BBB commits €65m to Highland Europe's €1bn+ technology fund

The British Business Bank (BBB) has committed €65 million to Highland Europe’s Technology Growth Fund VI, a new growth equity fund exceeding €1 billion, to help ambitious UK technology businesses secure the capital they need to scale internationally.

The investment strengthens the Bank’s support for the UK’s high-growth technology sector and will help channel growth-stage funding into innovative businesses operating across areas including artificial intelligence, data, software infrastructure, cybersecurity, fintech and consumer technology.

London-based Highland Europe, founded in 2012, specialises in backing enterprise technology companies from Series B through to pre-IPO. The firm has raised €3.75 billion across six funds, invested in more than 80 businesses and supported 30 successful exits. Its portfolio spans 14 European countries and includes companies such as Featurespace, Hyperexponential and ME+EM.

The British Business Bank has previously worked alongside Highland Europe, co-investing in AI-powered intelligence platform 9fin during its recent Series C funding round, which saw the business achieve unicorn status. Highland Europe had earlier led 9fin’s Series B investment in 2024.

Technology Growth Fund VI will continue Highland Europe’s strategy of investing in UK and European companies demonstrating strong revenue growth and global ambitions. The fund is expected to align closely with the UK Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy, particularly its priorities around digital technology and financial services.

Christine Hockley, Managing Director and Head of Commercial Equity Funds at the 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 at the British Business Bank, added: “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 scale-up 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.”