Backing experienced operators and first-time founders alike

I recently attended Norrsken VC’s Impact Week and there was plenty of discussion about the potential of the European ecosystem for purpose-led start-ups and scale-ups. There were lots of calls for bigger, bolder ambition and more resources to help companies scale into global players. Interestingly, several speakers felt that the founders that would create those businesses were exited entrepreneurs now looking to do something ‘with meaning’ after making money doing enterprise SaaS or similar.

Which got me thinking about BGV’s role in that scenario. We’re an early-stage tech for good VC. We pride ourselves on our openness and our propensity to take risks and back ambitious founders from all walks of life. We provide a programme of hands-on intensive support alongside our initial investment and access to super-valuable networks of founders and mentors. Since closing our latest fund, we have the capacity to invest c.£1m by leading pre-seed and seed stage investments into our most promising portfolio companies. We believe that the biggest and most valuable companies in ten years time will be those that solve social and environmental problems.

But, if you’re already an experienced entrepreneur you might assume that much of what BGV offers is only valuable for (or aimed at) first-time founders. So I asked the team at Rule, experienced operators that met working at a start-up that exited in 2022, why they joined our Spring 2024 cohort. CEO and co-founder, Alexis said:

‍“We applied to BGV because, even with years of startup experience, we recognised their unique value from combining a purpose-driven impact fund with practical, founder-first support. BGV's team helped us sharpen our vision, connect with a network of like-minded founders, and keep us accountable to challenge ourselves.”

And that’s how I see it too. You can know all there is to know about start-ups and scaling but still have a lot to learn about designing, communicating, delivering, managing and measuring your business’ impact. What’s more, doing that alongside and in partnership with those that ‘get’ your mission can be a whole lot more fun.

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Vanessa, CEO and co-founder of Autumn 2024 cohort company, Circulo, explains:

“My previous startup experience taught me the value of great partners. BGV are committed to understanding the core of each startup (be it mission or growth drivers) and supporting founders through substantive experience, insights and collaboration. Our decision wasn't about needing basic startup education, but about gaining a mission-aligned partner to maximise Circulo's long term impact and potential.”

We really recognise the value of diversity in our cohorts and that means making sure we’re a great partner for both first-time and experienced founders alike.  

In the words of Alexis from Rule,

“whether you're building your first venture or your next one, BGV meets you where you are and helps you push further.”

You can find out more about our investment offer and how to apply for our Spring 2025 programme here. The deadline for applications is 5th January 2025.