Circularity Capital
Circularity Capital is a specialist growth-stage investor focused on businesses enabling the circular economy. They believe that a growing number of businesses are adopting circular business models to decouple growth from resource constraints, enhance resource productivity, and drive competitive advantage. Founded in 2015, the firm aims to deliver value for investors by supporting growth and innovation in this area. Circularity Capital distinguishes itself by combining deep understanding of circular business models and the challenges these businesses face with a proven track record in scaling growth-stage businesses. They are a supportive, hands-on investor, utilizing their specialist expertise and knowledge to assist their portfolio companies. The firm's mission is to accelerate the transition toward the circular economy by investing in exceptional circular businesses. Their approach involves developing deep understanding of how circular business models drive value, as well the common challenges they face, is key to supporting entrepreneurs with their growth ambitions. This has resulted in them establishing a purpose-built manager which combines an unparalleled network and knowledge in the circular economy with a proven track-record in scaling growth-stage businesses.
City Gold Ventures
City Gold Ventures focuses on aiding startups and SMEs in developing, scaling, and marketing their products to bring their vision to life. They act independently, prioritizing the company's interests. Their services span from initial development to fundraising, supporting companies throughout their growth journey. They aim to fill resource gaps in startups and SMEs, allowing founders to focus on product excellence, technology processes, and achieving product goals by minimizing costs.
Columbia Lake Partners
Columbia Lake Partners (CLP) focuses on providing growth loans to European technology companies. Founded in 2014, CLP aims to offer a less dilutive funding option compared to solely relying on equity financing, enabling founders to scale their businesses. Their investment approach is characterized by a 'light touch,' avoiding board seats, employing light covenants, and maintaining standard reporting procedures. CLP's investment philosophy stems from the understanding that companies often face unpredictable paths to success. They prioritize a transparent and collaborative approach, combined with a persistent curiosity to identify and support high-growth technology businesses across the UK and Europe. CLP's debt solutions are intended to extend cash runways, bridge companies to profitability, and fuel growth. Their team has extensive experience in venture lending, having managed significant portfolios in prior roles. Backed by knowledgeable investors, including partners at Bessemer Venture Partners, CLP aims to build a fund that they themselves would want to work with if they were looking for capital. The firm also emphasizes a commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equality. They are based in London and are proud to be located 'south of the river.' They also have a strong alumni network, meaning they have former colleagues in venture, PE, and at portfolio companies. CLP provides knowledge resources related to venture debt, uses of venture debt, and venture debt terms. They provide insights into loan structures including principal and interest payments (monthly payments over 36 months), principal payment holidays (interest-only period). They also charge closing fees (typically 1-2%), and maturity fees (aka Bonus Interest).
Connect Ventures
Connect Ventures focuses on backing exceptional founders building outlier product companies. The firm emphasizes a product-centric approach, prioritizing companies with strong developer experience and a deep understanding of their users' needs. They aim to be more than just investors, positioning themselves as long-term partners who understand the intricacies of building product-led businesses. They seek founders building solutions to problems they personally experience, leading to innovative products that resonate with a wider audience. Connect Ventures looks for companies where they can establish a high level of trust and alignment with the founders, acting as a sounding board and accountability partner throughout their journey. The firm's investment strategy is to lead or co-lead pre-seed and seed rounds, providing crucial early-stage funding and support. They understand the importance of product development and community-led growth, particularly in areas like marketplaces, market networks, and networked SaaS. The partners have experience as founders themselves, providing firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities that startups face. The firm actively supports their portfolio companies with fundraising strategies and leadership development. Connect Ventures places high importance on the founder's journey and their ability to create impactful products. The quotes from portfolio founders highlight Connect's understanding of product, commitment through thick and thin, and willingness to be hands-on when needed. Their investment decisions are driven by a belief in the power of product to drive growth and category domination, and they actively experiment with new frameworks like Minimum Viable Category Design to help their portfolio companies succeed.
Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Investment Fund (CIOSIF)
The Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Investment Fund (CIOSIF) was an initiative launched by the government-owned British Business Bank, supported by the European Regional Development Fund. Launched in February 2017, it completed its investment phase in December 2023, facilitating over £200m of direct and private sector co-investment to growing companies across the South West. CIOSIF aimed to transform the finance landscape for smaller businesses in the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly region and foster economic growth through enterprise, targeting SMEs with commercial debt and equity finance ranging from £25,000 to £2 million to support their growth and job creation. The fund addressed barriers to accessing finance and an equity gap in start-up, early stage, and development capital, specifically tailored for small businesses across the region. It offered a mix of debt and equity funding to SMEs at various stages of development, utilizing a combination of ERDF, LEP, and HMG grant funding. Although CIOSIF has completed its investment phase, the region continues to be served by the South West Investment Fund, which launched in July 2023 and is open to investments. The new fund aims to deliver £200m of investment to growing companies, building on CIOSIF's legacy of supporting businesses through debt and equity financing. The investment strategy included both debt and equity options, recognizing the different needs of businesses whether for working capital, rapid growth, or longer-term backing.
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Investment Fund (CIOSIF)
The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Investment Fund (CIOSIF) aimed to transform the finance landscape for smaller businesses in the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly region and to realize the region’s potential to achieve economic growth through enterprise. The fund provided commercially focused finance through a Debt and Equity Fund. It addressed the equity gap in start-up, early-stage, and development capital for SMEs in the region. The investment phase for CIOSIF concluded in December 2023, but the fund facilitated over £200m of direct and private sector co-investment to growing companies across the South West during its operational period. CIOSIF was a collaboration between the British Business Bank and the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (CIOS LEP). The up to £40m Fund supported access to finance where barriers existed for SMEs. The funding was drawn from several sources including the UK Government and the European Regional Development Fund, including an allocation from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (CIOS LEP). CIOSIF has transitioned to the South West Investment Fund, which launched in July 2023 and is now open for investments. The new South West Investment Fund will deliver £200m of investment to growing companies. It is intended to continue supporting the growth of companies across the South West region by offering both debt and equity financing options.
Cur8 Capital
Cur8 Capital operates as a private wealth management firm focusing on ethical and Sharia-compliant investments. It was established to broaden access to high-quality investment opportunities previously unavailable to Muslim investors, building upon the foundation of IFG (Islamic Finance Guru), a well-known platform in Islamic finance. Cur8 Capital aims to level the playing field by combining its investment network with Sharia expertise. The firm meticulously screens every investment to ensure adherence to Sharia compliance and ethical standards, reflecting a deep commitment to aligning investments with the values of its customer base. This includes avoiding investments in non-compliant sectors like alcohol or gambling, and using Islamic financing methods for real estate investments. Cur8 Capital provides investment options across various asset classes, including private equity, real estate, venture capital, and fixed income. These options cater to diverse risk appetites and liquidity needs, with target annual returns ranging from 6% to 20%+. They also offer options for both new and experienced investors, providing financial coaching and community support for new investors and empowering experienced investors with tax-efficient investment options and access to rare asset classes. The firm emphasizes flexibility, with many funds offering installment plans and liquidity pools, alongside regular liquidity windows for income funds. The firm's investment strategy focuses on sourcing strong funds and partnering with world-class managers globally, supplemented by in-house funds managed by an experienced investment team. They also aim for impact by enabling businesses, empowering communities, and advancing a sustainable future. The company's commitment to Sharia compliance includes annual audits, quarterly reviews with a Sharia board, and the provision of Sharia and Zakat analyses for each investment. Cur8 Capital also highlights its investments' tax benefits, especially for UK investors through SEIS/EIS schemes.
DN Capital Group
DN Capital is a global early-stage venture firm that focuses on Seed, Series A, and select Series B opportunities in Europe and North America. Founded in 2000, the firm has offices in London, Berlin, and San Francisco. They seek to back outstanding entrepreneurs building globally impactful businesses by providing not only capital but also leveraging their extensive global network and financial expertise to give portfolio companies the best possible platform for growth. DN Capital invests with investment rigour at all stages, committed to openness and integrity, and aims to work as hard as the entrepreneurs to build their businesses. The firm believes in the power of disruptive technologies and actively seeks out companies disrupting industries. DN Capital positions themselves as partners who take building your business as seriously as the founders do, illustrated by testimonials highlighting their proactive approach, business development opportunities, and strategic guidance. They also demonstrate a transatlantic focus, believing in the vision to build global category leaders. DN Capital concentrates its investments in four key sectors: Software, AI, Fintech, and Consumer Internet. Their historical success is evidenced by their backing of category leaders in these verticals. The firm's longevity and multiple exits demonstrate their ability to identify and support companies from early stages through successful outcomes. They aim to provide portfolio companies with up to €20m of capital and are always excited to receive business plans from entrepreneurs seeking capital. Their backing by InnovFin Equity, with the financial backing of the European Union under Horizon 2020 Financial Instruments and the European Fund for Stra highlights their European roots and commitment to innovation within the region.
Deep Science Ventures
Deep Science Ventures combines scientific expertise with founder-type scientists to create ventures that address critical challenges in agriculture, computation, climate, pharma, and education, aiming for a future where humanity and the planet thrive.
Deepbridge Capital
Deepbridge Capital specializes in providing growth capital to highly innovative companies in technology, life sciences, and renewable energy sectors. They support energetic management teams, aim for optimal returns through exits, and offer a hands-on, sector-experienced approach with thorough due diligence.
Deepbridge Capital LLP
Deepbridge Capital is a growth capital specialist focusing on the technology, life sciences, and renewable energy sectors. They aim to provide investors with tax-efficient investment opportunities by leveraging the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS). Their investment strategy involves supporting energetic, high-performance management teams and working with investee companies throughout their funding journey, from seed stage through commercialization and growth funding. This hands-on approach ensures investee companies have the best opportunity to succeed and provides investors with an optimum return.
Development Bank of Wales
The Development Bank of Wales' mission is to unlock economic potential in Wales and enhance the local economy by providing sustainable, effective finance. They are an impact investor with a social purpose, putting Wales' potential at the heart of their decision-making. By making sustainable, effective finance accessible, they aim to help businesses that contribute financially, socially, ethically, and environmentally to communities in Wales and the wider world. They offer a range of financial products including business loans, equity finance, and research services. The bank is backed by the Welsh Government and aims to deliver on its policy objectives across Wales by supporting businesses from startups to established enterprises. The Development Bank of Wales manages several funds, including the Wales Flexible Investment Fund, the Wales Micro Loan Fund, the Wales Technology Seed Fund II, the Wales Business Succession Fund, and the Wales Tourism Investment Fund. These funds offer a variety of investment options, including loans, mezzanine finance, and equity investments, with terms tailored to the specific needs of Welsh businesses. The bank seeks to foster high-value co-investment and provides finance for businesses in all stages, from starting a new venture to growing an existing one and facilitating management buyouts. Their activities support job creation and economic growth in Wales, with a focus on creating a positive impact on the Welsh economy. They operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Welsh Government and invest directly into Welsh businesses to facilitate growth, creating jobs and contributing to the overall economic prosperity of Wales. The firm recognizes the importance of fostering an inclusive environment where colleagues can bring their full selves to work. They celebrate diversity of thought and recognize the strength and dynamism that comes with it.
Development Bank of Wales’ Technology Seed Fund
Development Bank of Wales focuses on supporting Welsh businesses with tailored financial solutions, including loans and equity, to foster economic growth, job creation, and sustainability. It emphasizes technology-based ventures, property development, and green initiatives while offering specialized financing for business succession and decarbonization efforts.
Development Partners International
Development Partners International (DPI) is a pan-African private equity firm focused on deploying capital and expertise to unlock the full potential of high-growth and impactful companies across the African continent. They aim to generate both financial returns and positive social and environmental impact. DPI invests in established companies and seeks to catalyze their growth by providing capital, strategic guidance, and operational support. The firm demonstrates a commitment to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles and impact investing. DPI's strategy involves partnering with strong management teams and leveraging its network and expertise to drive value creation. The firm also recently launched a Venture Capital strategy, indicating a broadening of their investment approach to include earlier-stage, high-growth companies. DPI's investment approach targets companies demonstrating high growth potential, scalability, and a commitment to sustainable development. They look for opportunities where they can actively contribute to value creation through strategic guidance, operational improvements, and access to their extensive network. DPI emphasizes a collaborative approach, working closely with management teams to implement best practices and achieve shared goals. The firm also focuses on creating a positive impact on the communities in which they operate, aligning their investments with broader societal goals. The newly launched Venture Capital strategy further solidifies their commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the African tech ecosystem. DPI seeks opportunities where they can leverage their expertise and resources to drive significant growth and impact. Their value-add includes providing access to capital, strategic guidance, operational expertise, and a strong network of industry contacts. The firm is dedicated to fostering sustainable development and promoting responsible business practices within its portfolio companies. DPI's investments aim to generate not only attractive financial returns but also positive social and environmental outcomes. The focus is on building resilient and impactful businesses that can contribute to the long-term economic growth of the African continent. With a strong emphasis on both financial performance and societal impact, DPI is positioned as a leading private equity firm in Africa. Their experienced team, deep local knowledge, and commitment to responsible investing distinguish them from competitors. The firm's track record of successful investments and exits demonstrates its ability to identify and support high-growth companies across a range of sectors. The launch of the new Venture Capital strategy signals DPI's commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship and its ongoing efforts to support the growth of the African tech ecosystem.
Digital Catapult
Digital Catapult is a deep tech innovation organization focused on accelerating the practical application of advanced digital technologies to drive sustainable economic growth in the UK. They bridge the gap between industry, government, investors, and academia to unlock commercial opportunities for startups with pioneering solutions. Digital Catapult enables organizations to think differently, build resilience, and achieve success by challenging them purposefully and equipping them with the deep tech capabilities they need for the long-term. Their approach includes building UK-centric digital clean technology ecosystems, enabling twin transitions to digital and sustainable economies, and ensuring digital technology is sustainable by design.
Discovery Park Ventures
Discovery Park Ventures, based in Kent, UK, is a science and technology park designed to foster innovation and growth for businesses ranging from startups to multinational corporations. They provide state-of-the-art labs, flexible office spaces, and comprehensive support to help companies transform ideas into successful commercial innovations. The park aims to be a hub for interdisciplinary innovation and a thriving community for visionary entrepreneurs, particularly within the life sciences and advanced manufacturing sectors. Their strategy includes attracting businesses working at the edge of new technologies and fostering scientific collaboration. The focus on the Sandwich-based site, which has a strong heritage in pharmaceutical research and development (previously a Pfizer site), positions Discovery Park as a key player in the UK's science and technology landscape. They strive to become a leader in advanced, digitally enabled manufacturing for future healthcare systems. The firm runs programs such as Discovery Spark, aimed at early-stage founders to refine pitches and become investor-ready. They also promote the development of a manufacturing village to leverage the site's manufacturing expertise and address the need for life sciences manufacturing capacity. Furthermore, the upcoming Carbon 6 Academy of Science shows commitment to nurturing future talent within the science and technology sectors. Discovery Park leverages its location within the Golden Triangle extension to provide access to resources and opportunities, coupled with flexible expansion options and open spaces to inspire creativity. The emphasis on sustainability and community-building makes it an attractive location for businesses seeking both physical space and a supportive ecosystem. The park also aims to capitalize on its Life Sciences Opportunity Zone designation, further enhancing its appeal to companies in the life sciences sector.
Diversity VC
Diversity VC focuses on unlocking economic potential by shaping a fairer venture capital industry. They aim to update Venture Capital's operating system through the Diversity VC Standard, a data-backed framework designed to cut bias and help firms invest in the best companies. Their mission is to make venture capital inclusive and reflective of society, thereby building dynamic teams, sparking bold ideas, and boosting returns. The site emphasizes the importance of inclusive teams within the VC firm itself.
EF
Entrepreneurs First (EF) focuses on identifying and nurturing exceptional individuals to become founders by pairing them with cofounders, accelerating their journey from idea to revenue-generating companies. EF emphasizes a hands-on, global approach—bridging talent from around the world to Silicon Valley—with a strong emphasis on AI, deep tech, and scalable ventures. The firm provides mentorship, office space, credits from tech partners, and direct introductions to top investors, aiming to create companies that wouldn’t otherwise exist.
EMV Capital
EMV Capital is a deep tech and life sciences venture capital investment group focused on generating superior returns for investors by investing in, managing, and strengthening early-stage IP-rich companies. They target fast-growing sectors and technologies that will define the future. Their approach is characterized by proactive management to advance companies to critical value inflection points and a capital-efficient investment model that utilizes the PLC balance sheet and syndicate investments. EMV Capital has an evergreen structure that supports extensive growth and value creation through direct equity stakes, carried interest in portfolio companies, and the management of independent third-party funds.
Elbow Beach Capital
Elbow Beach Capital focuses on backing British technologies that solve the world’s biggest problems, specifically clean technologies that improve industrial productivity, efficiencies, and outcomes at scale. They prioritize companies with the potential to enable real cost and performance improvements for customers while also reducing emissions. The firm is driven by the belief that early-stage capital and focused entrepreneurship are needed to mitigate, arrest, and eventually reverse the damage caused by climate change on ecologies and local economies. Their investment decisions are influenced by the impact companies are having on environmental issues, focusing on tangible solutions to real-world problems. The firm believes in a joined-up approach to tackling environmental and social issues, with investments spanning decarbonization, sustainable energy, and social impact. The team is collaborative and hands-on, aiming to deeply understand the businesses they invest in to effectively support their growth and success. Elbow Beach Capital takes a practical approach, identifying companies whether they are looking for a quick exit or if they are genuinely passionate about what they do. It is conscious that investing in early-stage businesses inherently leads to delays and pivots, but as long as founders are honest with them and determined enough to make the tough decisions, they are happy to invest.
Entrée Capital
Entrée Capital is a venture capital firm managing $1.5 billion across several funds, with offices in Tel Aviv, London, and New York. They focus on partnering with exceptional founders to build innovative companies addressing meaningful challenges. Their investment strategy targets early-stage investments, specifically pre-seed, seed, and Series A rounds, across Israel, the UK, Europe, and the US. The firm seeks companies in AI, Deep-Tech & Quantum Computing, Software, Data & B2B Productivity, Crypto infrastructure and security, and "Weird Is Wonderful" frontier innovation. Entrée Capital aims to invest in companies that are building the impossible and disrupting traditional industries. The firm emphasizes a founder-centric approach, standing with entrepreneurs from day zero and supporting them throughout their journey. They prioritize companies demonstrating strong product-market fit, data-driven decision-making, and the potential for significant impact. The firm believes that AI is a foundational transformation of the global economy and focuses on AI-native founders building vertical agents, infrastructure, and category-defining software. They also recognize the convergence of physics, compute, software, and national-security innovation. Entrée Capital is particularly interested in verticals often overlooked due to smaller software budgets but ripe for disruption through AI-driven solutions. They are proactive about engaging with potential portfolio companies, showcasing examples of direct outreach and early engagement that led to customer adoption and, eventually, investment. They appear to value companies that create systems of context, move beyond simply organizing work, and embrace autonomous agents capable of completing tasks, differentiating themselves from systems of record.
Eos Venture Partners
Eos Venture Partners focuses on identifying, investing in, and scaling innovative companies at the intersection of technology, insurance, and related sectors. They seek experienced, exceptional founders who are at the forefront of innovation and are looking for a strategic capital partner to accelerate their vision. Their investment strategy spans the entire value chain of insurance and related sectors, aiming to provide not only capital but also strategic support. Eos Ventures actively helps its strategic (re)insurer partners to accelerate their innovation objectives by shaping their strategy, providing insight into global best practices, identifying and vetting potential partnerships, and creating opportunities to allocate additional capital. This ecosystem approach benefits both their partners and their portfolio companies, providing enhanced market insight and support for growth. This VC firm sees itself as a strategic partner, not just a capital provider. They leverage their deep understanding of the insurance industry and their network of (re)insurer partners to provide valuable market access, strategic guidance, and potential partnership opportunities for their portfolio companies. This holistic approach aims to maximize the potential for success for the startups they invest.
Expedition Growth Capital
Expedition Growth Capital focuses on rapidly growing, bootstrapped software and AI companies that have a use for capital, rather than a need for it. They aim to provide growth capital and liquidity to ambitious founders looking to achieve category leadership. They position themselves as specialist partners, bringing relevant operational expertise and a track record of respectfully partnering with founders. They invest in companies with strong product-market fit, focusing on building durable leadership positions in targeted end markets. The firm emphasizes cultural alignment and integrity in their partnerships, offering freedom to founders while providing valuable advice and involvement. Expedition's portfolio companies demonstrate a focus on high-growth, capital-efficient models. They invest across various categories, including vertical AI, industrial software, financial software, cybersecurity, and customer engagement infrastructure. They support companies aiming for international expansion, particularly from Europe to the US, providing resources and expertise in areas like legal and scaling strategies. Expedition Growth Capital emphasizes a hands-on approach. They offer operational support through the Expedition Operations Group and insights through their news and resources. Their investments often support companies in key areas such as lean manufacturing, cybersecurity unification, and the green energy transition. They provide assistance with US expansion, as highlighted in their "Europe to US Series." With offices in London and Boston, Expedition targets companies ready to scale and achieve significant growth. They strive to be more than just investors, acting as true partners who understand the founder's vision and have a track record of nurturing success. This blend of financial investment, operational support, and strategic guidance positions them as a valuable resource for bootstrapped software and AI companies aiming to dominate their respective categories.
FIGR Ventures
FIGR Ventures is a family office fund that focuses on investing in responsible early-stage consumer businesses. They aim to back founders who are redefining everyday choices by supporting companies that offer responsible products and solutions. Their investment approach centers around three key categories: 'Switchers,' which disrupt the consumer sector with exciting, responsible alternatives to existing goods; 'Enablers,' which provide tools and resources to support consumers and businesses in making responsible choices; and 'Solvers,' which create solutions to previously unsolved issues affecting consumers’ lives. This three-pronged strategy allows FIGR to invest across a broad spectrum of consumer-focused ventures that prioritize responsibility and sustainability. FIGR's website highlights a commitment to environmental and social impact, as indicated by their recent press releases discussing their strategy in this area. They look for businesses that not only deliver financial returns but also contribute positively to society and the environment. The fund actively seeks out innovative companies that tackle real-world problems and provide consumers with better, more sustainable options. The spotlight investment in Pimentae, a premium ready-to-drink tequila cocktail company, exemplifies FIGR's approach. The investment rationale highlights not just the quality of the product but also the lifestyle and community that the founders are building around the brand. This suggests that FIGR places value on brands that create experiences and foster a sense of culture, aligning with the values of the modern consumer. By providing financial support and leveraging the expertise of their core team and advisors, FIGR Ventures aims to help portfolio companies grow and scale their businesses. Their emphasis on responsible consumerism positions them as a unique player in the early-stage investment landscape.