London’s Funding Pulse: A Quick Dive into VC deal activity 2024
London’s startup ecosystem hums louder than ever. In 2024, VC deal activity 2024 saw record volumes, fresh sector favourites and nimble new players. Whether you’re a founder hunting Series A, or an investor eyeing sector shifts, you need to know which firms are writing the cheques.
We’ll highlight the top VC firms in London for 2024 and unpack why traditional models sometimes fall short. Plus, you’ll discover an innovative commission-free funding platform that champions SEIS/EIS tax perks. Curious? Revolutionising VC deal activity 2024 with commission-free funding is just a click away—no catches.
The State of VC deal activity 2024 in London
VC deal activity 2024 in London has three defining traits:
- Growth in specialised funds (think deep tech, climate tech).
- A surge in early-stage rounds under £5m.
- Growing appetite for tax-efficient structures like SEIS and EIS.
You’ll see big names backed by strong balance sheets. Yet leaner players with niche expertise are picking up steam. This mix is shaking up how startups get funded—and where investors place their bets.
Key trends driving dealflow
- Sector focus: Fintech still dominates but healthtech and green innovation are closing in.
- Regional spread: East London stands out, but South and West hubs aren’t far behind.
- Deal sizes: Micro-rounds (£250k–£1m) have doubled, thanks partly to streamlined platforms.
These shifts shape which VCs lead the pack in 2024.
Who’s topping the charts? Top VC Firms in London
Here’s a rundown of the ten most active London VC outfits this year. We’ll cover their style, ticket sizes and what makes each unique.
1. Balderton Capital
- Focus: Series A–B, tech & consumer.
- Tickets: £5m–£20m.
- Why it matters: Early stake in Revolut. Known for global network.
2. Atomico
- Focus: Growth-stage, deep tech.
- Tickets: £10m–£50m.
- Edge: Exits in Klarna and Lilium. Strong international reach.
3. Octopus Ventures
- Focus: Health, fintech, consumer.
- Tickets: £3m–£30m.
- Standout: Tailored support via in-house experts (regulatory, marketing).
4. Index Ventures
- Focus: Early to late-stage across software, biotech.
- Tickets: £2m–£100m.
- Why watch: Long track record; marquee names like Deliveroo.
5. LocalGlobe
- Focus: Seed and pre-seed.
- Tickets: £250k–£5m.
- Special sauce: Founder-focused, hands-on approach.
6. Seedcamp
- Focus: Seed stage, cross-sector.
- Tickets: £100k–£5m.
- Note: Community-driven; demo days that attract global LPs.
7. Hoxton Ventures
- Focus: Seed to Series A.
- Tickets: £2m–£15m.
- Why follow: Fast decisions, no-nonsense pitches.
8. Blossom Capital
- Focus: Early-stage tech.
- Tickets: £3m–£20m.
- Strength: Data-driven sourcing and scaling support.
9. MMC Ventures
- Focus: B2B software.
- Tickets: £1m–£20m.
- Claim to fame: Proprietary healthtech portfolio.
10. Dawn Capital
- Focus: B2B fintech, software.
- Tickets: £5m–£25m.
- Why it wins: Deep domain expertise, network leverage.
This list isn’t static. Consistent evaluation matters as new firms emerge and deals evolve.
Why traditional VCs sometimes miss the mark
Traditional VC often feels like buying airline tickets in the 90s:
- Long forms.
- Hidden fees.
- Commission-based models slicing into your raise.
Issues startups and investors face:
- High fees and carry structures: 20% carry eats into returns.
- Opaque processes: Weeks of diligence before any commitment.
- Limited tax support: Few VCs optimise for SEIS/EIS benefits.
You’ll often juggle legal counsel, spreadsheets and tax advisers. A headache. A distraction. And costs add up.
Here’s the kicker: as VC deal activity 2024 grows, these inefficiencies only compound.
A fresh path: Commission-Free Funding with Oriel IPO
Imagine a marketplace that feels like online shopping. No hidden carriage fees. Just a clear price tag. That’s Oriel IPO.
Oriel IPO’s commission-free funding platform offers:
- Transparent subscription fees — no slice of your funding.
- Curated, SEIS/EIS-eligible deals.
- Educational resources: webinars, guides and expert clinics.
It’s like having a friendly navigator for SEIS/EIS complexities. No jargon, no delays.
How it works
- Create a profile: Straightforward sign-up.
- Showcase your pitch: Upload your deck, financials and traction.
- Connect with angel investors: Browse curated profiles.
- Secure commitments: Manage offers in one dashboard.
All under one roof. Simple. Lean. Direct.
Around this point you might be wondering how it stacks against the big VCs. Explore our commission-free VC funding for VC deal activity 2024 shows you the difference.
Comparing Oriel IPO to top VC firms
Let’s lay out the match-up:
| Aspect | Traditional VC | Oriel IPO Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Fee structure | 2% management + 20% carry | Flat subscription, commission-free |
| SEIS/EIS focus | Ad-hoc advice | Built-in tax-efficient screening |
| Process | Long, multi-round diligence | Fast digital onboarding |
| Access | Network-driven, invite-only | Open marketplace for vetted deals |
| Education | Limited | Free guides, webinars, Q&A clinics |
In plain terms: Oriel IPO cuts out friction. You keep more. Investors get clarity on tax perks. Everyone wins.
Top tips for navigating VC deal activity 2024
Whether you’re raising or investing, here are some practical steps:
- Map your niche: Are you healthtech or fintech? Target VCs or platforms that specialise.
- Prep your pitch deck: Data up front. Remember, most initial calls last 15 minutes.
- Understand tax incentives: SEIS/EIS can boost investor IRR by 30%+.
- Leverage digital platforms: Commission-free marketplaces save you time and money.
- Build relationships: Even if you use Oriel IPO, follow up with warm leads.
These steps plug you into the most active funds and alternatives out there.
Looking ahead: What’s next for VC deal activity 2024?
We expect:
- More niche, thematic funds.
- Growth in secondary markets for startup shares.
- Platforms integrating AI to match investors and founders.
- Enhanced analytics for deal sourcing.
If these shifts sound abstract, remember: you’ve got options beyond the usual suspects.
Conclusion
2024’s London VC scene is vibrant. Top firms are driving mega-rounds, while innovative platforms like Oriel IPO are smoothing out the edges. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or an angel, consider mixing traditional partners with commission-free alternatives.
That’s how you navigate VC deal activity 2024—with savvy, speed and savings.
