British Business Bank makes strategic commitment to Highland Europe’s €1bn+ Technology Growth Fund VI to support UK tech scaleups
The British Business Bank has made a €65m commitment to Highland Europe’s Technology Growth Fund VI, a €1bn+ growth equity fund, to support high-potential, technology-enabled businesses across UK and Europe.
Founded in 2012, Highland Europe is a London‑based growth equity firm dedicated to enterprise technology companies. To date, it has raised €3.75bn across six funds, invested in more than 80 companies, and guided 30 exits. With a portfolio spanning 14 countries, the firm has a strong track record of scaling consumer and enterprise technology companies with notable successes including Featurespace, Hyperexponential and ME+EM.
The Bank has an existing relationship with Highland Europe, after co-investing together into AI-powered intelligence platform 9fin in the recent series C round, where it reached unicorn status. Highland Europe was an existing 9fin investor, having led the company’s series B round in 2024.
Fund VI will continue Highland’s Europe’s focus on UK and European companies that demonstrate strong revenue growth and global ambition, typically from Series B to pre-IPO. The fund will focus on companies in innovative sectors including data, AI, software infrastructure, cybersecurity, fintech and consumer, and will have good alignment with the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy, notably Digital & Technology and Financial Services.
Christine Hockley, managing director and head of commercial equity funds, British Business Bank said, “The UK is home to a world-class technology sector, but entrepreneurs need specialist investors who understand the unique challenges of scaling a growth-stage company. Highland Europe brings deep expertise and a powerful network of founders, operators and early-stage investors across Europe’s technology ecosystems. By backing Fund VI, we’re ensuring more investment flows into the UK and that companies with global ambitions can grow, scale and succeed here at home.”
Michael Laycock, investment director, British Business Bank said, “Our commitment marks a new relationship with one of Europe’s leading growth-stage investors. Highland Europe has a proven track record of backing innovators and helping them become global businesses. This investment will support the continued deployment of vital scaleup capital into ambitious UK technology companies.”
Sam Brooks, partner at Highland Europe said, “We are deeply grateful to our Limited Partners for their long-standing trust and commitment to Fund VI. Their support enables us to continue backing Europe’s most ambitious founders at a uniquely transformational moment, as AI reshapes every industry.”