UK Venture Capital Financial Returns 2026
What it examines
Benchmarks UK venture-capital funds against US and European funds and examines Bank-backed programmes. For 2002–2021 vintages, the pooled return multiple including unrealised holdings matches the US, while cash distributions are lower. ECF-backed funds show higher distributions than the UK comparator for 2006–2024 vintages. The reporting cutoff is December 2025, although some fund valuations are older.
Why it matters
Evidence for assessing the Bank’s venture-capital programmes and attracting investors. Fund age and sample composition affect comparisons. These are fund returns, not returns to the government shareholder or proof that public support caused better performance.
Institutions and themes
Related documents
Catalogue entry reviewed 2 Oct 2026. The summary describes the publication’s analysis; it does not establish that historical findings remain current.