Your ambitions, your way

BGF is a different type of investor and we’re backing Ireland’s growing businesses

See what we’re about

The Irish Growth Economy Report
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Backing exciting Irish entrepreneurs and businesses

BGF has been operating in Ireland for nearly three years and we have met with many businesses across the country. To date, BGF has directly invested €89 million to support the ambitious growth plans of 13 outstanding Irish companies. The 13 companies join a total of over 400 businesses we have supported since BGF was first established in 2011.

€89m

invested in Irish businesses to date

€250m

capital to invest

Backed by ISIF, AIB, the Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank

13

Irish businesses backed

Including 2 successful exits

2

regional offices in the Republic of Ireland

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A different kind of growth investor

BGF is unique in a number of ways. We are long-term investors and we only take minority positions in the businesses we support. For our investments in Ireland, we are backed by, and work closely with the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) and the main Irish banks. We only support entrepreneurs and the businesses we believe passionately in.

We’re a minority investor so you’re always in control

We fund growing businesses as your long-term partner.

We offer flexible funding for your ambitions

We support all stages of growth through dedicated investors

We’re a minority investor so you’re always in control

BGF provides equity investments in exchange for a minority stake.

Dublin-based aerospace engineering business TEAM Accessories took BGF on board as a minority partner in 2019.

Read TEAM Accessories' story
We fund growing businesses as your long-term partner.

Our initial investments are typically between €1m and €10m and our follow-on funding supports further growth opportunities.

BGF has supported Donegal-headquartered Brindley Healthcare’s growth plans with a €10m investment.

Read Brindley Healthcare’s story
We offer flexible funding for your ambitions

We offer flexible funding to suit your needs. That could be through a mix of equity and loan notes into your business or out to existing shareholders.

Family-owned housebuilder Winterbrook is backed by BGF and has a landbank of sites across prime locations in Dublin.

Read Winterbrook's story
We support all stages of growth through dedicated investors

We invest in everyone from smaller, high-growth businesses to more established SMEs and quoted companies. Our follow-on funding means we can continue to invest through all these stages.

BGF has invested in Renegade Spirits’ Waterford whisky distillery since 2017.

Read Renegade Spirits’ story
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A local partner, who knows your region

Part of our philosophy is to embed ourselves in the communities in which our investee companies are located. We opened our second office in Cork in early 2020, a city in a region that has generated some of Ireland’s most successful international businesses. A growing number of household names are choosing this region for its thriving business landscape.

Why Dublin?

Why Cork?

Being local is at the heart of our approach. This means an Irish team investing in Irish entrepreneurs and Irish businesses. Our Dublin-based investors provide long-term, minority capital to help companies scale-up and fulfil their potential.

We will be making investments from a commitment of up to €250 million, led by BGF and the ISIF, and supported by Ireland’s largest banking groups. Together, we share a belief that you make things happen, you don’t wait for them to come along.

Read more about our Dublin office

Cork and the wider area have a unique entrepreneurial ecosystem. The region has generated some of Ireland’s most successful international businesses and has long been a destination of choice for leading multinationals.

From Apple and Dell EMC to Eli Lilly and Pfizer, more and more household names are choosing Cork for its thriving business landscape, excellent services and business friendly culture.

Read more about our Cork office
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A proven track record at backing successful companies

Since 2011, BGF has invested over £3bn in over 400 private and public businesses across Ireland & the UK, from those at an earlier stage of their journey through to companies with decades of trading history. BGF’s in-depth experience extends across all industries – from IT & services, energy, oil and gas, to life sciences, healthcare and education. We see potential in every corner of Ireland & the UK, and we’re determined to support it.

Our activity in the UK since 2011 £3bn

invested

Our activity in the UK since 2011 400+

businesses backed

Our activity in the UK since 2011 #1

most active investor in Europe

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At a time of great change, growing businesses need to know someone is standing with them. Someone with the capital and confidence to keep forging ahead, and the belief that companies can and will succeed.

We understand that while change is daunting, it also brings opportunity. We want to help growing companies take advantage of those opportunities and do what they do best – pursue ambitions, deliver progress, and drive growth.

Stephen Welton, non-executive chair, BGF

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Meet our Irish team

The Irish team is comprised of five experienced investors from Dublin and Cork with diverse backgrounds in private equity and corporate finance, covering all sectors of the economy.

Many growing companies say they want a different kind of investor. Someone to help them scale, without taking control. To challenge them, without driving them too hard, too fast. To treat them with the honesty, respect and empathy they deserve.

That’s why we exist.
Looking for funding in Ireland?

Want to join some of the most ambitious and successful companies? We’re always looking for the next brilliant business to back.