British Patient Capital Response to the Small Business Equity Tracker

According to the British Business Bank’s Small Business Equity Tracker, venture capital dry powder – capital yet to be invested – is collectively worth £8.4bn. equating to 12 to 15 months of investment based on 2018 and 2019 investment level. While clearly this isn’t all down to British Patient Capital, at 31 December 2019, British Patient Capital has already committed more than £1bn to venture capital and venture growth managers, and just as importantly were joined by other institutional investors committing a further £4bn alongside us. That’s £5bn of capital, with £3bn still to be invested in high-growth innovative companies.

Ultimately this gives venture capital funds the firepower they need to continue to support UK innovative companies now and power the innovation economy as we emerge from the crisis

Further good news is that the Small Business Equity Tracker reveals that UK scaleups are better capitalised now, with British Patient Capital supported funds almost doubling their deal count in 2019. This increase in British Patient Capital fund activity, is responsible for the British Business Bank’s programmes supporting 11% of UK equity deals between 2017 and 2019, compared to 9% between 2016 and 2018.

Addressing the funding gap that has affected later-stage businesses, by enabling larger funding rounds, is central to our long-term vision for more home-grown fully funded, high growth companies to fulfil their potential to be players on the global stage.