Mercia Asset Management
Mercia Asset Management PLC focuses on powering ambition in the UK regions by providing venture capital, business loans, and private equity ranging from £100k to £10m to accelerate growth and impact. Their mission is to be the first-choice provider of capital for businesses that typically seek up to £10 million. The firm aims to be a responsible long-term investment partner, pledging more than just capital when they invest. They embed responsible investment principles throughout the investment lifecycle, underpinned by accountability, active stewardship, and transparent reporting. They aim to align capital with impact, investing with purpose and measuring impact beyond returns. Mercia is committed to creating long-term value for its investors, portfolio companies, and the communities they serve. Sustainability is considered fundamental to how they operate. The firm applies a consistent ESG due diligence framework across all of its asset classes, and every Investment Committee paper addresses these ESG factors, aligned with Mercia’s guiding principles and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. They are also committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Mercia emphasizes building strong relationships internally and externally. Their culture is shaped by their values that support every decision, underpinning each transaction, and helping to build the businesses they invest in or lend to. They are a committed UK-focused asset manager and support diversity, equity, and inclusion within their teams and investment decisions.
Mercia Ventures
Mercia Ventures is a UK-based venture capital firm focused on powering ambition in the UK regions. They aim to be the first-choice provider of capital for businesses seeking up to £10 million, offering venture capital, business loans, and private equity. The firm emphasizes responsible, long-term investment partnerships, providing more than just capital to their portfolio companies. Mercia's investment strategy includes a commitment to sustainability, embedding responsible investment principles throughout the investment lifecycle and aligning capital with impact. They actively support the growth of innovative businesses across various sectors, with a particular focus on university spinouts and regional development. Through initiatives like the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II and the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, Mercia plays a key role in driving economic growth and job creation in underserved regions of the UK.
Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF)
The Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) was launched in February 2017 to boost small and medium-sized business (SME) growth in the Midlands region of the UK. It aimed to address market gaps in access to finance for SMEs, providing commercially focused finance through Small Business Loans, Debt Finance, Proof of Concept, and Equity Finance. The fund's initial investment phase concluded in December 2023, having facilitated over £400 million of direct and private sector co-investment into growing Midlands-based companies. MEIF aimed to support job creation, innovation, and economic growth across the Midlands Engine region. MEIF's funding was drawn from various sources, including the UK Government, the European Investment Bank, the British Business Bank, the European Regional Development Fund, and ten Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) across the Midlands. This collaboration between public and private sectors helped to ensure that funding was directed towards businesses with the potential to contribute to the region's economic success. The LEPs played a crucial role in identifying and supporting local businesses, ensuring that the MEIF's investments aligned with regional priorities. MEIF is now transitioning into the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II (MEIF II), which is slated to launch in March 2024. MEIF II will continue to deliver £400m of investment into growing companies based in the Midlands. This continuation reflects the ongoing commitment to supporting SMEs in the region and addressing the persistent funding gaps. By providing a range of financing options, MEIF and MEIF II aim to enable businesses to scale up, innovate, and create jobs, ultimately contributing to the long-term economic prosperity of the Midlands.
Midlands Engine Investment Fund II
The Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) is a collaboration between the British Business Bank and ten Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) in the West Midlands and East and South East Midlands. It is supported by the European Regional Development Fund. The initial MEIF aimed to boost small and medium business (SME) growth in the Midlands by providing commercially focused finance through various instruments including Small Business Loans, Debt Finance, Proof of Concept, and Equity Finance. The first fund completed its investment phase in December 2023, having facilitated over £400m of direct and private sector co-investment to growing companies across the Midlands. The fund strategically draws its funding from diverse sources including the UK Government, the European Investment Bank, the British Business Bank, the European Regional Development Fund, and nine Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) forming part of the Midlands Engine, plus the South East Midlands LEP. These LEPs are integral to the fund's operation, facilitating regional investment. MEIF is transitioning to the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II (MEIF II), scheduled to launch in March 2024. MEIF II will also deliver £400m of investment to growing companies. The fund supports businesses within the defined Midlands Engine area, fostering economic growth and development in the region. The fund is committed to supporting the growth of SMEs and driving innovation in the Midlands. The overall strategy is to provide various types of finance to SMEs to support their growth at different stages of development, from proof of concept to expansion. The fund is designed to be a catalyst for further investment, attracting private sector co-investment alongside its own investments.
Midven
Future Planet Capital Regional, formerly Midven, focuses on amplifying growth for innovative SMEs in the West Midlands. With over 30 years of experience, the firm has invested more than £100 million into early-stage businesses and startups. Their investment strategy goes beyond providing capital, offering a hands-on approach that includes driving growth strategies, creating value throughout the business, and concentrating on key priorities. They aim to connect entrepreneurs with a network of business contacts, offering mentoring and resources to maximize their business potential. The firm targets ambitious founders in the West Midlands, aiming to create a fertile environment for innovative early-stage businesses. They actively seek businesses with high growth potential that can contribute to the regional economy. While sector-agnostic, they have demonstrated expertise in scaling up companies in technology and SaaS. Future Planet Capital Regional manages various funds, representing over £110 million. These funds include the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF), providing up to £2 million for high-growth potential businesses, and the West Midlands Co-Investment Fund (WMCO), supporting innovative businesses with equity up to £1 million. They also manage legacy funds that have historically supported growth in the Midlands. The acquisition by Future Planet Capital in April 2021 allows Future Planet Capital Regional to leverage a global network and impact investing approach, addressing global challenges in climate change, education, health, sustainable growth, and security. This combination of regional focus with global perspective provides a unique value proposition for entrepreneurs seeking to grow and scale their businesses.
Midven Ltd
Future Planet Capital Regional, formerly Midven, invests in early-stage businesses and startups in the West Midlands. Their strategy focuses on fostering collaborations across the region to create a fertile environment for growing innovative companies. They provide capital and hands-on support, including mentoring, resources, and access to their network, to help entrepreneurs build and grow their businesses. They prioritize companies with high growth potential that can contribute to the regional economy. They also emphasize impact investment through Future Planet Capital, connecting investors to address global challenges in climate change, education, health, sustainable growth, and security. Their regional focus stems from the firm's origins as a venture capitalist firm founded by Midlands-based entrepreneurs in 1990. Every fund under their management has been regionally-focused, indicating a strong commitment to the West Midlands. They look for businesses with a well-developed proposition and a talented management team, embracing risk as an opportunity. While sector agnostic, they have proven expertise in scaling up companies in technology and SaaS. Future Planet Capital Regional manages over £110 million across various funds, each with specific investment criteria tailored to early-stage businesses and SMEs. They aim to be more than just a silent partner, offering resources and network to help companies maximize their potential. Their team is composed of experienced professionals with operational and strategic skills to assist portfolio companies in their growth journey. Following the acquisition by Future Planet Capital in 2021, they now also align their investment focus to solve global challenges and impact investment. The parent company, Future Planet Capital, focuses on connecting world's largest investors with solutions to the world's grand challenges.
Milltrust Ventures
Milltrust Ventures, the venture capital arm of Milltrust International Group, champions 'Sustainable Prosperity' with a global presence on four continents. They invest in areas critical to sustainable development, including emerging economies, food security, healthcare, technology, and climate change. Milltrust collaborates with leading global venture capitalists to foster innovation and sustainable growth, indicating a strategy of co-investing or fund-of-funds approach. Milltrust International Group is committed to sustainable, ethical, and visionary investments that ensure enduring financial security and safeguard the planet and its inhabitants. Their vision is to leave the world a better place by focusing on the health of the planet, food systems, and the human race, a concept they label "One Health," harmonizing personal wealth with planetary well-being. Milltrust International LLP provides asset management, investment advisory, and execution services, crafting innovative, alpha-generating investment solutions since 2010. Milltrust's dedication to offering life-changing investment solutions is evident in their focus on the development of emerging economies, rising food demand, technological revolutions, and climate change.
Minerva Business Angels
Minerva Business Angels is a network of business angels operating primarily in the Midlands, London, and Northwest of the UK. They focus on supporting high-growth tech companies with a not-for-profit objective. The network operates through investment groups that meet regularly to discuss opportunities, offering both financial support and valuable expertise from experienced investors. Their approach is collaborative, encouraging investors to work together, provide mentorship, and leverage their networks for the benefit of the portfolio companies. Minerva is powered by the University of Warwick Science Park and has supported over 90 companies since 2010, raising over £63 million. Minerva emphasizes the importance of investor experience and active involvement in the growth of the companies they invest. They encourage investors to participate beyond just providing capital, offering guidance, making introductions, and sharing insights. The firm also facilitates access to support from partner universities and growth hubs, enhancing the value proposition for entrepreneurs seeking investment. Their investment criteria include a detailed business plan, a validated growth plan, sound reasoning for valuation, and a clear exit plan. For entrepreneurs, Minerva seeks companies looking for growth and expansion capital, with a validated business model and a clear understanding of their market. They emphasize the importance of founders having "skin in the game" and are willing to support companies through multiple investment rounds, offering both financial and strategic guidance. Minerva's investors are often involved in helping companies overcome challenges, such as technical issues or management difficulties. The firm’s roots within the University of Warwick Science Park and partnerships with numerous other academic institutions and regional growth hubs grant them a unique vantage point for deal flow and access to early-stage companies. They provide a platform for individuals with varied career backgrounds to contribute to the growth of both established and fledgling companies. They prioritize companies who will benefit from the hands on expertise of the angel investors.
Mobeus Equity Partners
Mobeus Equity Partners is a leading equity investor in UK-based SMEs with strong growth potential. They partner with talented and determined management teams, focusing on companies making up to £5 million EBITDA and requiring funding of up to £20 million. Their investment strategy involves Management Buyouts (MBOs) or providing equity release in founder-owned businesses. They aim to build diversified portfolios across sectors where they have strong credentials and expertise. Mobeus supports portfolio companies through organic growth initiatives and bolt-on acquisitions. A key part of their strategy is to appoint or introduce key executives to the senior management teams of their portfolio companies, adding additional experience, capabilities and oversight. They actively assist portfolio companies with M&A activity to accelerate growth. Mobeus invests in companies in the UK and looks to unlock the next phase of growth for these businesses. They focus on sectors where they have strong knowledge and expertise and look to actively support management teams in their scaling and growth plans. Mobeus has a hands-on approach, partnering with management teams to drive operational improvements, expand into new markets, and invest in systems and processes to support scalability. They also leverage their network to facilitate strategic acquisitions and provide ongoing support for portfolio companies to achieve their growth ambitions.
NPIF II – Praetura Equity Finance
Backing high-growth, innovative SMEs in the North West of England with up to £5m equity investments to fuel scaling, economic growth, and regional innovation across all sectors.
Newable Ventures
Newable Ventures exists to power business growth through a "Buy, Grow, Realise" strategy focused on the regulated B2B market. They provide more than just investment, offering deep expertise and access to high-potential B2B businesses across various regulated sectors. A key component of their approach is their Growth Team, which provides support in areas such as HR, Digital, Finance, Marketing, and ESG, aiming to unlock the next stage of growth for their portfolio companies. They connect people, capital, ideas, and opportunities to foster business expansion.
Nordstar
Nordstar invests in the next generation of global businesses, partnering with exceptional founders to accelerate their global ambitions. They provide strategic capital and operational expertise to founders at their next stage of growth. Their investment approach focuses on software and tech-enabled businesses, favoring models where execution and operational excellence are key to success. They leverage their global operating experience to assist founders in international expansion.
Notion Capital
Notion Capital backs European software and AI-native founders with a focus on helping them navigate the distinct challenges of each growth stage—Start, Build, and Scale—with decades of operational experience from former founders and operators.
Octopus Energy Development Partnership (OEDP)
Octopus Ventures invests in companies driving the transition to a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable energy future. Focus areas include renewable energy generation, energy storage, smart grid technologies, electric vehicle infrastructure, and energy efficiency solutions. The firm supports innovative startups and scale-ups that are pivotal in reducing carbon emissions and accelerating the adoption of low-carbon technologies.
Octopus First Cheque Fund
Octopus Ventures is a large and active venture capital investor in Europe, focusing on investing in people, ideas, and industries that are changing the world for the better. Their mission is to invest in areas where they can make the biggest impact: building a more sustainable planet, empowering people, and revitalizing healthcare. They aim to back entrepreneurs who are reimagining how whole industries behave, specifically those eliminating carbon footprints, creating cancer vaccines, building the next phase of the internet, and charting a greener approach to space travel. They aim to invest £10 billion in industries bringing about positive change by 2030. The firm seeks founders with purpose, building revolutionary solutions to change the world, with clear visions and focused on solving society’s biggest problems. They prioritize businesses that put people, community, and the environment first, investing as early as an idea on a page and supporting every growth stage with funding and hands-on support. Octopus Ventures also runs a mentorship program, matching founders and senior leaders with seasoned professionals from their network for knowledge and experience sharing. Octopus Ventures emphasizes diversity and inclusion, striving to welcome people from the widest range of backgrounds and experience into their team and portfolio companies. They acknowledge their leadership in investing in female leaders but recognize the need to do more to support everyone, regardless of culture, race, gender, orientation, or economic status. The firm invests across seven core areas to build long-lasting relationships with founders.
Octopus Investments
Octopus Group's investment thesis centers around backing people, ideas, and industries that will change the world. They aim to be a catalyst for positive, meaningful change by investing in disruptive and progressive companies. The group is comprised of entrepreneurs and investors, focusing on sectors like financial services, energy, and education. They believe in outbehaving the competition and prioritizing purpose over profit, which in turn drives sustainable growth. Octopus seeks to build companies that contribute positively to society and create lasting partnerships with investors.
Odyssey Ventures
Odyssey Ventures focuses on bridging the valuation gap between European and US startups. They aim to capitalize on the disparity where European startups are often undervalued compared to their US counterparts, creating an opportunity for higher returns upon exit or further funding rounds that reflect US-level valuations. Their strategy appears to involve identifying promising early-stage European companies, providing them with not only capital but also strategic guidance and resources to help them scale and compete effectively in the global market. This approach includes supporting expansion efforts into the US market and facilitating connections with US investors and potential acquirers. Their $75M fund is likely deployed to facilitate the aforementioned strategy, targeting firms ripe for rapid growth.
Open Ocean Capital
OpenOcean is a pan-European early-stage venture capital firm focused on investing in technical teams that are reshaping knowledge work and the infrastructure required to scale it. They target companies in the AI-native software, automation, and foundational technology sectors. The firm's roots are in building and scaling fundamental data software companies, and they leverage their experience as former operators and entrepreneurs to work closely with founders from early technical decisions to global scaling. Their strategy involves backing data-driven businesses built for long-term advantage. With a deep understanding of underlying technologies and software stacks, OpenOcean aims to identify and invest in category-winning startups at the early stages. Their expertise enables them to support companies with unique solutions that can be rapidly scaled and adopted globally. They are focused on partnering with technical founders shaping how humans and technology thrive together. They focus on companies driving the growth of innovative new digital platforms and services. OpenOcean emphasizes a strong technical background and global scaling expertise as key elements to identifying and investing in early-stage startups.
Osney Capital
Osney Capital is a sector specialist venture capital firm focused exclusively on early-stage cybersecurity companies in the UK. Their core strategy revolves around identifying and supporting UK cyber founders during the critical early phases of their growth. They aim to add unique value by leveraging their deep sector expertise and network, focusing their investments where they believe their team can significantly impact the company's success. They aim to specialize in early-stage ventures, providing the resources and knowledge needed to scale effectively. Osney Capital aims to create a supportive environment for its portfolio companies by combining financial investment with strategic guidance and operational support. Their value proposition extends beyond just capital; they strive to be a trusted partner, navigating the complexities of the cybersecurity market with their portfolio companies. The firm appears to have cultivated strong relationships with innovation leaders within the UK cyber ecosystem, working with entities such as NSSIF, Cyber Runway by Plexal, HMGCC CoCreation, UKC3, and Cyber ASAP. Osney Capital also demonstrates a commitment to diversity and inclusion through its participation in the Investing in Women Code. By supporting female entrepreneurship in the UK, the firm aims to contribute to a more diverse and inclusive business ecosystem, recognizing the value it brings to customers, entrepreneurs, businesses, investors, and society. This commitment aligns with the firm's broader objective of fostering innovation and growth within the UK cybersecurity sector. Osney Capital appears to be an active player in the venture capital landscape, offering a Venture Capital Internship Program to cultivate talent and provide opportunities for individuals from non-VC backgrounds to gain hands-on experience. This initiative reinforces their commitment to supporting the wider venture capital community and fostering the next generation of investors.
Oxford Capital
Oxford Capital is a venture capital firm based in Oxford, UK, that invests in early-stage and growth-stage companies across the UK. They focus on backing founders of innovative companies with disruptive potential, investing from pre-seed to growth and beyond. With over 25 years of experience, they have invested over £500m into over 100 companies. The firm provides individuals, families, and institutions the ability to participate in these investment opportunities. Oxford Capital aims to bridge the gap between entrepreneurs and private capital investors. The firm's strategy involves supporting companies from their earliest stages to later growth, enabling entrepreneurial successes. They are particularly interested in companies leveraging technology and science to solve complex problems. The firm's investment approach emphasizes backing companies that are creating new markets or disrupting existing ones. Oxford Capital looks for founders with a clear vision, strong execution capabilities, and the potential to build large, scalable businesses. They also focus on providing value beyond capital, offering support in areas such as strategy, operations, and fundraising. Oxford Capital actively monitors the venture capital landscape, providing commentary on industry trends and investment policy through its news and views section. They support the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) as a means to encourage investment in early-stage companies. The firm has a strong emphasis on governance and sustainability in both mature and high-growth companies.
Oxford Technology
Oxford Technology specializes in investing in startup and early-stage technology companies based in and around Oxford, UK. Their investment strategy centers around leveraging SEIS and EIS tax reliefs to provide seed and follow-on funding to innovative tech ventures. They manage two funds: a flagship three-year combined SEIS and EIS fund and a Knowledge-Intensive EIS fund, each with slightly different risk/return profiles. The SEIS fund targets earlier-stage companies, investing a portion of the capital upfront and following on with high performers in subsequent years. The Knowledge-Intensive EIS fund focuses on companies already in their portfolio, offering a potentially lower risk/return profile. The firm typically invests up to £150k of seed funding into SEIS-eligible companies and up to £300k of EIS follow-on funding. They emphasize the importance of follow-on investments for achieving the best returns and exit multiples. Oxford Technology also runs WOTAN (Wider Oxford Technology Angel Network) to provide further investment opportunities. The firm prioritizes investments in companies with novel science or technology that can disrupt existing sectors or create new ones. They seek companies that are SEIS-eligible, especially those located in or around Oxford. Oxford Technology's investment approach includes tax relief benefits for investors under SEIS and EIS schemes. They provide investors with opportunities to participate in monthly presentations of follow-on EIS-eligible pitches. They also actively assist portfolio companies in their early years, especially those located near Oxford. Their investment philosophy is oriented towards providing both capital growth and tax reliefs.
Oxford Technology Management
Oxford Technology Management specializes in investing in startup and early-stage technology companies based in and around Oxford since 1983. The firm leverages the UK's SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme) and EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) tax reliefs to provide investors with tax-efficient access to innovative technology startups. Their investment strategy focuses on providing seed funding to SEIS-eligible companies and follow-on EIS funding to high-performing ventures within their portfolio. The firm believes that the ability to make follow-on investments is crucial for achieving the best returns and highest exit multiples. Oxford Technology manages two funds: a flagship three-year combined SEIS and EIS fund, and an approved Knowledge-Intensive EIS fund. The SEIS and EIS Start-Up Fund invests in approximately eight tech startups over three tax years, allocating a third of the subscription to SEIS companies in the first year and providing follow-on EIS funding in subsequent years. The Knowledge-Intensive EIS Fund invests in five select EIS companies already within the Oxford Technology portfolio, offering a slightly lower risk/return profile due to the companies' progression and higher valuations. The firm emphasizes the benefits of capital growth and tax reliefs associated with SEIS and EIS investments, including income tax reduction, capital gains relief, and tax-free capital gains after three years. Oxford Technology aims to provide investors with opportunities for significant capital growth while mitigating risk through tax advantages and downside protection offered by the schemes. Oxford Technology also operates WOTAN – Wider Oxford Technology Angel Network, connecting investors with early-stage technology opportunities. They host monthly investor presentations featuring follow-on EIS-eligible pitches, further facilitating investment in promising startups.
Pelion Green Future
Pelion Green Future invests in companies driving the energy transition by scaling renewable energy sources, developing new low-carbon technologies, and transforming infrastructure systems. They provide long-term capital, hands-on support, and access to a global network of clean energy experts to accelerate decarbonization and foster sustainable growth.
Penta Capital
Penta Capital is an independently owned private equity firm focused on investing in the mid-market. Established in 1999, they provide capital and support to entrepreneurs to achieve their vision. Their investment strategy centers around buy-outs and development capital across sectors where they have deep expertise. The firm seeks to generate top-decile returns for its investors through decisive, solutions-focused approaches to deal-making, financing, and buy-and-build strategies. Penta Capital provides knowledgeable expertise in its chosen sectors, aiming to give its portfolio companies a competitive advantage. Penta Capital looks for strong management teams that can demonstrate a leading position within a niche, businesses with a proven track record of profitable growth, and deal sizes between £5 million and £200 million. Their approach includes partnering with entrepreneurs and providing them with the capital and support to achieve their vision. Recent investments include participation in a consortium with Searchlight Capital Partners LP and Ares Management funds, investing £500m in RSK Group to support its 2030 Global Growth Strategy, which includes organic growth and acquisitions.