Venture capital prospects are a bright spot for the UK economy January 29, 2025 Despite fears about the Budget and Donald Trump, venture capital rebounded strongly in 2024 and the view is looking optimistic for the years ahead, says Nicole Lowe It is fair to say that 2024 was a rollercoaster year when it came to venture capital (VC) investment. Major elections and political shifts on both sides of [...]
VCT fundraising push continues as Baronsmead launches £50m raise January 13, 2025 Two Baronsmead venture capital trusts (VCTs) have launched a £50m funding drive today as a boom in fundraising for the vehicles continues. The VCTs, which are managed by Gresham House, are targeting a £30m share offer with an over-allotment option of £20m, meaning they are able to issue new shares if there is demand from [...]
AI investor FOMO: Has AI supply outstripped demand? December 8, 2024 Investors are pouring billions into AI, but has supply now outstripped demand? Mike Smeed looks at how AI funding has become misbalanced.
30th anniversary of VCTs celebrated as 2024 raise approaches £240m December 1, 2024 The total amount of money raised through venture capital trusts (VCTs) this tax year is approaching £240m, 20 per cent higher than last year, as the investment industry celebrates the vehicle’s 30th birthday. The VCT was unveiled in the 1994 Budget, where Chancellor Ken Clarke launched the scheme, and have since raised £12.5bn, funnelling money [...]
Sir Michael Moritz on triathlon, dangerous investments and Fergie November 26, 2024 Sir Michael Moritz’s sixth sense for investing made him a multi-billionaire, so when he gives a rare interview and talks up the trajectory of one of his latest ventures, the T100 Triathlon World Tour, it seems smart to listen. The Welshman, 70, was among the first to believe in the potential of the tour and [...]
UK venture capital industry not attracting enough domestic funding, says report November 25, 2024 The UK’s venture capital industry is not attracting enough funding from domestic investors compared with the likes of France and Germany, a report from the sector’s industry body has warned. Venture Capital in the UK, a new annual paper from the British Venture Capital Association (BVCA), found the country’s risk capital sector had shown “resilience” [...]
Ladbible and Onthebeach founders back investor led by Steven Bartlett’s former business partner November 5, 2024 The founders of Ladbible and Onthebeach have backed a venture capital firm that is led by the former business partner of Dragons’ Den star, Steven Bartlett. Solly Solomou, the chief executive of Manchester-headquartered Ladbible Group, has invested in Wilmslow-based Fearless Adventures alongside Onthebeach’s Simon Cooper, who will become its chairman. Solomou has invested through his [...]
Cricket, rugby and football stars invest in health start-up November 4, 2024 England rugby international Courtney Lawes and Arsenal footballer Ben White are also among the 60 professional sportspeople invested in The Players Fund.
UK start-up funding falls but life sciences sector picks up October 15, 2024 UK start-ups secured $2.9bn (£2.2bn) in new venture capital (VC) funding during the third quarter of 2024, a sharp drop from the $5.7bn (£4.4bn) raised in the previous quarter, according to fresh data from HSBC. The global VC market also slowed, marking its weakest quarter in over four years, driven largely by a downturn in [...]
Americans do it better (investing, that is) October 9, 2024 British companies are often accountable to passive shareholders, such as pension funds, leading to risk aversion and short-termism. The US invests differently, with much better results, says Tom Focas The UK economy is in dire need of a rejuvenation. Growth is still stagnating, productivity lags behind global competitors, and industries that once anchored the nation’s [...]