Founded in 2011, BGF provides long-term, flexible capital to small and mid-sized businesses. Investing through minority stakes, the firm partners with entrepreneurs and management teams while enabling them to retain ownership and control. BGF supports businesses at all stages of growth - from earlier-stage companies to established and family-owned firms - helping them scale in a way that suits them.

Today, BGF is the UK and Ireland’s most active growth investor and has backed more than 650 companies across a network of 15 offices. 74% of capital has been deployed outside of London and the South East, reflecting BGF’s longstanding regional focus.

Over time, BGF’s model has translated into both economic impact and significant returns, demonstrating the strength and scalability of its minority growth investment thesis:

• Returns: the firm has generated £3.7bn in proceeds across more than 280 exits
• Revenue: BGF-backed companies have delivered more than £8.2bn in revenue growth 
• Job creation: since 2011, BGF portfolio companies have created over 35,000 jobs
• Performance: since 2016, the firm’s exits have delivered a 22.6% gross IRR and a 2x money multiple.

In Scotland, BGF has backed growth businesses from sectors spanning luxury goods to life sciences. Its current portfolio includes firms from across the nation such as Strathberry, Waracle, Calnex plc, Walker Precision Engineering and Stellar Omada. 

Recent investments in Scotland include a £15 million investment in Cruden Homes, which sits alongside positive recent exits from Aberdeenshire catering company Entier and Edinburgh AI consultancy Optima Partners. 

In 2026, BGF was recognised as the most active investor in the UK’s 245 fastest-growing private equity-backed companies, according to the Real Deals Private Equity Value Report, in association with BDO, the international accountancy and business advisory firm. BGF currently has a portfolio of 360 investee businesses and AuM of £3bn.

Patrick Graham, regional partner for Scotland, Ireland, South West England and Wales at BGF, said: “As we celebrate 15 years of backing Scotland’s most driven businesses, we are proud of the strong roots established in the region. Our track record of consistently healthy returns is a product of the trusted relationships we have built with some of the best management teams in the country.

“Since 2011, we’ve seen how resilient and determined the Scottish business community is. Our portfolio is at the forefront of developing pioneering technologies, providing high-quality services to communities and stimulating much-needed economic growth, despite a difficult operating environment.

“The value of our flexible, patient capital approach has given the businesses we back the confidence they need to reach their growth potential.” 

BGF has committed to invest a further £200m in Scotland over the next five years, underlining its confidence in the depth of opportunity across the nation, and its continued focus on supporting ambitious businesses to scale.