Swindon & Wiltshire News
Nearly half of South West investment deals go to impact-focused businesses – report
Nearly half of investment deals in the South West go to impact-focused businesses – a greater proportion than the UK average, according to a new report.
The first-ever South West Impact Investment Report, published by Tech4Good South West, says 44 per cent of investment deals in the region go to impact-focused businesses – higher than the UK average of 36 per cent and way above London’s 26 per cent.
The report explores how much investment is being directed towards businesses tackling society’s biggest challenges, across six key impact pillars ranging from access and education to climate change and healthcare.
Launched at the Bristol Innovation Zone at Engine Shed, backed by Barclays Eagle Labs, the report brings together insights from impact investors, purpose-led founders, and ecosystem leaders across the region.
Tech4Good South West director, Dhevesh Mewawalla, said: “This report highlights the South West is a key growth hub for impact businesses in the UK, which will only continue to grow in the next five years with ever increasing infrastructure investment and talent migrating into the region, supported by a fantastic ecosystem of partners.
“It’s great to see us being one of the leaders in Clean Energy & Climate Technology, highlighting the ambition to take on our planet’s biggest challenges”
Key findings include:
- 44 per cent (£285 million) of all investments in the South West are for impact-driven businesses
- Outside of Scotland, the South West is the leading region when it comes to proportion of impact-focused businesses backed by external capital (43 per cent)
- Clean Energy and Climate Technology has been a key focus in the South West, supported by an incredible ecosystem of universities, labs, accelerators and a tight-knit network of partners
The report highlights the South West’s potential for impact founders to build their businesses.
It also identifies opportunities to attract more resources, funding and top talent, as the region is starting to create its unique brand both nationally and internationally.
