15 Aug 2019
Investec Bank plc announces first close of Outward Venture Capital Fund
Investec Bank plc is pleased to announce Outward VC Fund LLP (the "Fund"), a venture capital fund that invests at late-seed to series A stage in fintech category leaders headquartered in the UK, has held a first close on approximately half of its £75 million target. Investec welcomes to the Fund a cornerstone investor, NIBC, and a range of UK and international investors.
The Emerging Companies team, a part of Investec’s UK Specialist Banking arm, developed Outward VC over the past 18 months, including sourcing investments in fast growing UK fintechs - Monese, Curve and Bud – which were rolled into the Fund and made available to incoming investors. Core to the Fund’s strategy is to reserve a substantial portion of the Fund for follow-on investments, evidenced by its recent follow-on investments in Monese’s $60m Series B in September 2018, Bud’s $20m Series A in February 2019, and Curve’s $55m Series B in July 2019.
Simon Hamilton, Head of Funds, Investec Bank plc, commented:
“The first close of the Outward VC Fund is a another significant step towards realising an ambition of developing a specialist funds platform within Investec’s Specialist Banking arm. Our specialist funds platform will be launching further funds in areas where we have market leading expertise to deliver value for our clients and investors”
Kevin Chong, Co-head of Outward VC commented:
“London’s fintech ecosystem is leading the world and we have a deep pipeline of attractive opportunities sourced via longstanding relationships. A number of investments are under negotiation and we will be announcing new portfolio companies over the summer.”
Devin Kohli Co-Head of Outward VC added:
“Outward VC’s distinctive edge is an experienced team leveraging the platforms of its investors to add real value to portfolio companies and we have demonstrated this by facilitating follow-on funding from top tier investors, senior hires, and commercial partnerships for our existing portfolio companies.”
For more information, please contact:
Luke O’Mahony, Investec (Public Relations) - 020 7597 5261
luke.omahony@investec.co.uk
Fatima Ismat, Lansons (PR agency for Investec CIB) - 020 7566 9709
fatimai@lansons.com
Investec Corporate and Investment Banking
Investec CIB is a division of Investec Bank plc, an international corporate and investment bank working with growth-orientated companies, institutions and private equity funds. Our people set us apart – empowered, straightforward and invested in our clients’ long-term success. We provide capital solutions, advice and ideas, along with bespoke investment solutions and access to capital markets. Founded in 1974, The Investec Group has grown successfully through its client focussed approach and its ability to serve diverse and evolving financial needs.
This press release is issued on behalf of Investec Bank plc. Registered address: 30 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7QP. (Reg No. 489604). Investec Corporate and Investment Banking is a brand name of Investec Bank plc, which is a member of the London Stock Exchange.
Investec Bank plc (Reg. no. 489604) is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.