BGF's 2023 wrapped!
As we edge closer to the holidays, we've been reflecting?on the year we've had:?the growth we've?seen across the BGF portfolio,?the challenges overcome, and the successes we've celebrated.
And we're delighted to be finishing up the year by announcing?that BGF is now a certified UK B Corp. Through our investments, we seek to foster sustainable, responsible and transparent business practices, and attaining B Corp certification has been a central goal of ours. We're incredibly proud to be joining the B Corp community.
Read on for all our latest deal news and?portfolio updates, plus a quick 2023 round-up.
New deals,?follow-ons & exits
It's been a busy year of investment news.?In the last month alone, we have:
We completed several other successful exits in 2023 (off the back of a record number in 2022). These included Bristol-based software development business Amdaris,?and Northern Ireland's largest fully integrated waste management company, RiverRidge.
Throughout the year, we?invested in more brilliant businesses across the UK and Ireland.
In London, we backed?the likes of?Brompton Bicycle?and?husband-and-wife-founded pet food brand?Scrumbles.?We also invested in a family business in the South West, the industrial?and engineering supplies firm?Troy.
Also joining our portfolio was web accessibility company?Recite Me, based in the North East. While fellow 'tech for good' businesses?Kooth plc?and Gaussion?secured backing from our Quoted and Early Stage teams, respectively.
We invested in several businesses serving the public sector. These included Northampton-based consultancy Socitm Advisory?and social housing software developer Voicescape, headquartered in Manchester.
In total, we've welcomed 34 new companies to our portfolio this year, and deployed around ￡400m in long-term, minority capital through new and follow-on investments.
ABGF: Supporting SMEs across hemispheres with patient capital
In this new video, BGF's?Jane Vinson?interviews Matt Reed, our COO, and Anthony Healy, CEO of the Australian BGF. Hear?how BGF and ABGF are working together to back businesses to scale abroad.
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Portfolio news: North American expansions & more
Our growing roster of?investee businesses have had plenty of news to share themselves this year—from?product releases and?B Corp announcements, to site roll-outs and international expansions.?
Some of their most recent highlights?include:
CEO insights: A post-exit perspective
We hear from?Leigh Howarth, CEO of?pipeline technology specialist STATS Group. The Aberdeen-based business?marked BGF's first investment in Scotland back in 2012, and was recently acquired by Japanese firm Mitsui & Co.
BGF Foundation: Empowering young people for a more inclusive future
Throughout 2023, the BGF Foundation has been developing its strategy with key stakeholders, directing its efforts towards impactful philanthropy.
Following extensive discussions with BGF shareholders, portfolio entities and teams, the Foundation is proud to announce a commitment of ￡670,000 in grants, with a newfound emphasis on empowering young people.
LTSB, which helps young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to secure jobs within major firms,?is one of several charities the Foundation is supporting. Learn more?below.
Looking for long-term, flexible funding?
We've already provided minority investment?to over 500 UK & Irish businesses. Yours could be next.