UK Private Capital (formerly the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association - BVCA) is the association of the UK private capital industry. We represent 600 firms including the wider ecosystem of professional advisers and investors.   

Private capital consists of private equity and venture capital which make long-term investments to grow British businesses and build a better economy. Private credit and venture debt provide active and engaged debt finance to businesses.  

The private capital industry backs 13,000 UK businesses, nine in 10 of which are small or medium-sized enterprises. Businesses backed by the industry employ 2.5 million people across the UK and contribute 7% to GDP.  

In 2024, £29.4bn was invested by private capital into UK businesses in sectors across the UK economy, ranging from consumer products to emerging technology.  

This increased investment has fuelled the growth of businesses across the UK, with six in ten (58%) of the businesses backed in 2024, located outside of the capital.  These investments are long term, with an average investment period of six years, in contrast to less than a year in public markets.  

UK-based private capital specialists have raised £190bn of funds, known as dry powder, which is expected to be invested over the next three to five years.   

The industry invests for a better future by backing some of the UK’s best loved businesses, developing the companies of the future and delivering solutions to global problems.

UK Private Capital

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