EQUITY investment in Wales showed resilience during 2024, defying the broader UK trend of declining activity, according to the British Business Bank’s annual Small Business Equity Tracker.
While the UK overall saw equity deals fall by 15.1%, Wales recorded a notable 7.2% rise in equity deal numbers compared to 2023. However, the total value of investments in Wales dropped by 12.1%, settling at £113 million, highlighting ongoing caution among investors.
Supporting this growth, the Investment Fund for Wales (IFW), launched in late 2023, has deployed £18 million from its £50 million equity fund. This investment has drawn an additional £3.1 million from private co-investors, with expectations of increased activity throughout 2025 as IFW managers Foresight expand their deal pipeline.
AI sector leads UK equity growth
Across the UK, artificial intelligence (AI) attracted significantly larger equity deals than other sectors, averaging £8.3 million per transaction—over 40% higher than the £5.7 million national average. At the growth stage, AI investments averaged £36.3 million, more than double comparable sectors, reflecting substantial investor interest.
In Wales, this trend was exemplified by the IFW and Development Bank of Wales’ recent investment in Nisien.AI, a promising Cardiff University spin-out. Nisien.AI is developing advanced AI technology aimed at combating online harms, including digital conflicts, and already works with major global social media platforms. The new funding will support recruitment and R&D, enabling Nisien.AI to launch new digital safety products.
Susan Nightingale, UK Network Director for Wales at the British Business Bank, commented: “Despite a challenging year for equity finance across the UK, Wales has demonstrated resilience with increased deal numbers. However, the overall drop in investment values shows that caution remains prevalent. Encouragingly, AI continues to drive significant value, and companies like Nisien.AI highlight the potential for Wales to become a key player in this transformational sector. We aim to help create the conditions for Wales’ first unicorn to emerge.”
University spinouts reach record heights
University spinout companies across the UK experienced a record-breaking year in 2024, raising £1.9 billion, accounting for 17% of total UK equity investments and 12% of overall deals. Swansea University notably led the Welsh scene, launching 58 spinouts since 2011, ranking ninth in the UK and top in Wales, as highlighted in Beauhurst’s recent Spotlight on Spinouts report.
Business angels continue crucial support
The Small Business Equity Tracker also highlighted the vital role of business angels, with 70% investing predominantly in early-stage businesses. Notably, 64% of surveyed UK angel investors either maintained or increased their investment levels between 2023 and 2024.
The British Business Bank’s initiatives, such as the Female-led Angel Syndication Pilot launched in 2023, have supported this vital investor segment. Women Angels of Wales (WAW), backed by both the British Business Bank and Development Bank of Wales, attracted over 20 investors since mid-2023, closing deals worth £3.8 million. A standout investment was in Kaydiar, a Cardiff Metropolitan University spin-out developing innovative medical devices and prosthetics, demonstrating the impactful role angel investors continue to play in driving early-stage innovation.