Clarendon Fund Managers

Clarendon Fund Managers is a prominent venture capital fund manager based in Belfast, United Kingdom, specializing in early-stage and growth investments within Northern Ireland. Established with a core mission to foster the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem, the firm primarily focuses on co-investing alongside business angels and private investors. This collaborative approach allows them to leverage private capital and expertise, providing robust support for promising local startups and scale-ups. Their strategic emphasis is on high-growth potential companies across various sectors, contributing significantly to the economic development of Northern Ireland.

The firm manages several key funds designed to address different stages of company growth. Among their notable vehicles is Co-Fund NI, an initial £13 million fund launched in 2011, which set the precedent for their co-investment model. Building on this success, Clarendon Fund Managers launched Co-Fund NI II in 2021, a substantial £30 million fund aimed at continuing and expanding their investment activities. This larger fund underscores their commitment to providing more significant capital to support the scaling of Northern Irish businesses. They also managed Propel, a £3.5 million fund focused on tech startups, further diversifying their investment reach.

Clarendon Fund Managers typically provides initial investments ranging from £100,000 to £750,000, with the capacity for follow-on funding that can bring their total investment per company up to £2 million. This flexible investment strategy allows them to support companies from their nascent stages through to significant growth milestones. Their unique co-investment model not only provides crucial capital but also connects portfolio companies with a network of experienced private investors, offering valuable mentorship and strategic guidance. By focusing exclusively on Northern Ireland, Clarendon Fund Managers plays a vital role in nurturing local talent and innovation, driving job creation and economic prosperity in the region.