Criteria

 

If you would like to apply for funding, please click here to submit your business plan.

If you do not yet have a business plan or if you are looking for debt or grants (which we do not provide), please visit our Resources page. For general information about venture capital financing, please visit our Q&A page. 

Financial Criteria

We make equity investments in businesses which we think have the potential to substantially increase their value in three to five years.

The businesses we seek have:

  • ambitious entrepreneurs leading the business
  • clear business objectives
  • a compelling business proposition
  • the potential to deliver attractive financial returns
  • the potential to achieve an exit for Bridges Ventures

Stage

Early stage (although near revenue if a start-up) through to later stage and MBOs.

Investment Range

Up to £10m. We invest alone, co-invest and syndicate.

Social Criteria

Our venture funds are dedicated to companies that can deliver strong social benefits either through where they are located or through what they do.

Regeneration investments

  • Based in one of the most deprived areas in the UK, as measured using the Index of Multiple Deprivation. To find out if you are in one of the areas, click here.

and

  • Connected with the local economy by employment, market or supply chain.

Sustainability investments

We also invest in businesses outside our regeneration areas if they can demonstrate strong social/environmental benefits, particularly in the sectors of healthcare, education and the environment.