How technology is driving investor interest in British entrepreneurs
Investors are increasingly interested in British entrepreneurs, according to a new report.
Growth capital raising in the UK, driven by automating technology, totalled £360m across 76 transactions in the first quarter, research by Kingston Smith found.
The report noted that the figure was down from £405m across 99 transactions in the first quarter of 2015, but Kingston Smith said this period was particularly active because of the upcoming General Election.
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And 2016 is expected to be in line with general levels seen throughout 2015, which was a record year. The report said: “We have not seen any major slow down in the run up to the EU referendum as yet.”
Of the £360m raised in the first three months of the year, institutions and professional managers of funds contributed £256m.
Kingston Smith said online businesses, including biotech and fintech, accounted for 80 per cent of transactions.
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Jonathan Garbett, a director at Kingston Smith Corporate Finance, said: “While this is only one quarter we think that this is reflective of ever increasing investor interest and the ongoing success of UK entrepreneurs in these areas.
“The impact of automating technology and online activity on every industry is a long term narrative and a phenomenal driver of growth and investor opportunity.
“This is a global phenomenon with the UK seen as a leading player.”