Published: Jul 06, 2023
Focus:
SWIF Maven Equity Finance
Maven will manage the £38 million equity fund (SWIF-Maven Equity Finance) which can provide investments of up to £5 million in businesses with high growth potential across a range of sectors. SWIF- Maven Equity Finance is primarily available to ambitious businesses across Bristol; Bath and North East Somerset; North Somerset; Gloucestershire; and Wiltshire including Swindon, although the Fund can also invest further afield including Cornwall; Devon; and Dorset.
SWIF operates across three tiers: smaller loans (£25,000 - £100,000), debt (£100,000 - £2 million) and equity (up to £5 million). It aims to tackle identified funding gaps across the South West and increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for smaller businesses in order to drive sustainable economic growth.
Maven already has a physical presence across the South West, with its Bristol office operational since 2017. Headed by Melanie Goward, Maven’s regional team has expanded to provide additional coverage, with further support delivered via an office in Reading which opened in 2019. Other key team members include Luke Matthews, Gareth Price and Jonathan Oliver.
“Our experience tells us that there are high potential, regionally based SMEs that are struggling to access the funding that will allow them to grow their market offering. Despite having innovative products and services, strong business plans and highly capable management teams, capital constraints mean these companies often don’t fulfil their true growth potential.”
“As one of the UK’s most active investors in growing businesses, we are excited to be working alongside the British Business Bank in supporting entrepreneurial companies across the South West, providing funding solutions which will enable management teams to scale their organisations.”
Melanie Goward, Partner at Maven
Maven has a strong track record in managing other UK regional funds for the British Business Bank, including the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund and the Midland’s Engine Investment Fund, which has helped boost productivity, innovation and jobs across those territories. The new mandate now means that Maven manages a diverse range of regional growth funds across England, able to back emerging businesses stretching from Cumbria to Cornwall.
“The South West has a vibrant business landscape and is home to some of the country’s most innovative companies, operating across a rich mix of high growth sectors. SWIF will bring a much-welcomed additional funding channel to the region and provides access to capital that will help drive sustainable economic growth.”
Luke Matthews, Partner at Maven
"The launch of the South West Investment Fund marks an important milestone in our mission to support business growth across the UK. By identifying and addressing funding gaps in the South West, we aim to empower local businesses and unlock their true potential. This initiative will play a crucial role in catalysing economic growth, creating jobs, and fostering innovation in the region."
Louis Taylor, Chief Executive of the British Business Bank
SWIF-Maven Equity Finance is now open for applications from eligible businesses. The fund is aimed at growth focused companies and can support a wide range of business finance needs including, purchasing new machinery, capital expenditure, export finance, investing in new products, hiring a new team and filling gaps in working capital.
To apply, please visit: mavencp.com/swif
