With growing demand for sustainable solutions and measurable social or environmental outcomes, more investors are putting their capital to work in ways that align financial returns with positive change. From renewable energy to social enterprises, UK funds are backing companies that tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

The top 10 UK impact investing funds

10. Ascension

Total amount invested: £391m
Number of fundraisings completed: 255
Total companies invested in: 193

Founded in 2015, Ascension has become one of the UK’s most active early-stage investors, backing some of the country’s most promising startups. With a focus on mission-driven innovation, the fund has invested in 193 companies across 255 fundraisings, deploying a total of £391m into high-growth businesses. Ascension’s activity is particularly concentrated in the application software sector.

09. Wellcome Trust

Total amount invested:£433m
Number of fundraisings completed: 15
Total companies invested in:13

As one of the world’s largest charitable foundations, the Wellcome Trust plays a unique role in the UK’s impact investment landscape. Unlike traditional venture funds, it blends awards, equity and grants to advance breakthroughs in health and life sciences. With £433m deployed across 15 fundraisings and investments in 13 companies, the Trust continues to use its capital as a catalyst for global health innovation.

08. Climate Investment Catalyst Fund

Total amount invested:£441m
Number of fundraisings completed: 29
Total companies invested in: 18

The Climate Investment Catalyst Fund is the corporate investment arm of the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI), a global consortium of major energy companies working to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Since launch, the fund has channelled £441m across 29 fundraisings, backing 18 companies that are pushing the boundaries of cleantech innovation.

07. Centrica

Total amount invested: £443m
Number of fundraisings completed:16
Total companies invested in: 13

The Centrica investment arm has committed £443m across 16 fundraisings, backing 13 companies that align with its mission to accelerate the energy transition. With the flexibility to invest at Seed, Venture, Growth and Established stages, Centrica positions itself as a long-term partner for businesses driving innovation in the energy sector.

06. Scottish National Investment Bank (SNIB)

Total amount invested: £477m
Number of fundraisings completed: 52
Total companies invested in: 35

Launched as the UK’s first mission-led development bank, the Scottish National Investment Bank (SNIB) is helping to transform Scotland’s economy by backing businesses that deliver both financial returns and long-term societal impact. Since its creation, the Bank has channelled £477m across 52 fundraisings, investing in 35 companies with a focus on sectors that support sustainability and innovation.

05. Grosvenor Food & AgTech

Total amount invested: £547m
Number of fundraisings completed: 22
Total companies invested in: 16

Established in 2012 by Grosvenor, Grosvenor Food & AgTech is a specialist fund dedicated to shaping the future of food and agriculture. To date, it has invested £547m across 22 fundraisings, supporting 16
companies that are pioneering solutions in food production, sustainability, and agritech innovation.

04. Dementia Discovery Fund (DDF)

Total amount invested: £576m
Number of fundraisings completed: 28
Total companies invested in: 19

Founded in 2015, the Dementia Discovery Fund (DDF) is the world’s largest venture capital initiative dedicated exclusively to tackling dementia. With £576m invested across 28 fundraisings and backing for 19 companies, the fund is at the forefront of developing and enabling novel therapeutics to address one of the greatest healthcare challenges of our time.

03. Environmental Technologies Fund (ETF Partners)

Total amount invested: £580m
Number of fundraisings completed: 53
Total companies invested in: 31

The Environmental Technologies Fund (ETF Partners) has been a driving force in Europe’s sustainability investment landscape, backing companies that deliver both commercial success and environmental impact. With £580m deployed across 53 fundraisings, the fund has supported 31 businesses at the forefront of the cleantech revolution.

02. Zouk Capital

Total amount invested: £606m
Number of fundraisings completed: 24
Total companies invested in: 19

Founded in 1999, Zouk Capital has built a long-standing reputation as one of the UK’s leading sustainability-focused private equity firms. Over more than two decades, it has channelled £606m into 24 fundraisings, backing 19 companies that are shaping the future of clean and resource-efficient technologies.

01. Outward VC

Total amount invested: £659m
Number of fundraisings completed: 37
Total companies invested in: 22

Founded in 2017 by Investec Bank plc and rebranded from INVC to Outward VC in 2019, the fund has quickly established itself as a heavyweight in the UK’s impact investing space. To date, it has channelled £659m into 22 companies across 37 fundraisings, with a focus on scaling transformative businesses.

How GS Verde Group Supports businesses with investments

According to Beahurst’s research, impact investment is going from strength to strength in the UK – with investors seeking business opportunities that deliver positive outcomes regarding sustainability and environmental benefits.

At GS Verde Group, we set ourselves apart from other advisory firms by bringing together our corporate finance, legal, tax, accountancy, and communications under one roof to provide streamlined, end-to-end services for our clients.

We support businesses across a wide range of sectors through every stage of investment opportunities without any delays and minimised risk to ensure long-term investment success.

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To explore more about the top UK Impact Investing Funds, visit: Top UK Impact Investing Funds