BGF provided a record investment of almost GBP50 million into AIM-listed companies in 2018, bringing total funding in AIM-listed firms to GBP150 million across 43 companies.
Funding into AIM-listed companies includes investments in structured and equity investments in businesses located across the UK, operating in a range of sectors, including biotech, chemical technology, manufacturing and energy.
In addition to supporting companies with initial investments, such as Manchester’s genedrive – which received funding from BGF to accelerate the commercial traction of its HCV-ID Kit – BGF also made additional investments into its own portfolio companies, including Accsys Technologies, which is building the world’s first Tricoya wood factory in Hull. BGF’s financial investment was crucial in the formation of the Tricoya Consortium, bringing the second of Accsys’ trademark products to life.
2018 investments also included supporting Inspired Energy on its acquisition of Improva Finance Ltd.
Tom Jenkins, BGF Quoted, says: “2018 was a year of two halves with valuations readjusting from the Autumn onwards – resulting in BGF’s busiest period of quoted investing to date. Our balance sheet of GBP2.5bn allows us to provide businesses with long-term, patient and flexible funding – meaning that we can continue funding through volatile periods. Over the course of the past year, that message has really resonated with management teams and it’s our intention to maintain this momentum throughout 2019.”
BGF provides long-term capital from a GBP2.5 billion balance sheet. BGF can provide initial and follow investments, providing cornerstone investments to reduce fundraising and execution risk.
