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UK Government Launches £500M Initiative to Support Diverse and Female Fund Managers
July 13, 2025
The British Business Bank (BBB), a state-owned economic development bank, has unveiled a landmark £500 million (approximately $674 million) investment package aimed at boosting diversity and inclusion within the UK’s venture capital ecosystem.
A key portion of the initiative—£50 million—will be allocated to female-led venture funds. This move brings the government’s total commitment to women-led ventures to at least £100 million ($135 million), reinforcing its alignment with the government-backed Invest in Women Taskforce.
The remaining £400 million ($539 million) will go toward supporting diverse fund managers and early-stage startups, with a particular focus on enabling individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to enter the investment space. The goal is to expand the pipeline of future investors and reduce structural barriers. This funding package is set to roll out in 2026.
In its announcement, the BBB emphasized the need to close the persistent equity gap in venture capital. “The initiative announced today aims to reduce the significant gap in venture capital investment for underrepresented founders and investors,” the bank stated, noting that at least 50% of the investment will be directed to female fund managers.
This initiative forms part of a broader governmental strategy—the Plan for Change—which seeks to foster long-term economic growth by ensuring fairer access to capital and opportunities across the UK.
Despite being a leading hub for innovation, the UK’s venture capital landscape remains starkly unequal. Women hold senior roles in just 13% of venture capital teams, and as of 2023, Black founders receive less than 2% of VC funding. Alarmingly, only 2 pence of every £1 invested goes to women.
With this new package, the UK government is signaling a stronger commitment to changing the status quo—by not just opening doors, but ensuring that those doors stay open for the next generation of investors and entrepreneurs.
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