Growth capital investor BGF said it has pledged £200 million to Scottish businesses as part of its £3 billion UK-wide commitment to support high-potential companies over the next five years.
BGF said this builds on the £391 million already invested in Scotland since 2011.
“BGF’s regional-first approach is designed to address disparities in capital access and support entrepreneurial ecosystems across the UK,” said BGF.
As part of the broader national pledge, BGF has also committed £300 million to female-powered businesses across the UK, making it one of the largest initiatives of its kind.
This follows a £25 million commitment to the Invest in Women Taskforce (IWT), which helped unlock over £250 million in 2023.
“Since 2011, BGF portfolio companies across the UK have driven £7.1 billion in revenue growth, £1 billion in export growth, and created more than 27,000 jobs,” said BGF.
“With 74% of its capital invested outside London and the South East, BGF is uniquely placed to reduce regional inequalities.”
Paddy Graham, Regional Partner, Scotland and Northern Ireland, said: “Scotland has long been recognised for its innovation and entrepreneurial energy. Our new £200 million commitment builds on a strong foundation and is focused on unlocking even more opportunities for Scottish scaleups to thrive.”
BGF provides long-term, minority investments to growth-stage and early-stage businesses. It has a team based in Edinburgh.
Initial investments range from £3 million to £30 million for growth-stage companies and £3 million to £10 million for early-stage ventures.
BGF backs earlier-stage businesses in the life sciences and deep tech sectors, and growth-stage businesses across all sectors, typically generating £1 million to £10 million profit.
BGF provides follow-on funding to support further growth, and tailored value creation support from investment to exit.
Examples of BGF’s investments include a £15 million investment in Sulmara, an Aberdeen-based low carbon offshore specialist — and BGF-backed Strathberry, the Edinburgh luxury brand that has announced plans to target £100 million in revenue in the next three years.