BGF surpasses €5.8 billion deployed after 15 years backing UK and Irish startups

Fifteen years after it was established to address a structural funding gap in the UK mid-market, growth capital provider BGF has invested over €5.8 billion (£5 billion) in 650 businesses, marking a milestone in its mission to support the country’s growth economy.

The firm provides flexible capital as a minority equity partner. Initial investments in growth-stage business are between €3.5 million (£3 million) and €35 million (£30 million), and between €3.5 million (£3 million) and €11 million (£10 million) for earlier-stage businesses.

Andy Gregory, Chief Executive Officer of BGF, says: “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.”

When considering BGF’s milestone, its important to note its activity in 2026, which shows the investor continuing to deploy minority growth capital across UK-based companies in different sectors.

These include London-based Gaussion’s €24.5 million round for battery intelligence technology, Cambridge-based TRIMTECH Therapeutics’ €12 million Seed extension, bringing its Seed round to €41 million, for neurodegenerative disease drug development, and London-based Fivium’s undisclosed multi-million-pound minority investment to scale public-sector software.

Together, the disclosed rounds represent at least €36.5 million of newly announced capital, or €65.5 million when TRIMTECH’s full Seed round is included.

EU-Startups has also previously covered Gaussion’s €10.9 million Series A in 2024, in which BGF participated as an existing investor, underlining BGF’s follow-on role in at least one of the 2026 deals.

Ben Barker, Chief Investment Officer of BGF, adds: “Reaching more than £5 billion deployed is a significant milestone for BGF. Over that time, we have created a broad and diversified portfolio, with performance reflected in strong realisations, and our evergreen funding enabling us to recycle capital into new opportunities.

“Investments such as OrganOx demonstrate how we can support companies from early growth through to international scale and successful exit. We continue to see a strong pipeline of investment opportunities across sectors and regions for deployment and exits, and are well placed to build on our successful track record.”

Founded in 2011, BGF provides long-term, flexible capital to SMEs. Today, the firm is one of the UK and Ireland’s most active growth investor and has backed more than 650 companies across a network of 15 offices.

74% of capital has been deployed outside of London and the South East, reflecting BGF’s regional focus.

BGF crossed today’s milestone with its third investment in Gaussion – as covered by EU-Startups. Gaussion uses an external magnetic field to improve the performance and lifespan of battery systems.

According to BGF, their model has translated into the following economic impact and returns.

BGF currently has a portfolio of 360 investee businesses and AuM of €4 billion (£3.5 billion). Their current investment strategy includes deploying capital across all of the UK and investing in sector-agnostic, Growth stage businesses as well as Early Stage companies – supporting those with a strong focus on the UKGOV’s priority industries.

After today’s announcement, they have committed to invest a further €3.5 billion (£3 billion) over the next five years.