Equity Finance
Learn about our range of equity programmes
Learn about our equity programmes
Equity finance is a type of funding employed by businesses seeking to grow and involves the business owner selling a stake in their business to investors in return for capital.
Find out more about our range of equity programmes and how they support UK businesses.
Our programmes
Angel Cofund
The Angel CoFund invests alongside business angels to support businesses with strong growth potential. Learn more about how the Fund works.
Future Fund: Breakthrough
Future Fund: Breakthrough is a £425m UK-wide programme which encourages private investors to co-invest in growth stage, Research & Development (R&D) UK companies operating in breakthrough technology sectors.
Investor Pathways Capital
The Investor Pathways Capital initiative aims to support diverse and emerging fund managers across the economy and make it easier for new entrants, particularly those from underrepresented groups, to break into venture capital. The initiative, which will capture the value of a more inclusive investment ecosystem, is expected to launch during the first half of 2026.
Life Sciences Investment Programme
The Life Sciences Investment Programme (LSIP) is a £200m initiative which makes cornerstone commitments to later stage life sciences venture growth funds with a strong UK focus.
Long-term Investment for Technology and Science (LIFTS)
The Long-term Investment for Technology and Science (LIFTS) initiative seeks proposals from industry for the establishment of new funds or investment structures to crowd in UK institutional investment, particularly Defined Contribution (DC) pension funds, to support the growth and ambitions of the UK’s most innovative science and technology companies.
Managed Funds Programme
Our Managed Funds Programme seeks to draw in institutional capital to the UK’s venture and growth capital markets.
National Security Strategic Investment Fund
Learn more about the National Security Strategic Investment Fund and our purpose.
Patient Capital Funds
Through our core £2.5bn programme we invest in venture and venture growth capital funds, and co-invest alongside those funds in the most promising later-stage UK businesses within our portfolio.
Regional Angels Programme
Our Regional Angels Programme invests alongside angel investors into smaller businesses across the UK to help close the regional equity gap.
The Enterprise Capital Funds programme
Enterprise Capital Funds combine private and public money to make equity investments in high growth businesses. Learn more about ECF.
Our Nations and Regions Investment Funds
Our Nations and Regions Investment Funds offer a range of commercial finance options including equity investment of up to £5 million.
Cronfa Buddsoddi i Gymru
Mae cronfa fuddsoddi gwerth £130 miliwn sydd â’r nod o sbarduno twf busnesau bach a chanolig yng Nghymru ar y trywydd i gael ei lansio yn hydref 2023.
Learn more Dysgu mwy Investment Fund for Wales
A £130 million investment fund aimed at driving the growth of smaller businesses in Wales by providing commercially focused finance through Smaller Loans, Debt Finance and Equity Finance.
Learn more about the Investment Fund for Wales
Investment Fund for Northern Ireland
A £70 million investment fund aimed at driving the growth of smaller businesses in Northern Ireland by providing commercially focused finance through Debt Finance and Equity Finance.
Learn more about the Investment Fund for Northern Ireland
Investment Fund for Scotland
A £150 million investment fund aimed at driving the growth of smaller businesses in Scotland by providing commercially focused finance through Smaller Loans, Debt Finance and Equity Finance.
Learn more about the Investment Fund for Scotland
Midlands Engine Investment Fund II
A £200 million investment fund aimed at driving the growth of smaller businesses in the Midlands by providing commercially focused finance through Smaller Loans, Debt Finance and Equity Finance.
Learn more about the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II
Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II
A £660 million investment fund aimed at driving the growth of smaller businesses in the North by providing commercially focused finance through Smaller Loans, Debt Finance and Equity Finance.
Learn more about the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II
South West Investment Fund
A £200 million investment fund aimed at driving the growth of smaller businesses in the South West by providing commercially focused finance through Smaller Loans, Debt Finance and Equity Finance.
Learn more about the South West Investment FundAdditional support
ICAEW Business Advice Service
Visit the ICAEW's Business Advice Service (BAS) to connect with regulated accountants and receive a free initial consultation with no obligation.
Learn more and by visiting the ICAEW's Business Advice Service websiteInsolvency advice and support
Court claims, debt and bankruptcy guidance and information from GOV.UK.
Learn more and get insolvency advice and support from the .gov website.
What type of financing would be suitable for your business?
If you have a growing business, there’s an external finance option to match your ambition. See what forms of finance are available for your business.
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