The British Business Bank, a UK government-owned development bank, has committed €20 million to Partech Partners’ inaugural €300 million Impact Fund, expanding its strategy of backing European growth funds that invest in UK businesses.
The commitment follows a previous €30 million investment made in 2021 into Partech Growth II, a €650 million fund, reflecting an ongoing relationship between the two organizations.
Partech, a global technology investment firm headquartered in Paris, launched the Impact Fund to invest in European technology companies addressing environmental and societal challenges. The fund targets sectors including clean production, sustainable agriculture, clean construction, new mobility, economic empowerment, and digital health.
Through its investments in pan-European funds, the British Business Bank aims to ensure UK companies remain part of broader European investment strategies, helping channel international capital and expertise into domestic growth-stage businesses.
The fund has already made investments, including backing UK-based Fyld, an AI-powered frontline intelligence platform for the global infrastructure sector, as part of a $41 million Series B funding round.
The British Business Bank said its approach is designed to expand access to capital for UK businesses while supporting funds that align financial returns with positive societal impact.
Partech, founded 40 years ago, manages close to €3 billion in assets and supports a portfolio of around 220 companies across 40 countries. Its Impact Fund focuses on scaling technology-driven companies that aim to transform industries such as infrastructure, agriculture, mobility, and healthcare.
KEY QUOTES
Our fund investments are designed to increase the availability of capital for UK businesses, with a focus on the growth stage. This means not only supporting the launch of UK-based funds but also encouraging European growth funds to invest in the UK. Our commitment to Partech’s Impact Fund demonstrates how we work with European funds to ensure UK companies benefit from the capital and expertise of global investors.
Christine Hockley, Managing Director And Co-Head Of Funds At British Business Bank
We have been working with the team at Partech for five years. This new commitment reflects our shared values not only when it comes to supporting scale ups, but that purpose and returns can go hand in hand. Together, we can help businesses to grow while creating meaningful impact in the UK and beyond.
Robert Greenwood, Senior Investment Director, Funds, At British Business Bank
Building a first time team and a first time fund in this environment was a real test of conviction and the outcome speaks for itself. We are proud to have attracted a world class, global LP base and to be backing companies that are shaping more sustainable value chains across Europe, with tangible ROI for their customers; demonstrating that impact and strong economic performance are mutually reinforcing.
Rémi Said, General Partner At Partech Partners
