Glasgow based investment syndicate Kelvin Capital has seen a 19% increase in its total investments in 2019, compared to 2018 levels. The record figure saw £12.5m being invested, up from £10.5m in 2018, with new syndicate members joining from Europe and the Far East.
In the last quarter of 2019 alone, £2.75m was invested in Scottish based businesses including £1m into hydrogen technology company Logan Energy. In the first quarter of 2020, £3.3m of new investment has already been committed to portfolio companies.
Other significant investments made throughout 2019 include Biotangents, ProFactor Pharma, Novosound and Sofant Technology.
The Kelvin Capital portfolio, which has increased significantly in valuation since the end of 2018 due to many maturing investments, covers sectors including internet and app technology, biotech, life sciences and electronic manufacturing and medical technologies and continues to support disruptive technologies with global ambitions.
Now into its second decade and since it was founded in 2009, Kelvin Capital has secured almost £35m in investment for its portfolio companies, from investments made from its membership of private investors, plus co-investment from others including Scottish Investment Bank.
The investment group, managed by industry experts John McNicol and Angus Hay, now has almost 250 members from the UK and overseas, an increase of over 20% since 2018.
John McNicol, Director and founder of Kelvin Capital, said: “In the last twelve months we have seen a series of important milestones being achieved bringing significant benefit to our portfolio companies and to our members alike. Total investment reached record levels and the value of the portfolio has increased significantly, which is exciting for everyone involved with Kelvin Capital.
“A key part of our success is not just investing money but bringing in highly experienced industry specialists from our membership and vast network, who work with the portfolio companies to support and drive their growth ambitions. This brings even greater value to the businesses which will in turn benefit our investors.”
Angus Hay, Director of Kelvin Capital, added: “We welcomed new members from Europe and the Far East in 2019 who were attracted not only by the growth in the portfolio’s value but significantly in the potential and diversity of the high quality businesses being created in Scotland. Many of our portfolio businesses are maturing from early stage operations into established companies delivering impressive growth in their sectors. Supporting globally ambitious opportunities is a key component in the Kelvin Capital investment ethos and one that we believe brings greatest value to the investor community.”
Related posts
Interviews
Comment
Why innovation and marketing are the perfect partners to make changes that matter
With the rapid evolution of traditional marketing and the appearance of digital marketing, technology and innovation has become part of any marketer’s life without the need of working for a…
Transitioning to a four-day week – CEO’s vow to strike a healthier balance in the workplace
I came to Scotland nearly 20 years ago from Ireland, with no contacts but a lot of determination. While Ireland will always be my home, Scotland has given me amazing…
Women Lead: The female-led company championing intuitive working
Over the last two years, the pandemic forced a shift to more remote and flexible working practices. Whilst we might be seeing a “return to normal”, some companies are choosing…
Women Lead: My passion for young people to consider a career in digital
Twenty years ago, I stumbled across my career in digital marketing almost by accident. It was during my honours degree in marketing at Glasgow Caledonian University. I was on work…
Women Lead: Inclusive Silicon Valley cohort gives hope to entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds
Things are happening on the Scottish tech scene. Big and small initiatives are creating a fantastic ripple effect on the sector, bottom up and top down, thanks to the recommendations…
Women Lead: The story of an entrepreneurial scientist
I first arrived in Scotland over 20 years ago. I had £75 in my wallet and a scholarship offer to do a PhD at the University of Edinburgh. Sometimes I…
Please mind the gap… or healthcare may fall
Imagine sharing a lengthy train journey with others. From beginning to end, imagine how often you might hear ‘mind the gap’ messages about embarking and disembarking safely. Picture how navigating…
Women Lead: My journey from Dragons’ Den to Silicon Valley
Following her appearance on Dragons’ Den, Sheila Hogan, serial entrepreneur, founder and chief executive of digital legacy vault, Biscuit Tin, shares her experience of her time in the Den and…