An active market The UK is the biggest unicorn hub in Europe, with 153 futurecorns. Even during a challenging year due to the global pandemic, more than 1,300 UK companies received £9.5bn in investment in 2020. 9 in 10 of these were directed at SMEs, and the number of UK companies receiving investment is on the rise. Read more from the British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association Europe's leading magnet for venture capital investment UK tech continues to outperform its European neighbours. Hitting a record high of $15bn in 2020, it raised more venture capital investment than Germany and France combined. $585bn in valuation for the UK’s tech startup and scaleup ecosystem, more than double the next most valuable ecosystem in Europe (Germany at $291bn) 5 of Europe’s top ten fintech deals were in the UK in 2019. Over 550 UK companies successfully exited in 2020 Compelling investment opportunities Tech unicorns, dynamic fintech firms and cutting edge AI developers - all key targets for venture capital and private equity - are concentrated in the UK. London is the leading destination to grow a technology business outside of Silicon Valley, home to 2,183 fintech companies, more than New York or San Francisco Of Europe’s 268 unicorns. 71 have their home in London. This makes the UK’s capital by far the biggest unicorn hub in Europe, and the fourth biggest in the world Healthy returns 14.6% since-inception returns generated for pension funds and other investors by UK private equity and venture capital Healthy returns Momentum in the market UK VCs have record levels of dry powder ready to deploy in 2021 and beyond, having raised $14bn in 2019 and 2020 alone Momentum in the market Successful divestments Over 550 companies were successfully exited in 2020, a 10% increase on the previous year Successful divestments Partner story Ship Shape Ship Shape Partner story TMW Pay TMW Pay Podcast Spotlight on Innovation Spotlight on Innovation Webinar UK Fintech: Fundraising and Covid-19 Webinar UK Fintech: Fundraising and Covid-19 Webinar See more case studies Everything you need The UK offers you everything you need to grow your business. We have a global outlook, which means we understand your business needs. The depth and breadth of our offer mean unparalleled opportunities for you to grow. Innovation is what we do - creating an inspirational ecosystem where you can thrive. Choose the UK Innovation Open and global Business environment Opportunity Talent Industries A UK-wide offer Need more information? The City of London Corporation London & Partners Great Campaign TheCityUK Innovate Finance Association for Foreign Banks Association of British Insurers The Investment Association AFME UK Finance