Growth capital investor BGF has pledged £100 million to Northern Ireland businesses as part of a wider £3 billion UK-wide strategy to support high-potential companies over the next five years, building on the £86 million it has already pumped into the region since 2011.
And as part of its broader national strategy, BGF has also committed £300 million to female-powered businesses across the UK, which follows an initial £25 million contribution to the Invest in Women Taskforce (IWT), which helped raise more than £250 million in 2023.
BGF commits to long-term minority investments (ranging from £3m to £30m) to growth-stage and early-stage businesses across the UK.
Since 2011, its portfolio companies across the UK have delivered £7.1 billion in revenue growth, £1 billion in export growth, and created more than 27,000 jobs.
And among those it has supported in Northern Ireland are Belfast-based Connected Health (supporting its plans to hire an additional 1,000 carers over the next two years) and Woodland Kitchens.
Paddy Graham, regional partner for BGF in Scotland and Northern Ireland, said: “Despite economic headwinds, Northern Ireland’s entrepreneurial spirit remains strong.
Paddy Graham, regional partner for BGF in Scotland and Northern Ireland
“With this latest £100 million commitment, we’re deepening our long-standing presence here and reaffirming our mission to support more high-potential businesses with capital and strategic guidance.”
On BGF’s £300m commitment to female-powered businesses, IWT co-chair Debbie Wosskow said: “This is another historic moment and builds on our already ground-breaking progress with the Invest in Women Taskforce, and is one of the largest ever made in the UK.”