Venture Capital
Leading venture capital specialist
Octopus has one of Europe’s largest and most active venture capital teams, backing pioneering entrepreneurs who are reshaping industries and solving global challenges – from building a more sustainable future to revitalising healthcare.
The world of business is rapidly changing. High growth small businesses are disrupting markets at an astonishing pace. We provide investors access to potential returns from some of the world’s fastest-growing businesses, all with the potential to transform the industries they’re in.
Our approach
Octopus Ventures backs pioneering unusually talented entrepreneurs daring to reimagine the future of B2B software, climate tech, consumer tech, deep tech, fintech and health, and supports them as they grow from early-revenue to exit.
To date we have backed the founding teams of nearly 200 companies including Zoopla, Secret Escapes, Elvie, Depop, Sofar Sounds and Cazoo. Some of our portfolio companies have gone on to join forces with the world’s largest businesses including Google, Amazon, Microsoft and Twitter.
The Octopus Ventures team is based in London with venture partners in San Francisco, Singapore and China. The companies we back become a part of this network, with access to a formidable resource of experience and expertise.
Our reputation for being transparent, fair and entrepreneur-friendly gives us access to the best investment opportunities. Over time, this has created a virtuous circle where the best management teams repeatedly return to Octopus for funding.
Insights
Unlocking Potential: How investing in deep tech can help to address regional inequality
Maximising UK regional potential with deep tech
TikTok, tagine powder and femtech
The outlook for European Venture Capital: At the precipice or the inflection point?
Why we’re excited about European VC Secondaries
Holding onto hope: how innovation can solve the climate crisis
International Women’s Day: What makes a great female founder?
Behind the B – our one-year anniversary
Fuelling the transition: how investors can accelerate the shift to sustainable energy
Where are the opportunities in growth capital?
Nothing ventured, nothing gained
Why ESG investing is more relevant than ever before
In the news
August 2023
Deep Tech – What you need to know and why the sector is increasingly attracting family offices
In Family Capital’s latest podcast episode, deep tech specialist Zoe Reich from Octopus Ventures highlights two promising deep tech businesses addressing water scarcity and biodegradable plastics.
Podcast on Family Capital
July/August 2023
UK venture capital: spinning out for success
Academic research produces excellent technology and medical firms, but the funding is not always available to take things further.
Coverage in IPE
June 2023
What’s New In Investments, Funds? – Pacific Asset Management, BNP Paribas, Others
The latest news in investment offerings, financial products and other services relative to wealth advisors and their clients.
Coverage in Wealth Briefing
June 2023
Octopus launches deep tech strategy
Octopus Capital has launched a deep tech venture capital strategy that will back pre-seed startups in the UK and Europe.
Coverage in UK Tech News
Other investment capabilities
Real Estate
At Octopus, we’re committed to reimaging real estate investment. From seeing opportunities to bring institutional capital to emerging or underserved sectors, to our relentless focus on those living in the buildings we finance and manage.
Natural Capital
Octopus Capital’s natural capital strategy focusses on generating trustworthy carbon credits through our robust investment management and high quality conservation.
Sustainable Infrastructure
We are investing in sustainable infrastructure, helping drive the transition to net zero.
Interested in Venture Capital?
Talk to one of us.
If you are interested in investing into venture capital, or other alternative investments, we would love to hear from you. Please fill out the form below and we will be in touch shortly to arrange a time for further discussion.