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3i Group

Europe, England, United Kingdom, London

Description

3i Group is a prominent international investment manager headquartered in London, United Kingdom, with a distinguished history spanning over seven decades. Established in 1945 as Industrial and Commercial Finance Corporation (ICFC), it has evolved into a global leader focused on mid-market private equity, infrastructure, and debt management. The firm is publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange and operates with a significant global footprint, including offices across Europe, North America, and Asia, enabling it to source and manage investments across diverse geographies and sectors.

In its private equity division, 3i targets established, growing businesses with enterprise values typically ranging from €100 million to €500 million. The firm seeks to acquire significant minority or control stakes, providing capital and strategic support to accelerate growth, drive operational improvements, and facilitate international expansion. 3i's private equity investments span various sectors, including business & technology services, consumer, healthcare, and industrial markets. For these private equity transactions, 3i typically commits equity investments ranging from €50 million to €300 million, though it retains flexibility to adjust based on specific opportunities.

Beyond private equity, 3i is a substantial investor in infrastructure, focusing on essential assets that generate stable, long-term cash flows. This includes investments in economic infrastructure such as transportation, utilities, and communications, as well as social infrastructure projects. The firm's infrastructure strategy emphasizes partnerships and active asset management to enhance value over the long term. In this segment, 3i's typical equity investment size ranges from €50 million to €500 million, reflecting the larger capital requirements often associated with infrastructure development and acquisition.

As of September 30, 2023, 3i Group reported total investments and cash amounting to £18.2 billion, underscoring its substantial financial capacity and market influence. The firm's approach is characterized by a long-term perspective, deep sector expertise, and a commitment to partnering with management teams to build sustainable value. 3i's diversified investment strategies and robust capital base position it as a key player in the global private capital markets, contributing significantly to the growth and development of companies and critical infrastructure worldwide.

Investor Profile

3i Group has backed more than 307 startups, with 2 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 82 rounds, about 27% of its total and boasts 192 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Series Unknown, Series B, Series C rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, United Kingdom, France.
  • Strong thematic focus on Software, Manufacturing, Biotechnology.
  • Led 2 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $54M – $540M.

Stage Focus

  • Series Unknown (27%)
  • Series B (22%)
  • Series C (17%)
  • Series A (13%)
  • Series D (7%)
  • Private Equity (7%)
  • Series E (4%)
  • Seed (1%)
  • Series F (1%)

Country Focus

  • United States (50%)
  • United Kingdom (24%)
  • France (8%)
  • Germany (8%)
  • Switzerland (2%)
  • Canada (2%)
  • Spain (1%)
  • Ireland (1%)
  • Italy (1%)
  • The Netherlands (1%)

Industry Focus

  • Software
  • Manufacturing
  • Biotechnology
  • Health Care
  • Internet
  • Information Technology
  • Medical
  • Wireless
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Enterprise Software
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does 3i Group frequently co-invest with?

Gimv
Europe, Antwerpen, Belgium, Antwerpen
Co-Investments: 10
M
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 9
Scottish Equity Partners
Europe, Glasgow City, United Kingdom, Glasgow
Co-Investments: 18
Atlas Venture
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Cambridge
Co-Investments: 10
Partech
Europe, Ile-de-France, France, Paris
Co-Investments: 9
Alta Berkeley Venture Partners
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 9
Amadeus Capital Partners
Europe, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom, Cambridge
Co-Investments: 9
Venrock
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Co-Investments: 12
Intel Capital
North America, California, United States, Santa Clara
Co-Investments: 12
ARCH Venture Partners
North America, Illinois, United States, Chicago
Co-Investments: 8

Which angels does 3i Group often collaborate with?

WM
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
FW
North America, Florida, United States, Winter Park
Shared Deals: 1
KK
Europe, Stockholms Lan, Sweden, Stockholm
Shared Deals: 1
AL
North America, Florida, United States, Miami
Shared Deals: 1
Shared Deals: 1
David Pottruck
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
SW
Europe, Stockholms Lan, Sweden, Stockholm
Shared Deals: 1
ND
Europe, Ile-de-France, France, Paris
Shared Deals: 1
MK
Europe, Zurich, Switzerland, Zürich
Shared Deals: 1
LB
Europe, Stockholms Lan, Sweden, Stockholm
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by 3i Group?

OMS Prüfservice

Waldhausen, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany

OMS Prüfservice is a full service provider for all kinds of security tests. They take care of electrical and mechanical tests.

Building MaterialElectrical DistributionPublic Safety
Private EquityJan 21, 2025
WaterWipes

Drogheda, Louth, Ireland

WaterWipes specializes in producing baby wipes made from purified water and fruit extract.

BabyChild CareChildrenConsumer GoodsManufacturingOrganic
Private EquityDec 9, 2024
Amount Raised: $153,053,362
NEoT

Paris, Ile-de-France, France

NEoT offers financing solutions in the fields of zero-emission mobility and clean and off-grid energy.

EnergyFinanceRenewable Energy
Series UnknownApr 23, 2024
Amount Raised: $64,214,116
Digital Barriers

London, England, United Kingdom

Digital Barriers provides edge-intelligent solutions for the global surveillance and security markets.

Market ResearchMarketingSecuritySoftware
Private EquityJun 16, 2022
NEoT

Paris, Ile-de-France, France

NEoT offers financing solutions in the fields of zero-emission mobility and clean and off-grid energy.

EnergyFinanceRenewable Energy
Series UnknownOct 6, 2021
Amount Raised: $92,432,120
Lampenwelt

Schlitz, Hessen, Germany

Lampenwelt is Europe's online shop for lamps and lights.

Consumer GoodsE-CommerceLighting
Private EquityMar 24, 2017
Amount Raised: $129,606,009
Havea

Boufféré, Pays de la Loire, France

Havea is a manufacturer of natural healthcare and cosmetics products.

CosmeticsHealth CareManufacturing
Private EquityNov 4, 2016
Amount Raised: $200,612,984
Basic-Fit

Hoofddorp, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands

Basic Fit owns and operates fitness chains in the Netherlands and Belgium.

FitnessHealth CareWellness
Private EquityNov 22, 2013
Amount Raised: $149,137,578
TouchTunes Interactive Networks

New York, New York, United States

TouchTunes Networks is an entertainment platform providing end-to-end solutions including hardware, software and network operations.

AdvertisingHardwareMusicSoftware
Series UnknownAug 17, 2011
Amount Raised: $45,000,000
Loxam Holding

Paris, Ile-de-France, France

Loxam Holding is a France-based rental equipment services company providing solutions for construction and industry professionals.

ConstructionRental
Private EquityJul 2, 2011
Amount Raised: $87,046,343