Outward VC's New Fund: A Beacon for Early-Stage Founders
September 10, 2024, 9:34 pm
Location: United Kingdom, England, London
Employees: 201-500
Founded date: 2015
Total raised: $180.61M
Location: United Kingdom, England, Sheffield
Employees: 201-500
Founded date: 2014
Total raised: $49.76M
Location: United Kingdom, England, London
Employees: 51-200
Founded date: 2015
Total raised: $362.86M
In the bustling landscape of venture capital, a new wave is rising. Outward VC, a London-based investment firm, has announced the first close of its second fund at £51 million (approximately €60.5 million). This fund is not just a number; it represents hope for early-stage founders navigating the tumultuous waters of entrepreneurship.
The cornerstone of this fund is a substantial £30 million investment from the British Business Bank. This institution is known for its commitment to nurturing emerging venture capital managers in the UK. The Enterprise Capital Funds programme, through which this investment is made, has a proven track record. It has supported 46 funds, channeling over £2 billion into the UK’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Outward VC was founded in 2019 with a clear mission: to empower founders at the intersection of financial services and pressing global challenges. These challenges include data privacy, healthcare, pensions, education, and artificial intelligence. The firm has already made its mark by investing in notable startups like Bud, Curve, Peppy Health, and Vauban. Each of these companies has shown promise, raising significant funds and making strides in their respective fields.
With the launch of Fund II, Outward VC aims to continue its support for early-stage founders. The firm plans to lead pre-Series A funding rounds of up to £5 million. This approach allows them to provide not just capital, but also strategic guidance. A significant portion of the fund is earmarked for follow-on investments, ensuring that successful startups receive the backing they need to scale.
Starting a business is akin to navigating a stormy sea. Founders often face daunting challenges. Outward VC understands this struggle. Their personalized approach means they are often the first call for founders in distress. This hands-on support can make all the difference in a founder's journey.
The British Business Bank’s involvement is crucial. It lowers barriers for emerging fund managers, fostering a more inclusive venture capital landscape. This support is vital for the growth of the UK’s fintech sector, which has created over 75,000 jobs in the past decade. Fintech has become a cornerstone of the UK economy, filling gaps in SME lending and driving financial inclusion.
The timing of this fund is significant. The world is witnessing a surge in fintech innovation. Startups are tackling everything from payment solutions to healthcare technology. Outward VC is positioning itself at the forefront of this movement. By focusing on early-stage investments, they are not just funding companies; they are shaping the future of financial services.
Investors are taking notice. A diverse range of private investors is participating in Fund II, reflecting confidence in Outward VC’s strategy. This backing is not just financial; it signals a belief in the potential of the founders they support.
As Outward VC embarks on this new chapter, the implications are profound. The firm is not merely a financial entity; it is a catalyst for change. By investing in early-stage founders, they are fostering innovation that can address some of the world’s most pressing issues.
The landscape of venture capital is evolving. Traditional models are being challenged. New players like Outward VC are redefining what it means to support entrepreneurs. They are not just providing funds; they are offering a lifeline.
In conclusion, Outward VC’s Fund II is more than just a financial milestone. It is a testament to the resilience of the entrepreneurial spirit. As the firm begins investing, it will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the success stories of tomorrow. Founders can look to Outward VC as a beacon of hope in their journey. The future is bright, and with the right support, it can be transformative.
In a world where challenges abound, Outward VC stands ready to help founders navigate the storm. Their commitment to early-stage investment is a promise to the innovators of tomorrow. With Fund II, they are not just investing in businesses; they are investing in dreams. The journey ahead is filled with potential, and Outward VC is leading the charge.
The cornerstone of this fund is a substantial £30 million investment from the British Business Bank. This institution is known for its commitment to nurturing emerging venture capital managers in the UK. The Enterprise Capital Funds programme, through which this investment is made, has a proven track record. It has supported 46 funds, channeling over £2 billion into the UK’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Outward VC was founded in 2019 with a clear mission: to empower founders at the intersection of financial services and pressing global challenges. These challenges include data privacy, healthcare, pensions, education, and artificial intelligence. The firm has already made its mark by investing in notable startups like Bud, Curve, Peppy Health, and Vauban. Each of these companies has shown promise, raising significant funds and making strides in their respective fields.
With the launch of Fund II, Outward VC aims to continue its support for early-stage founders. The firm plans to lead pre-Series A funding rounds of up to £5 million. This approach allows them to provide not just capital, but also strategic guidance. A significant portion of the fund is earmarked for follow-on investments, ensuring that successful startups receive the backing they need to scale.
Starting a business is akin to navigating a stormy sea. Founders often face daunting challenges. Outward VC understands this struggle. Their personalized approach means they are often the first call for founders in distress. This hands-on support can make all the difference in a founder's journey.
The British Business Bank’s involvement is crucial. It lowers barriers for emerging fund managers, fostering a more inclusive venture capital landscape. This support is vital for the growth of the UK’s fintech sector, which has created over 75,000 jobs in the past decade. Fintech has become a cornerstone of the UK economy, filling gaps in SME lending and driving financial inclusion.
The timing of this fund is significant. The world is witnessing a surge in fintech innovation. Startups are tackling everything from payment solutions to healthcare technology. Outward VC is positioning itself at the forefront of this movement. By focusing on early-stage investments, they are not just funding companies; they are shaping the future of financial services.
Investors are taking notice. A diverse range of private investors is participating in Fund II, reflecting confidence in Outward VC’s strategy. This backing is not just financial; it signals a belief in the potential of the founders they support.
As Outward VC embarks on this new chapter, the implications are profound. The firm is not merely a financial entity; it is a catalyst for change. By investing in early-stage founders, they are fostering innovation that can address some of the world’s most pressing issues.
The landscape of venture capital is evolving. Traditional models are being challenged. New players like Outward VC are redefining what it means to support entrepreneurs. They are not just providing funds; they are offering a lifeline.
In conclusion, Outward VC’s Fund II is more than just a financial milestone. It is a testament to the resilience of the entrepreneurial spirit. As the firm begins investing, it will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the success stories of tomorrow. Founders can look to Outward VC as a beacon of hope in their journey. The future is bright, and with the right support, it can be transformative.
In a world where challenges abound, Outward VC stands ready to help founders navigate the storm. Their commitment to early-stage investment is a promise to the innovators of tomorrow. With Fund II, they are not just investing in businesses; they are investing in dreams. The journey ahead is filled with potential, and Outward VC is leading the charge.