Why we are changing our name – and what it means for our members

Following approval by members at our Annual General Meeting, the British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association has adopted a new name: UK Private Capital.

This is a deliberate and considered change. It reflects how both the industry we represent and the association itself have evolved, and it provides a clearer platform from which to engage with policymakers, investors, the media and other stakeholders.

The BVCA’s current name dates from a period when the association’s remit, membership and external profile were far narrower than they are today. Over the past decade, the private capital industry has grown in scale, breadth and visibility. Our members now span private equity, venture capital and private credit, backing companies at every stage of growth across the UK economy. 

We represent 600 member firms supporting nearly 13,000 UK companies who employ over 2.5 million jobs and generate 7% of total GDP. As that footprint has expanded, the limitations of our existing name have become more apparent. Increasingly, it requires explanation – particularly with policymakers, regulators, investors and the media – and does not always reflect the full breadth of our membership or activity. 

UK Private Capital is a clear, modern and intuitive description of the industry we represent. It aligns with the language the market already uses, removes unnecessary ambiguity, and provides a stronger platform from which to engage in public policy, research and political debate on behalf of our members. 

This is not a change in direction, nor an expansion of our remit. We will continue to represent private equity, venture capital and private credit, just as we do today.

Our mission, governance and strategy will remain in place, and members should expect continuity in representation, services and engagement. Our purpose remains to support and advocate for the UK’s private capital ecosystem, and our Strategy 2030 continues to guide our work.  

Nor is this a wholesale rebrand. Our existing visual identity, colour palette, tagline and overall look and feel will remain in place. Members and stakeholders should experience continuity rather than disruption, with the new name providing greater clarity rather than raising new questions. 
 

Venture capital is central

One of the most important issues raised during consultation was the position of venture capital. 

Venture capital is a core part of our membership and central to our work. That will not change. Throughout the engagement process, VC members were clear that private capital is already widely understood to encompass venture activity alongside private equity and private credit. In practice, a clearer and more inclusive descriptor strengthens our ability to represent venture capital effectively, particularly in policy discussions focused on innovation, growth and scale-up finance. 

Alongside the name change, we continue to enhance our support for our VC members through expanded policy engagement, new research outputs, dedicated communications and deeper member networks. The new name reflects that commitment. 
 

Looking ahead

We are now operating publicly as UK Private Capital, with our website updated and the change fully implemented.

By adopting a name that accurately reflects the industry we represent today, we strengthen our voice, support more effective advocacy, and reinforce our leadership role across private capital in the UK.

I am grateful to the many members who contributed thoughtfully to this process and look forward to continuing our work together under our new name.