About Us

UK Private Capital (formerly the BVCA) is the association of the UK private capital industry. We represent 600 firms including the wider ecosystem of professional advisers and investors.   

Private capital consists of private equity and venture capital which make long-term investments to grow British businesses and build a better economy. Private credit and venture debt provide active and engaged debt finance to businesses. 

The private capital industry backs 13,000 UK businesses, nine in 10 of which are small or medium-sized enterprises. Businesses backed by the industry employ 2.5 million people across the UK and contribute 7% to GDP. 

In 2024, £29.4bn was invested by private capital into UK businesses in sectors across the UK economy, ranging from consumer products to emerging technology. 

This increased investment has fuelled the growth of businesses across the UK, with six in ten (58%) of the businesses backed in 2024, located outside of the capital. These investments are long term, with an average investment period of six years, in contrast to less than a year in public markets. 

UK-based private capital specialists have raised £190bn of funds, known as dry powder, which is expected to be invested over the next three to five years.  

Invested in a better future 

The industry invests for a better future by backing some of the UK’s best loved businesses, developing the companies of the future and delivering solutions to global problems. 

  • Backing the UK’s best loved businesses: Private capital has grown much loved UK businesses like Merlin Entertainment and backed tech successes like Visma.
     
  • Delivering solutions to global problems: Private capital investors are key to backing the innovative UK firms developing sustainable solutions to the challenge of net zero and climate, with investment for the long-term in companies like biofuel tech company Nova Pangaea Technologies and leading environmental services firm Cura Terrae who provide a range of environmental consultancy services.
  • Developing the companies of the future: The UK is the third largest venture capital hub in the world, while four in ten of the UK’s 100 fastest growing companies were backed by private capital. 
     
  • Driving productivity throughout portfolios. Analysis shows that private capital’s active ownership model helps the businesses it backs become more productive. Private capital owners boost exporting, help to embed better management practices, provide accesses to technical expertise, business strategies and knowledge of supply chains.

Together we are invested in a better future.

Our values

Impactful – means using our expertise to deliver excellence and create value for our members by representing the industry and investing in people to learn and grow.

Passionate – means constantly striving to deliver our best and encouraging those around us to do the same, while embracing and responding to the opportunities that change brings.

Collaborative – means working together to exceed expectations in an inclusive and open way where every individual feels valued, respected and supported.

Responsible – means delivering on our commitments and acting with integrity and authenticity with all stakeholders.

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UK Private Capital is the new name for the BVCA

Following approval by members at our Annual General Meeting, the BVCA has adopted a new name: UK Private Capital. Watch the video above to learn more about the rationale behind the change, and what it means for our members.

Our mission

Private capital drives growth: providing the capital, expertise and long-term view that enables companies to innovate and flourish. Our mission is to communicate and advocate the transformative nature of the private equity, venture capital and private credit industry. In short, private capital.

We act on behalf of our members to engage and educate key audiences about the vital role played by private capital in business growth, transformation and innovation and the benefits this brings to life across the UK. Our diverse membership invests in UK businesses of all sizes to help them deliver growth, foster innovation, and inspire people.

UK Private Capital is the focal point for this diverse industry. We provide a community for our members to network, share best-practice and develop, and a unified voice to promote the benefits to the wider world.

We have shared goals with our members and we aim to deliver with excellence, expertise and influence.

We are committed to supporting our members in building a better future for the UK across business and society.

We are invested in growth
We are invested in innovation
We are invested in people

We are invested in a better future

Our history

UK Private Capital, like the industry it represents, has changed immeasurably since its foundation in 1983, as the industry has contributed significantly to the success of the British economy.

Since our founding in 1983, the private equity, venture capital and private credit industry has been transformed from an emerging industry into part of the mainstream economy – making Britain one of the leading centres for private equity in the world.

In the early eighties, our primary objective was to secure recognition from the government and policy organisations. Today, Government and policymakers seek our opinion on a wide range of issues – regulatory, fiscal, technical and legal – as UK Private Capital has become a leading and respected voice representing a world-class industry.

View the history of our Chairs.

Economic contribution of UK private equity and venture capital

Our flagship report, produced by EY on behalf of UK Private Capital, estimates the current direct economic activity of UK companies supported by private equity and venture capital firms within the UK economy in 2025. This provides a snapshot of the direct economic footprint of activity supported by private equity and venture capital investments – as measured by employment, employee earnings, and GDP in 2025.

Find out more

 

Private capital in action

Learn more about how private capital is making a difference in our latest reports.
 

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UK Private Capital is the new name for the BVCA

Following approval by members at our Annual General Meeting, the BVCA has adopted a new name: UK Private Capital.

Read more about the rationale behind the change, and what it means for our members, below. 

Read article