Report on Investment Activity in Great Britain

Abstract

Great Britain's venture capital industry continues to be the largest and most developed in Europe, accounting for close to half of the total annual European venture capital investment. With the U.K. venture capital market constantly evolving, this report on investment activity by U.K. venture capital firms highlights the key changes that have occurred, not just over the past year, but since the British Venture Capital Association started collating investment data in 1984. For 1,332 companies receiving 4.9 billion in 1998, in a range of industries and at various stages of development, this marks the beginning of a relationship that generally will span three to seven years or more. Funded entrepreneurs can anticipate not only money, but also significant input in the form of experience, contacts, and advice.