Discover the top 18 UK venture capital firms of 2025, including their industry focus and investment strategies to help your startup secure funding.
Introduction
The United Kingdom has firmly established itself as a thriving hub for startups and innovation, attracting venture capital from around the globe. In 2025, the landscape continues to evolve, with numerous venture capital firms driving growth across various sectors. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or an experienced founder, understanding the best UK venture capital firms can significantly enhance your chances of securing the necessary funding to scale your business. This guide highlights the top 18 UK venture capital firms to watch in 2025, detailing their industry focus, investment stages, and notable portfolio companies.
1. Kinetic Investments
Industries: Sector-Agnostic, AI, B2C
Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed
Notable Portfolio Companies: Seven Star Digital, Investoo
Kinetic Investments is renowned for its focus on AI-driven startups poised to revolutionize traditional business models. Beyond providing capital, Kinetic offers comprehensive support through shared services, giving portfolio companies access to top-tier resources in HR, finance, legal, and technology, fostering efficient growth.
2. Seedcamp
Industries: SaaS
Stage: Seed
Notable Portfolio Companies: Wise, Curve, Monese
Seedcamp specializes in seed-stage investments within the SaaS sector, targeting startups that address large, global markets. With an impressive portfolio that includes nearly 200 startups, Seedcamp provides strategic support in sales, marketing, and access to a global network of experts, ensuring robust growth for its investments.
3. MMC Ventures
Industries: Fintech
Stage: Seed, Series A
Notable Portfolio Companies: BoxyHQ, Creativity Software, Ray Day
MMC Ventures focuses on fintech, AI, and data startups from seed to Series A stages. As a research-led investor, MMC offers valuable insights and operates the MMC Connect program, which provides founders with access to a network of industry experts and operational specialists to support scaling their businesses.
4. Albion VC
Industries: Healthcare, Deep Tech, B2B Software
Stage: Seed, Series A
Notable Portfolio Companies: Black Swan, Peak Data, Toqio, Gravitee
Established in 1996, Albion VC invests in early-stage UK-based startups within healthcare, deep tech, and B2B software industries. The firm emphasizes long-term capital and strategic partnerships, boasting a portfolio that includes four unicorn companies and managing assets worth $1 billion.
5. Amadeus Capital Partners
Industries: AI, Machine Learning, Digital Health, Fintech, Insurtech
Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Growth Stage
Notable Portfolio Companies: Contact Engine, Constructive.Bio, Sprout.ai, Improbable
Amadeus Capital Partners is a leading global venture capital firm based in London, supporting entrepreneurs across diverse sectors. With over 275 companies in its portfolio and $1 billion raised since 1997, Amadeus is instrumental in helping startups scale and compete on a global scale.
6. Notion Capital
Industries: Fintech, SaaS, Enterprise Software, AI
Stage: Series A
Notable Portfolio Companies: Tradeshift, Mews System, Unbabel, GoCardless
Notion Capital focuses on deep SaaS and cloud startups, adhering to founder-friendly principles. By providing essential resources and expertise, Notion Capital has successfully invested in over 100 companies, aiding their growth from fintech to cloud security sectors.
7. Playfair Capital
Industries: Ecommerce, Big Data, Healthtech
Stage: Pre-Seed
Notable Portfolio Companies: Stripe, Thought Machine, Omnipresent
As a pre-seed venture capital firm, Playfair Capital supports innovative tech businesses with early-stage investments. By partnering closely with startups, Playfair aims to be the first institutional investor, guiding companies through initial growth phases and nurturing unicorn potential within its portfolio.
8. Molten Ventures
Industries: Deeptech, SaaS, AI, Healthtech
Stage: Seed, Series A+
Notable Portfolio Companies: Apperio, Lyst, Thought Machine
Molten Ventures invests in tech startups led by visionary founders across sectors like digital health and AI. Focusing on Series A and beyond, Molten also backs several European seed funds, enhancing its support network and fostering collaborative growth among innovative startups.
9. Octopus VC
Industries: Healthcare, Climate, Consumer, Bio, Fintech
Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A
Notable Portfolio Companies: ManyPets, Depop, Elvie
With over 180 portfolio companies, Octopus VC emphasizes a founder-focused approach, offering sustained support and expertise throughout each growth stage. Their investments span across key sectors, including healthcare and fintech, ensuring a diversified and resilient investment portfolio.
10. Index Ventures
Industries: Media, Healthcare, Fintech, Open Source
Stage: Seed to Venture Growth
Notable Portfolio Companies: Etsy, Trustpilot, Wise
Index Ventures is a global venture capital firm with a presence in New York, San Francisco, and London. Boasting over 1,100 investments, they support companies from seed to growth stages across various industries, providing valuable resources and international expansion support.
11. Hoxton Ventures
Industries: Fintech, Deeptech, Enterprise, Consumer, Digital Health
Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed
Notable Portfolio Companies: Darktrace, Babylon Health, Epic Games
Hoxton Ventures invests in pre-seed and seed startups, prioritizing customer engagement, unique products, and talented teams. They provide significant funding and strategic assistance, helping startups penetrate the US market and grow their presence effectively.
12. Ascension Ventures
Industries: Healthcare, Healthtech, Diagnostics, Medical Devices
Stage: Early-Stage, Late-Stage
Notable Portfolio Companies: Vori Health, Get Well, NextSense
A subsidiary of Ascension Health, Ascension Ventures invests in startups revolutionizing healthcare and medical services. With investments typically ranging from $10 million to $20 million, they support companies through various growth stages, aiming for successful exits.
13. Episode 1
Industries: B2B Software
Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed
Notable Portfolio Companies: Frame, CloudNC, Treecard
Episode 1 focuses on pre-seed and seed-stage B2B software companies, leveraging a network of former entrepreneurs and Silicon Valley professionals. Their hands-on approach helps startups build strong foundations and achieve successful Series A funding.
14. Business Growth Fund (BGF)
Industries: Climate, Deep Tech, Life Sciences
Stage: Early-Stage, Growth Stage
Notable Portfolio Companies: CHS Healthcare, Current Body, Adestra
BGF is the most active investor in the UK for small and mid-sized businesses, offering an extensive international network and support. Having invested in over 600 companies, BGF provides essential capital and strategic guidance to foster growth beyond London.
15. Entrepreneur First
Industries: Biotechnology, Commerce, Future of Work, Finance
Stage: Pre-Seed
Notable Portfolio Companies: Aztec, Magdrive, BetterData
Entrepreneur First is a unique program focused on founders rather than specific startup ideas. By facilitating co-founder matching, idea development, and funding opportunities, they help build scalable startups in fields like biotechnology and finance.
16. Point Nine Capital
Industries: SaaS, Enterprise Software, B2B Marketplace
Stage: Seed
Notable Portfolio Companies: Chainalysis, Zendesk, Loom
Since 2008, Point Nine Capital has invested in 167 companies, primarily at the seed stage. They maintain a strong international presence, ensuring their portfolio companies have the support needed to secure subsequent Series A funding and beyond.
17. Passion Capital
Industries: Tech, Digital Media
Stage: Early-Stage
Notable Portfolio Companies: Tide, Tillo, Adzuna, Focal Point
Passion Capital has funded 96 early-stage tech startups, focusing on creating a collaborative ecosystem. Their investments have led to several successful exits, positioning them as a key player in nurturing tech-driven businesses.
18. SFC Capital
Industries: All Sectors
Stage: Pre-Seed
Notable Portfolio Companies: Nossa Data, CodiKoat, Vertical Future
SFC Capital specializes in pre-seed investments across all sectors, emphasizing strong market advantages and eligibility for SEIS funding. With over 400 startup investments, they provide early-stage funding and strategic partnerships geared towards successful exits.
Conclusion
Navigating the venture capital landscape in the UK can be daunting, but understanding the strengths and focuses of the best UK venture capital firms in 2025 can significantly enhance your startup’s funding prospects. Whether you’re seeking seed capital, Series A funding, or strategic partnerships, these top venture capital firms offer diverse opportunities to help your business thrive.
Ready to take the next step in securing funding for your startup? Visit Oriel IPO today to connect with investors and leverage tax-efficient investment opportunities through SEIS/EIS schemes.
