BGF

Forefront RF has secured £16m to power next-gen connectivity solutions, set to revolutionise how mobile devices are designed. The Cambridge-based business has developed patented technology to solve a major bottleneck in mobile connectivity. With this new capital injection, Forefront is on track to evolve from startup to leader in RF tech, as it targets a 2026 product launch. Following BGF’s 2021 investment, we're thrilled to continue supporting this innovative British business alongside a strong consortium of co-investors. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eYfDQinv #Investment #BGF #ScaleUp #Growth #Technology #Semiconductors

With family-owned businesses making up 70% of Irish companies and contributing over half of Ireland’s GDP, it’s vital they have the right support to thrive. Aoife McAdam, Investor in our Dublin team, shares how BGF has supported family businesses across Ireland—from Winterbrook to Dublin Meat Company. Our minority investment approach provides the capital, expertise, and network they need to grow. If you're a family business looking to accelerate your growth, read Aoife's insights here: https://lnkd.in/eJ5WH7Nd #BGFIreland #GrowthCapital #SMEs #FamilyBusiness

Today, BGF is pleased to announce the exit of Edinburgh-based AFG Media, parent company of MorphCostumes and maker of the iconic Morphsuit. After a 12-year partnership with BGF, MorphCostumes reached £42m turnover in 2023, with 1,200 designs sold across 12 countries—mainly via Amazon, plus Target and Walmart in the U.S The exit has generated strong returns for BGF and we look forward to following AFG Media's continued success in the future! Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/eABSzuKG #BGF #InvestmentExit #PENews #Exit

The BGF Foundation is now accepting grant applications. Since 2022, the BGF Foundation has committed over £850K to UK charities dedicated to supporting young people and scaling their impact. In this new funding round, the Foundation is offering 4-5 grants of £100k each, distributed over two years, along with pro bono support from BGF staff and our extensive network. They’re looking for ambitious charities in the areas of: ➡️Education ➡️Employment ➡️Enterprise ➡️Mental health ➡️Physical wellbeing We encourage eligible organisations to apply here: https://lnkd.in/eaBY8iTm #GrantFunding #GrantApplication #Charity #BGFFoundation

Today we announce the successful exit of our investment in Keenan Recycling. The Aberdeen-based business has been acquired by Biffa, a UK leader in sustainable waste management, delivering a 2.4x return for BGF. BGF first invested in food waste collection services business Keenan Recycling in 2015. Since then, the company has grown from a single site depot to now operating 17 sites across the UK — saving over 50,000 tonnes of food waste from going to landfill each year. This exit represents another success for one of Scotland’s many family businesses. We wish Grant Keenan and the whole team the best for this important next step. 🚀 Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eSAvimfQ #ExitSuccess #ExitNews #BGF #SuccessStory #Investment #Biffa

This month, CEOs, founders, and chairs from across the BGF portfolio gathered at London’s Science Museum for our Growth Forum 2024. Attendees dove into leadership strategies, explored value creation approaches and considered how best to tackle challenges in their sectors — sparking rich conversations and new connections. ⬇️Watch the video below for key highlights and takeaways. https://lnkd.in/d_5gRWSr #BGF #BGFGrowthForum24 #Leadership #GoodGrowth

Monthly investment news and good growth insights — delivered straight to your inbox. Sounds good, right? Sign up to the BGF Newsletter today, so you don't miss our October update: https://lnkd.in/eq9u48BR #BGFNewsletter #InvestmentNews #Scaleups #Startups #Founders #Entrepreneurs

BGF proudly co-hosted a fantastic “Scaling in the US” workshop alongside Mike Kelly and Tom Newman at Kelly Newman Advisors (KNA) in New York last week. As the world’s largest market, the US demands a disciplined, long-term approach, and our operating partner, KNA, shared invaluable insights on value creation and strategic exits with companies from BGF's portfolio. Over a dozen seasoned leaders who have successfully expanded UK businesses into the US joined us, bringing real-life expertise for our portfolio companies ready to take the next step. Highlights included: ➡️“B2B or B2C, it’s all B2H—Business to Human,” emphasised Janet Balis (former EY CMO practice leader). ➡️Lynda Clarizio, former Nielsen President, highlighted that a US-savvy advisory board can be a game-changer for UK companies entering the American market. ➡️The importance of localisation while staying true to the brand, as shared by Joy Marcus (NED at BBCM and co-founder of The 98). ➡️Alan Brazil (CEO at SOM Macro) highlighted the fast growth of the US compared to all other regions. ➡️Mike Emmet (Investor, Investcorp) emphasised that to be taken seriously by US PE firms, over 50% of a company’s revenues should come from the US. ➡️Brendan Condon (Gartner) reminded us to “Always be Curious” when it comes to customers, revenue, and business development. We look forward to keeping these conversations going as BGF-backed businesses embrace both the challenges and opportunities of scaling in the US! #USExpansion #InternationalExpansion #BGF #Growth #USMarket

Last week, we brought together female leaders at our latest founder event, this time in Newcastle. Vikki Jackson-Smith, Managing Director of J&B Recycling Ltd, joined us for a fantastic fireside chat to share her growth journey from BGF's investment in 2014 through to exit. A big thank you to everyone who attended and to Linda Nguyenova, Ella Dickson, Laura Connor and Maire McKay from the BGF team for hosting. Are you a female founder looking for funding? See if your business meets our requirements here: https://lnkd.in/e-iSTJ2r #FemaleFounders #investment #BGFCommunity #BGF

Wobble Genomics Ltd has emerged from stealth mode, revealing revolutionary early detection technology for breast cancer.🧬 At a recent conference in San Francisco, Wobble Genomics showcased their cutting-edge technology that detects rare RNA transcript variants missed by other methods. In March, we proudly led a £8.5 million funding round in Edinburgh-based Wobble Genomics as part of our early-stage offering. To find out more about Wobble's technology, read the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/eyfTRmjs #CancerDetection #LifeSciences #Genomics #Investment #Technology