Private Capital in the South West 2025

The data makes clear the South West is an exciting destination for private capital, whose investment supports the development of 641 businesses which call this region home. These businesses bring value to local communities through the 165,000 jobs they support. 

In 2024 alone, private capital invested £2.2bn into the South West. This level of investment is unsurprising when you consider the region hosts dynamic local economies that support a wide array of different industry strengths. With Bristol now acting as significant investment hub, and universities like Exeter, Bath and Bristol that are producing more innovative business spin-outs. 

However, while there is much to celebrate about the scope and scale of investment in the region’s businesses, it could be even more substantial and close the gap with other parts of the country. Policymakers, regulators, and industry all have a role to play in helping to facilitate greater levels of investment in the region, to ensure that opportunities are not lost. 

Together we can address the main barriers by closing the scale up gap, boosting access to skills and talent and improving regional infrastructure. Unless otherwise stated, all data in this report is sourced from the BVCA’s Report on Investment Activity 2024 and Economic contribution of UK private equity and venture capital in 2025, produced by EY.