BGF’s Impressive Growth: Surpassing €5.8 Billion Deployed in 15 Years Supporting UK and Irish Startups

BGF Reaches €5.8 Billion Investment Milestone in UK Growth Economy

Established fifteen years ago to bridge a funding gap in the UK mid-market, BGF, a growth capital provider, has successfully invested over €5.8 billion (£5 billion) in 650 businesses. This achievement marks a significant milestone in BGF’s mission to support the growth economy of the country.

As a minority equity partner, BGF offers flexible capital to growth-stage businesses with initial investments ranging from €3.5 million (£3 million) to €35 million (£30 million). For earlier-stage businesses, the investment amounts are between €3.5 million (£3 million) and €11 million (£10 million).

Andy Gregory, the Chief Executive Officer of BGF, expressed, “Fifteen years ago, BGF was created to address a structural gap in the market. The deployment of £5 billion across over 650 businesses reflects both the size of that opportunity and the consistency of BGF’s approach over time.”

“Our model is deliberately different – providing long-term capital through minority investments. That allows us to partner with entrepreneurs and management teams without taking ownership, supporting them to scale their businesses on their own terms. That approach has enabled us to build a national platform, deliver real economic impact, and generate sustained outcomes across the portfolio. As we look ahead, we remain focused on backing ambitious businesses and continuing to deploy capital at scale across the UK and Ireland,” Gregory added.

Ben Barker, the Chief Investment Officer of BGF, emphasized the significance of surpassing the €5 billion mark, highlighting the creation of a diversified portfolio with strong performance and successful exits. Investments like OrganOx demonstrate BGF’s ability to support companies from early growth to international scale and successful exit.

Founded in 2011, BGF provides long-term, flexible capital to SMEs and is one of the UK and Ireland’s most active growth investors. The firm has backed over 650 companies across a network of 15 offices, with 74% of its capital deployed outside of London and the South East, showcasing its regional focus.

BGF achieved its milestone with the third investment in Gaussion, a company utilizing an external magnetic field to enhance battery system performance and lifespan.

Key economic impacts and returns attributed to BGF’s model include:

• Returns: generating €4.3 billion (£3.7 billion) in proceeds from over 280 exits
• Revenue: BGF-backed companies delivering more than €9.5 billion (£8.2 billion) in revenue growth
• Job creation: BGF’s portfolio companies creating over 35,000 jobs
• Performance: exits since 2016 delivering a 22.6% gross IRR and a 2x money multiple

Currently, BGF manages a portfolio of 360 investee businesses with Assets under Management (AuM) of €4 billion (£3.5 billion). The firm’s investment strategy includes deploying capital across the UK, supporting Growth stage and Early Stage businesses in priority industries outlined by the UK government.

After committing to invest a further €3.5 billion (£3 billion) over the next five years, BGF remains dedicated to backing ambitious businesses and contributing to the growth economy of the UK and Ireland.