Mercia Fund Managers

Mercia Asset Management is a leading UK-based specialist asset manager that focuses on providing capital across four core asset classes: venture capital, private equity, debt, and balance sheet investments. Established initially as a seed capital provider linked to universities, it has grown to manage over £1.4 billion in assets, emphasizing support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the UK, especially in underserved regional markets. The firm’s investment approach is built around its "Complete Connected Capital" model, which combines funds under management (FuM) with direct investments from its balance sheet. This hybrid strategy allows Mercia to offer flexible, long-term capital to startups and scale-ups, typically investing up to £10 million per round. Mercia's extensive portfolio covers sectors such as technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing, with notable investments in companies like Oxford Genetics and Netacea. Mercia operates nine regional offices, helping it maintain a close connection with local businesses, and collaborates with government bodies, institutional investors, and private individuals. The firm’s effective management of EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) and VCT (Venture Capital Trust) funds has enabled it to deliver consistent returns, achieving an average premium of around 53% on exits. Since its IPO in 2014, Mercia has demonstrated a solid track record in supporting the growth of UK regional businesses while delivering dividends to its investors, underpinning its strategy to be the top regional capital provider in the UK.