BGF, the most active growth capital investor in the UK and Ireland, deployed £489 million in 2024, welcoming 47 new businesses into its expanding portfolio of 360 companies.
Despite a subdued mergers and acquisitions landscape, several of BGF’s portfolio firms enjoyed robust exits this year, underscoring the benefits of BGF’s investment and value creation model. Engineering design consultancy Hydrock, design automation specialist DriveWorks, and education recruitment provider Operam Education all exited successfully, delivering money multiples of 6x, 2.8x, and 2.5x respectively.
BGF typically invests in return for a minority equity stake, offering entrepreneurs a critical alternative funding source to fuel growth ahead of a future exit. “We’re pleased to have welcomed a new cohort of entrepreneurial companies that are driving growth, creating jobs, boosting exports, and fostering innovation across the UK and Ireland,” said Andy Gregory, CEO of BGF.
Since its inception, BGF has surpassed £4 billion in total investments, having supported over 600 ambitious SMEs. In 2024 alone, the organisation channelled funds into a diverse range of ventures, reflecting its commitment to regional growth. Recent investments include Elite Dynamics in the North West, Skewb in the Midlands, Woodland Kitchens in Northern Ireland and Sulmara in Scotland. Additional examples include Eventmaster in the Republic of Ireland, Tevalis in Yorkshire, Vosaio in the South East, Tapered Plus in the North East, Pure Cyber in Wales, and Plant-Ex in the South West.
BGF is also driving progress in critical global areas such as sustainability and life sciences, with investments in Sunswap (pictured), Puraffinity, DEScycle, Wobble Genomics, NanoSyrinx, and Abselion. Notably, BGF joined forces with other key investors to commit £25 million to the Invest in Women Taskforce, which has amassed £250 million for female entrepreneurs and women-led businesses across the UK.
Looking ahead to 2025, Gregory emphasised BGF’s dedication to fostering business success and strengthening local economies: “As we move into 2025, we remain committed to driving growth, supporting value creation for businesses and shareholders, and playing a key role in delivering the sustainable growth the economy needs now and in the future.”
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BGF supports UK and Ireland’s growth with £489M in 2024 investments