- BGF has surpassed €5.8 billion deployed after 15 years of supporting UK and Irish startups, marking a significant milestone in its mission.
- The firm has completed £420 million in investments in Scotland, reflecting its commitment to the regional growth economy.
- BGF, formerly the Business Growth Fund, was established in 2011 to address a structural funding gap in the UK mid-market.
- The firm is now ranked as the UK and Ireland’s most active growth investor, having backed more than 650 companies across a network of 15 offices.
- Since its inception, BGF has generated €4.3 billion in proceeds across more than 280 exits and has created over 35,000 jobs.
BGF, formerly the Business Growth Fund, has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing €5.8 billion in investments since its inception 15 years ago. The firm has backed over 650 businesses across the UK and Ireland, with a notable focus on regional growth, having deployed £420 million in Scotland alone.123
According to Andy Gregory, CEO of BGF, “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.”
BGF’s investment strategy involves providing flexible capital as a minority equity partner, with initial investments ranging from €3.5 million to €35 million for growth-stage businesses. The firm has committed to invest an additional €3.5 billion over the next five years, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to supporting ambitious businesses.
The firm has generated €4.3 billion in proceeds from over 280 exits, with BGF-backed companies achieving more than €9.5 billion in revenue growth and creating over 35,000 jobs. Ben Barker, Chief Investment Officer, stated, “Reaching more than £5 billion deployed is a significant milestone for BGF.”5
In Scotland, BGF has invested in diverse sectors, including luxury goods and life sciences, and plans to invest an additional £200 million in the region over the next five years, highlighting its confidence in the local business landscape.
“BGF has backed more than 650 companies, generating €4.3 billion in proceeds from over 280 exits. The firm committed to invest a further £3.5 billion over the next five years to continue its regional focus.”
