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Bethnal Green Ventures (BGV) is a London-based venture capital firm founded in 2012. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in technology-driven startups that tackle significant social and environmental challenges. BGV has pioneered the 'tech for good' movement, emphasizing the importance of using technology to create positive societal impacts. Since its inception, BGV has evolved from initiatives connecting tech talent with social issues to a dedicated investment firm.
Currently, BGV manages a fund size of $41 million and has invested in 209 companies, collectively impacting over 21 million lives. The firm operates primarily in the United Kingdom and Europe, with a strong commitment to supporting diverse founders. BGV's notable milestones include partnerships with organizations like the Resolution Foundation to invest in WorkerTech, aimed at improving the lives of low-income workers.
BGV invests in ambitious early-stage tech for good founders, focusing on sectors that address pressing societal issues such as climate change, healthcare, consumer goods, and commerce. The firm typically invests between $42,000 and $140,000 at pre-seed to Series A/B stages, prioritizing ventures that demonstrate commercial growth aligned with positive social and environmental outcomes. BGV emphasizes inclusivity and diversity among founders, employing a rigorous application process to ensure that its investment strategy fosters a broad range of perspectives.
BGV's investment strategy includes initial funding through its Tech for Good Programme, which offers £60,000 for 7% equity, with follow-on investments available for promising ventures. The firm is particularly interested in supporting diverse founders and aims to create a positive impact through its portfolio companies. BGV's geographic focus is primarily on the UK and Europe, but it remains open to global opportunities that align with its mission.
BGV has invested in a diverse range of tech for good ventures, totaling 209 companies. Notable portfolio companies include:
As of 2022, BGV's portfolio companies have positively impacted the lives of over 21 million people. The firm has also achieved nine successful exits, showcasing its ability to identify and support high-potential ventures.
Melanie Hayes: Managing Partner at BGV, Melanie has extensive experience in venture capital and social impact investing. She has played a key role in shaping BGV's investment strategy and focus on tech for good.
Paul Miller: Managing Partner, Paul co-founded BGV and has been instrumental in its growth and development. His background includes a strong emphasis on supporting diverse founders and fostering inclusivity in the venture ecosystem.
Dama Sathianathan: Head of Origination, Dama leads the sourcing and evaluation of new investment opportunities. Her expertise lies in identifying high-potential ventures that align with BGV's mission.
Catherine Barker: Head of Finance, Catherine oversees the financial operations of BGV, ensuring the firm's sustainability and growth. Her background includes experience in financial management within the venture capital sector.
Nelly Lavielle: Investment Principal, Nelly focuses on managing portfolio companies and providing strategic support. She has a strong track record in venture capital and social impact investing.
Founders interested in pitching to BGV should submit their applications through the firm's website. The pitch deck should include key information such as the business model, market opportunity, and social impact. BGV prefers concise and clear presentations that highlight the alignment with their tech for good mission.
Response times can vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks after submission. BGV encourages warm introductions, but cold pitches are also accepted. The firm values transparency and is open to engaging with founders who demonstrate a strong commitment to creating positive social and environmental change.
BGV runs the **Tech for Good Programme**, a 12-week accelerator designed to support early-stage ventures. This program includes an initial investment of £60,000 for 7% equity, followed by six weeks of intensive workshops and six weeks of tailored coaching. The program aims to equip founders with the necessary skills and resources to scale their impact effectively.
Applications for the next cohort of the Tech for Good Programme will open in May 2026. This program is an excellent opportunity for founders looking to gain mentorship and support while aligning their ventures with BGV's mission of creating positive social and environmental change.
In March 2026, BGV announced the first close of its new fund, achieving £33 million, with a target of investing in 100 tech-for-good startups. This fund reinforces BGV's commitment to supporting early-stage ventures that create positive social and environmental impact.
Throughout 2025, BGV reported six new investments and celebrated nine successful exits from its portfolio, showcasing its ability to identify and support high-potential ventures. The firm continues to engage actively with the tech for good community, highlighting its partnerships and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of low-income workers.
What are BGV's investment criteria?
BGV focuses on early-stage technology companies that create positive social and environmental impact. The firm invests in sectors such as climate, healthcare, consumer goods, and commerce, with a strong emphasis on supporting diverse founders.
How can I apply or pitch to BGV?
Founders can apply for funding through BGV's website. The application process includes submitting a pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and social impact. BGV prefers applications that demonstrate a clear alignment with their tech for good mission.
What makes BGV different from other venture capital firms?
BGV is distinct in its commitment to the tech for good movement and its focus on inclusivity and diversity among founders. The firm employs a rigorous application process to ensure a broad range of perspectives in its investment strategy.
What is BGV's geographic scope?
While BGV primarily operates in the United Kingdom and Europe, it is open to global opportunities that align with its mission of creating positive social and environmental impact.
What kind of post-investment involvement does BGV have?
BGV provides strategic support to its portfolio companies, including mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to resources that align with their mission. The firm actively engages with founders to help them navigate challenges and scale their impact.
What is the typical fund size and check size for BGV?
BGV currently manages a fund size of $41 million, with typical check sizes ranging from $42,000 to $140,000 for early-stage investments.
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