British Design Fund
The British Design Fund is unique in supporting, mentoring and investing in exclusively well-designed purpose-led product businesses.
About the Fund
Supporting enterprise and innovation in the UK, the British Design Fund (BDF) works with extraordinary entrepreneurs to scale their products, accelerate growth and build long term value, both for investors and business owners.
The Fund has been in operation for over six years and has built a rich and diverse portfolio of enterprising start-ups which represent the cream of British invention.
Alongside the commercial investment into enterprises, the mentoring and support we offer is seen as invaluable. A range of mentors, who give their time and expertise generously, provide an unparalleled resource from which our investee companies can draw.
Managed by Sapphire Capital Partners LLP and supported by BDF Advisors Ltd ensures the Fund has access to the right sort of sector specific expertise which is exactly what our research has shown that start-ups need.
The Founders and Directors at the British Design Fund have been
entrepreneurs and business owners in their own right, they have extensive experience of launching products and brands into market and understand first-hand the challenges which start-ups face.
Every business that the British Design Fund supports is purpose-led. All of the businesses within the British Design Fund portfolio are addressing important issues in their respective markets, satisfying un-met and clearly defined needs.
Investment Criteria
The BDF invests in purpose led, IP-backed hardware innovations that are compliant with the EIS and SEIS schemes:
- A defined pragmatic business plan with sales, profit and loss, and cash flow forecasts.
- A well designed product that solves a clearly defined problem.
- A working prototype and indication of interest from key target client(s).
- Defensible IP.
- Revenue flow or a qualified sales pipeline.
- Winning chemistry within the founding team.
- Deep understanding of the relevant marketplace and a clear competitive difference.
- The company must be SEIS or EIS eligible.
For applications, please complete the form on our website.