UK Top Venture Capital Firms

UK Top Venture Capital Firms

Although Silicon Valley remains the triumphant in the world of venture capitalism, the UK doesn't follow far behind. Actually, Tech City reports that the UK attracts one third of all venture capital money available within Europe.

According to figures from London & Partners, UK tech companies made over £2.5 billion in 2015, which represents an increase of 70 percent from 2014 when they raised £1.4 billion.

If you are a startup, you might want to know who are these venture capital firms headquartered or based in the UK and how to make the most of them.

The first one is Balderton Capital. Founded in 2000 by Benchmark Capital Silicon Valley, Balderton became fully independent in 2007 as a UK firm investing in early-stage and internet startup companies that are mainly based in Europe. Balderton is famous for investing early on European entrepreneurs.

With most of the capital coming from university endowments, charitable foundations and pension funds, Balderton invests between £775,000 to £15 million each time and manages around £1.8 billion. Some of the most outstanding investments include Kobalt, Bebo, Citymapper, Wonga and Magic Pony.

They disclaim on their website that they support Europe's leading technology businesses. "Our focus is on early stage, European technology businesses, with ambitious founders and unique approaches. Belderton is the largest Europe focused venture fund, with funds totalling $2.3BN. We invest between $1M to $20M into companies with the potential to disrupt huge industries, and the ambition to scale globally."

"We invest for the long term, with the ability to support our companies from start to exit."

"Our partners are the founders, investors and board members of some of Europe's biggest technology companies. We have a team-oriented approach to building breakthrough technology companies. Balderton is an equal partnership. This means our entrepreneurs get the benefit of a team of experts, in addition to a community of over 150 founders."

Scottish Equity Partners is another venture capital firm that has made over 150 investments with more than 110 exists ever since its foundation in 1991. With offices in London, Glasgow and Edinburgh, the firm invests companies in different fields such as energy, healthcare and technology. With over six funds under the management of 20 employees, the firm invests up to £20 million in high growth technology companies. Investments include Cyberhawk, SolarCentury and Skyscanner.

On their website, they state: "We are an independent owner-managed firm with 45 experienced professionals (...) Our team is knowledgeable, well-connected and experienced in supporting high growth companies across a range of technology sectors."

"We forge constructive long-term relationships with the companies we back, providing continuity and building trust, supporting you from the start of your partnership with us all the way to exit."

"We are approachable, enthusiastic and keen to work with the inspirational entrepreneurs behind Europe's most exciting high growth companies. We understand the challenges and opportunities involved in scaling a business and are skilled in helping to identify and to capitalise on future growth opportunities."

DN Capital invests primarily during the growth stage from £214,000 to £13 million per company. The firm has professionals operating in the London, Menlo Park and Berlin offices, which invest in marketplaces, e-commerce, software, mobile apps and digital media sectors.

With 55 investments and 16 exits across eight countries, DN Capital specialises in assisting US companies to the European market. Important investments include Shazam, Hppm and Seedcamp.

Michael Bruce, the founder of Purplebricks.com, said: "DN Capital was a valuable company and share in that early vision to invest in scaling our disruptive business model across the UK."

DN Capital managing partner Nenad Marovac also joined the Purplebricks board of directors. He said: "At DN Capital we are constantly looking to identify the next breakthrough UK technology companies. We believe that in Purplebricks.com we have found a game-changing proposition that will resonate deeply with UK property sellers and buyers.

"We are very impressed with what Michael and Kenny Bruce have built so far, and are looking forward to bringing our technology experience to help build a significant business."

Another firm worth mentioning is Bridges Ventures. Founded in 2002, the London-based firm manages £600 million and aims to creating investment returns through social and environmental challenges. Bridges Ventures is focused on sustainable and impact investment strategy and for that it uses Sustainable Growth Funds, Property Funds and Social Sector Funds.