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Discovery Investment Fund Limited is a privately funded venture capital firm established in 2006, located in Broughty Ferry, Dundee, Scotland. The firm specializes in supporting young, ambitious, high-growth enterprises throughout Scotland. It operates as a syndicate of self-certified, sophisticated investors who bring diverse expertise from various industries, including professional services, oil, manufacturing, engineering, and retail.
The fund has established itself as a partner of the Scottish Enterprise Co-investment Fund and is a member of LINC, the Scottish Angel Network. This affiliation highlights its active engagement in the local investment ecosystem. As of now, Discovery Investment Fund manages a portfolio of seven companies, focusing on sectors such as biotech, healthcare, consumer, and industrial.
Since its inception, the firm has aimed to add value to its portfolio companies by leveraging the diverse expertise of its investors. The fund's goal is to secure successful exits within a maximum of five years, although it maintains flexibility to adapt to the needs of its investments.
Discovery Investment Fund Limited employs a broad investment strategy, evaluating proposals based on their individual merits rather than adhering to a specific sector focus. The firm invests in a variety of sectors, including biotech, healthcare, consumer, and industrial, allowing for a diverse portfolio. Typical investment amounts range from £100,000 to £500,000, which aligns with their strategy of supporting high-growth enterprises.
The fund's investment stages include Seed, Seed+ (Extension), and Series A, providing flexibility in the types of companies they support. Discovery Investment Fund aims to add value to its portfolio companies through strategic support and expertise, ultimately seeking successful exits within five years. This approach allows the firm to adapt to the unique needs of each investment while maintaining a focus on high-growth potential.
Discovery Investment Fund Limited has invested in a diverse range of companies, showcasing its commitment to supporting high-growth enterprises. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects the fund's strategy of investing in innovative companies across various sectors, emphasizing its commitment to supporting high-growth enterprises in Scotland.
Scott Landsburgh: Chairman with extensive experience in venture capital and investment management.
Scott Carnegie: Chief Executive Officer, leading the firm's investment strategy and operations.
John Beaton MBE: Angel Investor with a background in supporting early-stage ventures.
John Bennet FRICS IRRV: Angel Investor with expertise in real estate and investment.
Steve Bruce: Angel Investor with a focus on technology and innovation.
Ann Budge: Angel Investor with experience in business development and management.
David Cheyne: Angel Investor with a background in finance and investment.
Laura Conway: Angel Investor with expertise in marketing and brand development.
Frank Esposito: Angel Investor with a focus on operational excellence.
Doug Flynn CA: Angel Investor with a background in accounting and financial management.
To pitch to Discovery Investment Fund Limited, founders should visit their website at discoveryinvestmentfund.co.uk or send an email to Glenn Carnegie at Glenn.Carnegie@discoveryinvestmentfund.co.uk. A comprehensive pitch deck should include information about the business model, market opportunity, team, and financial projections.
Response times may vary, but founders should expect to receive feedback within a few weeks. Warm introductions are preferred, as they can facilitate a more favorable review process.
As of March 2023, Discovery Investment Fund Limited continues to actively support and invest in high-growth enterprises in Scotland. The firm remains a partner of the Scottish Enterprise Co-investment Fund and a member of LINC, the Scottish Angel Network, indicating ongoing engagement in the local investment ecosystem.
Recent investments include support for companies in the biotech and healthcare sectors, reflecting the fund's commitment to fostering innovation in these critical areas.
What are the investment criteria for Discovery Investment Fund?
Discovery Investment Fund evaluates each proposal on its individual merits, focusing on high-growth potential across various sectors, including biotech, healthcare, consumer, and industrial.
How can I apply or pitch to Discovery Investment Fund?
Founders can pitch their ideas by visiting the fund's website at discoveryinvestmentfund.co.uk or by emailing Glenn Carnegie at Glenn.Carnegie@discoveryinvestmentfund.co.uk. A well-prepared pitch deck should include details about the business model, market opportunity, and team.
What makes Discovery Investment Fund different from other venture capital firms?
The fund operates as a syndicate of self-certified, sophisticated investors with diverse expertise in various industries. This allows them to provide tailored support and strategic guidance to portfolio companies.
What is the geographic scope of Discovery Investment Fund's investments?
Discovery Investment Fund primarily focuses on high-growth enterprises located in Scotland, allowing them to leverage local market knowledge and networks.
What is the typical fund size and check size for investments?
The fund typically invests between £100,000 and £500,000 in each portfolio company, aligning with its strategy of supporting early-stage ventures.
What kind of post-investment involvement can portfolio companies expect?
Discovery Investment Fund aims to add value to its portfolio companies by leveraging the diverse expertise of its investors, providing strategic support, and assisting in securing successful exits.
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