UK – an attractive proposition for North American Investors
Every February, the BVCA brings a delegation of leading UK private capital firms to meet institutional investors in three key cities (this year Toronto, Boston and New York) in North America to highlight the opportunities that exist across exciting investment strategies and sectors including fintech, life sciences, deep tech, business services and defence.
The political backdrop for this year’s visit was significantly different to 2024, with a new US presidency, and the still recent arrival of a Labour government with a large majority. But our first port of call was Toronto. Given recent interventions by the US President, many of the conversations focused on what international trading arrangements will look like in the future. There were also very positive conversations about North America and the UK/Europe working together on investment opportunities.
The Roadshow also presented an opportunity to meet with our partners at the American Investment Council (AIC), National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) and the Limited Partners Association (ILPA), to understand how North American investors are navigating the ongoing political and geopolitical environment and how private capital is evolving. Comparing notes about the policy agendas of governments across the Atlantic, it is clear that there is great potential for our industry to contribute strongly to economies in the future.
The visit came as reports emerged about the US Government considering changing its approach to carried interest. The BVCA shared insight from the recent changes in the UK with our colleagues in the AIC, and our organisations will remain in very close contact should there be further developments across the pond.
Returning to our engagement with LPs in Boston and New York, the quality of presentation and discussion of the GPs and LPs involved was very high, making a strong case for the UK and rest of Europe. It was clear that there is a strong underlying confidence here that investing in the UK isa very attractive proposition.
The UK’s Government’s Department for Business and Trade is a key partner and valuable supporter of our roadshows, and the receptions they hosted at British residences underscored the UK’s commitment to working closely with international investors to attract investment into UK private capital.
Looking ahead to March – our next roadshow will take us to Tokyo, Seoul and Singapore. Asian LPs are eager to learn more about European private equity, private credit and venture capital. To learn more, please get in touch with Nicole Walker.
Authored by Leon de Bono
Managing Director, BVCA
