Emerging Managers

The BVCA is the voice of private capital in the UK. We act on behalf of our members to engage and educate key audiences about the vital role played by private capital in business growth, transformation and innovation and the benefits this brings to life across the UK.

We are committed to championing the next generation of private equity and venture capital firms. Our Emerging Managers Membership is designed specifically for fund managers launching their first institutional fund and those in the early stages of their firm’s journey.

Emerging managers bring fresh perspectives, innovative strategies and often focus on underserved sectors, regions or founder groups. Whether you are a newly-formed team, a spinout from an established firm or building your track record under a new brand, we are here to support your development and growth within the UK ecosystem.

Supporting Emerging Managers

The BVCA plays a critical role in championing the interests of emerging fund managers and ensuring the UK remains a globally competitive and supportive environment for new and growing venture firms. Through policy influence, ecosystem-building, and access to capital and networks, we provide value across the full lifecycle of an emerging manager’s journey.

First-Time Fund Managers

A special membership fee is available to new members, who are:

Currently raising their first institutional fund or have successfully closed their first fund, which has less than £100m European funds under management; and who are an Appointed Representative or are regulated by the FCA or an equivalent regulatory body.

Membership fee: £1,500

The First Time Fund Manager fee is available up to three years or up until the first close of the firm’s second fund.

Policy and Advocacy

We ensure that emerging managers are represented at the highest levels of policymaking. Through our policy submissions, such as the Small Business Finance Consultation, the AIFMD review and our Carried Interest Submission, we consistently advocate for proportionate regulation, access to capital, and a strong UK innovation ecosystem. We also engage directly with Officials and key stakeholders on areas such as Profit and Loss disclosure requirement for Small Companies to highlight the importance of maintaining UK competitiveness and investor confidence.

Pension Reform and Access to Capital

The BVCA is actively working to unlock more institutional capital for venture, including for emerging managers. As highlighted in our Pensions & Private Capital Expert Panel Final Report, we continue to advocate for initiatives such as the NOVA scheme and a dedicated fund of funds structure that would support smaller fund sizes and earlier-stage investment strategies. Our engagement with the pensions industry is ongoing, ensuring reforms translate into meaningful capital flows across the full Fund spectrum.

British Business Bank (BBB) Engagement

We maintain regular dialogue with the British Business Bank across all its programmes, particularly the Enterprise Capital Fund, which has been instrumental in backing first-time and emerging managers. The BVCA has strongly supported the expansion of the BBB’s remit and welcomed the additional funding announced in the Spending Review, as well as the new schemes such as the Investor Pathways Programme that will provide additional funding and flexibility for new VC funds. We aim to work with the BBB to ensure this funding is deployed in a way that directly benefits emerging managers and supports the long-term growth of the UK venture ecosystem.

BVCA Events

Emerging managers are a central part of the BVCA Events programme.

Starting out: we host a dedicated First-Time Fundraising workshop to help emerging managers plan their operations, navigate the fundraising process and gain insights into market dynamics.

Beyond your first fund: our Emerging Managers Forum brings together managers and LPs to share insights on developing beyond fund one and strengthen networks.

The Accelerate conference features tailored sessions focused on emerging managers, while our flagship BVCA Summit also includes content and opportunities that are relevant.

Our annual international roadshows connect UK managers with global investors in the US, Asia, and the Middle East, helping to build lasting cross-border relationships.

Emerging Managers benefit from full access to BVCA membership services, including: