Investor priorities are shifting as demand grows for sustainable solutions and quantifiable social or environmental impact. Capital is increasingly flowing toward opportunities that combine financial performance with meaningful change. Across sectors from renewable energy to social enterprise, UK funds are supporting companies tackling critical global challenges.

Top Ten UK Impact Investment Funds

10. Ascension
Capital Deployed: £391m | Transactions: 255 | Portfolio Companies: 193
Since its 2015 founding, Ascension has emerged as one of Britain's most active early-stage investors, supporting the country's most promising startups. Focused on mission-driven innovation, the fund has backed 193 businesses across 255 transactions, deploying £391m into high-growth ventures. Investment activity concentrates particularly in the application software sector.

9. Wellcome Trust
Capital Deployed: £433m | Transactions: 15 | Portfolio Companies: 13
Among the world's largest charitable foundations, Wellcome Trust occupies a distinctive position in the UK impact investment landscape. Unlike conventional venture funds, it combines awards, equity, and grants to advance health and life sciences breakthroughs. With £433m deployed across 15 transactions and 13 portfolio companies, the Trust leverages capital as a catalyst for global health innovation.

8. Climate Investment Catalyst Fund
Capital Deployed: £441m | Transactions: 29 | Portfolio Companies: 18
The corporate investment arm of the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI), a global consortium of major energy companies working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, this fund has channelled £441m across 29 transactions, backing 18 companies advancing cleantech innovation boundaries.

7. Centrica
Capital Deployed: £443m | Transactions: 16 | Portfolio Companies: 13
The Centrica investment arm has committed £443m across 16 transactions, supporting 13 companies aligned with its energy transition acceleration mission. With flexibility to invest at Seed, Venture, Growth, and Established stages, Centrica positions itself as a long-term partner for businesses driving energy sector innovation.

6. Scottish National Investment Bank (SNIB)
Capital Deployed: £477m | Transactions: 52 | Portfolio Companies: 35
Launched as Britain's first mission-led development bank, SNIB helps transform Scotland's economy by backing businesses delivering both financial returns and long-term societal impact. Since creation, the Bank has channelled £477m across 52 transactions, investing in 35 companies with focus on sustainability and innovation-supporting sectors.

5. Grosvenor Food & AgTech
Capital Deployed: £547m | Transactions: 22 | Portfolio Companies: 16
Established in 2012 by Grosvenor, this specialist fund is dedicated to shaping food and agriculture's future. To date, it has invested £547m across 22 transactions, supporting 16 companies pioneering solutions in food production, sustainability, and agritech innovation.

4. Dementia Discovery Fund (DDF)
Capital Deployed: £576m | Transactions: 28 | Portfolio Companies: 19
Founded in 2015, DDF represents the world's largest venture capital initiative dedicated exclusively to tackling dementia. With £576m invested across 28 transactions backing 19 companies, the fund leads development and enablement of novel therapeutics addressing one of healthcare's greatest challenges.

3. Environmental Technologies Fund (ETF Partners)
Capital Deployed: £580m | Transactions: 53 | Portfolio Companies: 31
ETF Partners has been a driving force in Europe's sustainability investment landscape, backing companies delivering both commercial success and environmental impact. With £580m deployed across 53 transactions, the fund has supported 31 businesses at the cleantech revolution's forefront.

2. Zouk Capital
Capital Deployed: £606m | Transactions: 24 | Portfolio Companies: 19
Founded in 1999, Zouk Capital has built a longstanding reputation as one of the UK's leading sustainability-focused private equity firms. Over more than two decades, it has channelled £606m into 24 transactions, backing 19 companies shaping the future of clean and resource-efficient technologies.

1. Outward VC
Capital Deployed: £659m | Transactions: 37 | Portfolio Companies: 22
Founded in 2017 by Investec Bank plc and rebranded from INVC to Outward VC in 2019, the fund has quickly established itself as a heavyweight in Britain's impact investing space. To date, it has channelled £659m into 22 companies across 37 transactions, focusing on scaling transformative businesses.

GS Verde Group: Strategic Investment Advisory

Beauhurst research confirms that UK impact investment continues strengthening, with investors pursuing business opportunities delivering positive sustainability and environmental outcomes.

At GS Verde Group, we distinguish ourselves by integrating corporate finance, legal, tax, accountancy, and communications expertise under one roof to provide streamlined, end-to-end client services.
We support businesses across diverse sectors through every investment stage without delays and with minimised risk, ensuring long-term investment success.

Related investment transactions:
Guilford Street Labs completes follow on investment round to support growth
Cardiff-based technology business successfully secures equity funding

Further insights: Explore top UK impact investing funds at: https://www.beauhurst.com/blog/impact-investing-funds/