
Invest Northern Ireland
Description
Invest Northern Ireland (Invest NI) serves as the principal economic development agency for Northern Ireland, operating with a core mission to stimulate economic growth, attract foreign direct investment, and foster the development of local businesses. As a non-departmental public body, Invest NI plays a pivotal role in shaping the region's economic landscape by providing a comprehensive suite of support mechanisms, including financial assistance, advisory services, and strategic guidance. Their overarching goal is to enhance Northern Ireland's competitiveness on a global scale, drive innovation, and create sustainable employment opportunities across various sectors.
A significant component of Invest NI's financial support involves equity investments, often facilitated through dedicated funds designed to co-invest alongside private sector venture capital. A prime example is the Northern Ireland Co-Fund NI, managed by Clarendon Fund Managers, which is specifically designed to bridge funding gaps for high-growth potential companies. Through this mechanism, Invest NI aims to de-risk investments for private capital and ensure promising local businesses have access to the necessary funding for scaling. The typical first cheque size for equity investments through Co-Fund NI ranges from approximately $127,000 (£100,000) to $2,540,000 (£2,000,000), depending on the specific round and co-investment structure.
Invest NI's strategic investments span a diverse array of sectors, including advanced manufacturing, technology, life sciences, and creative industries, reflecting the region's key strengths and growth areas. Their support has been instrumental in the growth of numerous indigenous companies and in attracting significant international businesses to establish operations in Northern Ireland. For instance, in the 2022-23 financial year, Invest NI supported businesses in promoting a substantial £1.1 billion of planned investment into the region, demonstrating their significant impact on economic activity. Furthermore, the Co-Fund NI, a key vehicle for their equity investments, has completed over 100 investments since its inception, underscoring Invest NI's consistent commitment to nurturing the local startup and scale-up ecosystem and fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial environment.
Investor Profile
Invest Northern Ireland has backed more than 34 startups, with 1 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 13 rounds, about 38% of its total and boasts 7 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Series Unknown, Grant, Seed rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in United Kingdom, United States, Ireland.
- Strong thematic focus on Health Care, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical.
- Typical check size: $127K – $2.5M.
Stage Focus
- Series Unknown (35%)
- Grant (26%)
- Seed (15%)
- Pre Seed (9%)
- Convertible Note (6%)
- Series B (3%)
- Post Ipo Equity (3%)
- Series A (3%)
Country Focus
- United Kingdom (82%)
- United States (9%)
- Ireland (6%)
- Germany (3%)
Industry Focus
- Health Care
- Biotechnology
- Pharmaceutical
- Medical
- Software
- Information Technology
- Consulting
- Manufacturing
- Life Science
- Web Hosting
Frequently Asked Questions
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