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The Deal Q3 2017: A record quarter

| Beauhurst

Category: Uncategorized

We’ve just released The Deal, our quarterly review of equity investment in the UK.  

Key findings

  • The most deals in a quarter since Beauhurst began tracking the industry in 2011
  • Continued rise (45%) in the number of investments into growth-stage companies
  • Record number of “mega-deals” with eight investments of more than £50m
  • Investment divide between London and other cities growing 

Last quarter we saw the amount of investment rocket up to an all-time record, but we were worried that this was a flash in the pan – the chance result of a few mega-deals. This quarter nearly matched that amount of investment and saw a record number of deals, both of which are a cause for celebration.

This growth is mostly due to a rise in investment into growth-stage companies, and especially in mega-deals (£50m+). We view this as a very positive sign that the UK can support the growth of startups beyond the early stage. The long-held view that the UK funding environment does not have the capital to support these deals may no longer apply.

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