BGF RECORDS STELLAR YEAR IN LONDON AND THE SOUTH EAST IN 2022

BGF, one of the largest and most experienced growth capital investors in the UK and Ireland, has announced a strong year of momentum in London and the South East in 2022, having exited 13 companies and invested over £130 million.
The last 12 months also saw BGF pass the £1 billion investment mark in the region, having now backed over 180 companies since inception, underlining its strong commitment to powering the growth economy in London and the South East.
Notable exits during the year included LoopMe, an advertising technology company which was acquired by Mayfair Equity Partners; Virtual1, a cloud and connectivity service provider, which was acquired by TalkTalk Group; and Furniture Village, a national furniture retailer, which undertook a management buyback of the business.
2022 investment highlights include Harnham, a global leader in data and analytics recruitment; BBC Maestro, an online education platform; Alpha Development, a specialist financial training provider; and AruVR, a digital learning business.
Deals last year also reflect BGF’s ongoing commitment to empowering female led businesses, following major investments in Makers Academy a computer programming bootcamp led by Claudia Harris, and Media Zoo, a UK creative agency led by Rachel Pendered.
2022 saw BGF strengthen its investment team in London and the South East with a number of key appointments. Sonia Powar, an experienced private equity investor, is now leading BGF’s healthcare investments in the region. Meanwhile Matthew Connor joined BGF from Calculus Capital and Karolina Sokolowska joined from Lincoln International. BGF’s early-stage team was strengthened with the appointment of Marta Lozano, while Dylan Kaye was appointed to BGF’s direct origination team from Holihan Lokey.
Nicol Fraser, Head of London and the South East at BGF, said: “Despite the current economic challenges, BGF is confident in the prospects and opportunities available to the many exciting and innovative growth companies across London and South East.”
“BGF is committed to partnering with entrepreneurs that want to take their business to the next stage of growth. We look forward to adding value to those companies in the year ahead, leveraging the deep sector expertise from both our portfolio and the wider BGF network.”
Since inception in 2011, BGF has provided £3 billion to more than 500 companies across every corner of the UK and Ireland. In 2022, BGF delivered 45 new investments totalling £443 million. The firm also recorded a record exit volume and value: realising 40 investments, delivering over £675 million, and achieving a 2x MM and 22.5% IRR.
BGF has a strong pipeline of opportunities going into 2023, as it continues to fund promising and diverse businesses with capital throughout the economic cycle.