sleep is a health-tech company that offers treatments for sleep disorders.

Health Care
SeedMay 7, 2025
Amount Raised: $200,392
ManholeMetrics

London, England, United Kingdom

IoT sensor and software start-up on a mission to end flooding

AnalyticsHardwareInternet of ThingsSoftware
SeedApr 23, 2025
Amount Raised: $650,000
Matoha Instrumentation

London, England, United Kingdom

Matoha Instrumentation is a manufacturing company that produces material identification devices.

Consumer GoodsIndustrial ManufacturingManufacturing
SeedApr 10, 2025
Amount Raised: $1,938,227
Good Boost

London, England, United Kingdom

Good Boost is a water-based rehabilitation programme designed to be fun and beneficial for people with a wide range of health concerns.

Health CareRehabilitationTherapeutics
Series UnknownNov 19, 2024
Amount Raised: $190,412
Corryn Biotechnologies

Morriston, Swansea, United Kingdom

Corryn is a biotechnology company that develops wound dressing devices to redefine the chronic and complex wound care.

BiotechnologyMedicalMedical Device
SeedSep 24, 2024
Amount Raised: $738,477
Permia Sensing

London, England, United Kingdom

Permia Sensing offering agricultural technology solutions.

AgricultureAgTechFarming
SeedJul 15, 2024
Amount Raised: $194,626
Cryogenx

Hayes, Hillingdon, United Kingdom

Cryogenx manufactures and provides cryo suits that provide portable body cooling for heat stroke.

Health CareManufacturingMedicalMedical Device
Pre SeedJun 24, 2024
Amount Raised: $1,011,540
Aeropowder

London, England, United Kingdom

Creating circular, high-performance materials from surplus feathers

Food and BeverageFood ProcessingManufacturing
Series UnknownJun 3, 2024
Amount Raised: $192,149
Water Kinetics

Glasgow, Glasgow City, United Kingdom

Water Kinetics is an innovative pipe manufacturing firm.

Building MaterialEnvironmental ConsultingSustainability
Series UnknownMar 25, 2024
Amount Raised: $189,545