The Development Bank of Wales, established in 2001 by the Welsh Assembly Government, serves as an independent financial institution dedicated to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Wales. The bank provides a range of commercial funding options, including bridge financing, business loans, micro loans, and development capital, with investments typically ranging from £0.001 million to £2 million. It focuses on various sectors such as technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and renewable energy, primarily targeting businesses based in Wales or those willing to relocate there. The Development Bank of Wales also engages in co-investing with banks and private investors, and offers flexible financing solutions to startups and established companies alike, emphasizing sustainable growth and innovation within the Welsh economy.
FW Capital is a fund management company specializing in commercial investments in businesses with strong growth potential. Established in 2010, it is a subsidiary of the Finance Wales Group and operates primarily in the North East and North West of England. As part of the DBW Group, the largest investment group of its kind in the UK, FW Capital focuses on equity and debt investments in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to support their development and expansion.
Iona Capital Ltd is a specialist fund manager focused on investing in bioenergy infrastructure projects across the UK. Founded in May 2011 and based in London and Manchester, the company is comprised of a team of experts in waste management and renewable energy. Iona Capital manages funds for institutional investors, aiming to target relatively low-risk environmental infrastructure assets while seeking double-digit returns. The firm has successfully invested in numerous projects in England, Scotland, and Wales, demonstrating its commitment to long-term infrastructure development in the bioenergy sector.
WestBridge is a private equity and venture capital firm based in London, established in 2008. It specializes in investing in lower-mid-market companies across various sectors, including healthcare, industrial, retail, and technology, primarily within the United Kingdom. The firm targets fast-growing, profitable small and medium enterprises, investing between £1 million and £8 million in companies with significant sales and EBITDA figures. WestBridge's partners bring extensive experience, each having an average of 20 years in the private equity space. They align their interests with those of their investors and management teams by committing their own capital to investments. The firm not only provides financial support but also offers valuable business contacts through its network of entrepreneurs and business angels. With offices in Cardiff and London, WestBridge seeks to take board seats in its portfolio companies and typically holds investments for three to five years, focusing on value creation and strategic growth.
CVC Capital Partners is a leading global private equity and investment advisory firm, established in 1981 in London as Citicorp Venture Capital. The firm rapidly expanded its European presence in the 1990s, establishing offices in key markets such as Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands. In 1993, the management group acquired the firm, renaming it CVC Capital Partners. The firm's global reach continued with the opening of its first office outside Europe in Hong Kong in 1999, followed by an office in Seoul in 2000, and further expanding into the Americas with offices in New York and San Francisco. CVC manages substantial assets and operates a network of 23 local offices, providing investment solutions across various sectors. The firm is primarily owned by its employees and guided by a team of Managing Partners, emphasizing a commitment to delivering strong investment outcomes. Additionally, CVC Credit Partners, established in 2006, focuses on sub-investment grade debt markets, leveraging CVC's network and expertise to provide tailored investment management solutions.
Inflexion Private Equity, founded in 1999 by John Hartz and Simon Turner, is a mid-market private equity firm specializing in UK buyout transactions. The firm invests between £10 million and £200 million for both minority and majority stakes in high-growth businesses across various sectors. With a team of over 85 professionals, Inflexion boasts one of the largest mid-market investment teams, enabling it to collaborate closely with the companies in which it invests. This approach reflects the firm's ongoing commitment to fostering growth and delivering value to its portfolio companies.
Business Growth Fund is an influential investor in small and mid-sized businesses. It was set up in 2011 to offer growing companies and ambitious entrepreneurs patient capital and strategic support. With 14 offices, they are close and relevant to the businesses they invest in. They have grown to a team of 150+ and a network that’s made up of one of the largest pools of board-level executives. Collectively, the companies in their portfolio employ close to 50,000 people. They want to see more entrepreneurs using their capital not only to scale-up their own business but also, collectively, to drive economic activity and with it increase employment, exports, and growth.
LDC is a private equity firm established in 1981 and operates as the private equity arm of the Lloyds Banking Group. The company specializes in providing financial investment services, primarily targeting small and mid-sized unquoted companies in the UK. LDC has the capacity to offer up to £100 million for various transactions, including management buyouts, development capital, secondary buyouts, and institutional buyouts. Over its history, the firm has supported approximately 550 businesses across diverse sectors, including technology, media, telecommunications, support services, retail, travel, leisure, healthcare, construction, and financial services.
Harwood Private Equity is a private equity firm based in London, specializing in investments in management buyouts, expansion capital, growth capital, consolidation opportunities, and public-to-private transactions. The firm targets small and medium-sized businesses in the United Kingdom across various sectors, including manufacturing, leisure, media, healthcare, retail, financial services, and construction. Harwood Private Equity typically invests up to £20 million in each portfolio company, focusing on enterprises with values ranging from £10 million to £100 million. The firm emphasizes identifying a clear exit strategy prior to making investments. As a leader in the UK lower mid-market, Harwood Private Equity operates as a subsidiary of Harwood Capital LLP and aims to invest in undervalued businesses with strong growth potential.
SEP has been building businesses for 20 years, enabling founder led teams to achieve their ambitions. Providing investment, alongside expertise and access to an international network, SEP’s knowledgeable and down to earth team work hard to help management maximise company growth and value. Technology focused, with particular expertise in SaaS, consumer internet, energy technology and tech enabled service businesses, SEP has been a supportive investor to more than 160 companies, including some of Europe’s most successful.