
Scottish National Investment Bank
Description
The Scottish National Investment Bank (SNIB) is a development bank established by the Scottish Government, operational since November 2020. Its core mandate is to address market gaps by providing patient, long-term capital to businesses and projects that deliver significant economic, social, and environmental impact across Scotland. The Bank operates under three strategic missions: accelerating the transition to a Net Zero economy, investing in places and communities to reduce inequalities (Place), and harnessing innovation to create a more resilient and productive economy (Innovation).
SNIB's investment approach involves providing various forms of capital, including debt, equity, and guarantees, often co-investing alongside private sector partners. This strategy is designed to leverage additional funding and de-risk projects, thereby stimulating private investment into areas aligned with Scotland's strategic priorities. As of its 2023/24 Annual Report, the Bank has committed over £500 million (approximately $635 million USD) of investment across 35 businesses and projects, a significant achievement that has successfully leveraged a further £1.2 billion (approximately $1.52 billion USD) of private capital. This demonstrates its effectiveness in mobilizing broader investment for national objectives.
The Bank typically targets investments between £1 million and £50 million (approximately $1.27 million to $63.5 million USD), though it maintains flexibility for larger or smaller opportunities that demonstrate a strong strategic fit with its missions. Its focus is on supporting scalable businesses and transformative projects that contribute to Scotland's long-term sustainable growth, create jobs, and foster a fairer, greener, and more innovative economy. SNIB plays a crucial role in supporting sectors vital to Scotland's future, ensuring that capital is directed towards areas where conventional finance might be hesitant, thereby fostering a more robust and resilient economic landscape.
Investor Profile
Scottish National Investment Bank has backed more than 39 startups, with 9 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 30 rounds, about 77% of its total and boasts 2 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Series Unknown, Debt Financing, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in United Kingdom, United States, Ireland.
- Strong thematic focus on Manufacturing, Energy, Telecommunications.
- Led 8 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $1.3M – $63.5M.
Stage Focus
- Series Unknown (41%)
- Debt Financing (23%)
- Series A (10%)
- Series C (8%)
- Seed (8%)
- Series B (3%)
- Convertible Note (3%)
- Series D (3%)
- Private Equity (3%)
Country Focus
- United Kingdom (92%)
- United States (5%)
- Ireland (3%)
Industry Focus
- Manufacturing
- Energy
- Telecommunications
- Electric Vehicle
- Biotechnology
- Health Care
- Information Technology
- Internet Of Things
- Transportation
- Software
Frequently Asked Questions
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