Souter Investments logo

Souter Investments

Europe, Edinburgh, City of, United Kingdom, Edinburgh

Description

Souter Investments is the private equity arm of Sir Brian Souter's family office, based in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Established in 2006, the firm operates as a diversified investment vehicle with a broad mandate that extends beyond traditional venture capital, encompassing private equity, real estate, and public market investments. While Sir Brian Souter is widely known as the co-founder of the Stagecoach Group, Souter Investments maintains an independent investment strategy, focusing on long-term value creation across a variety of sectors. The firm prides itself on its flexible approach to investment, often taking significant minority or majority stakes in established, profitable businesses.

The investment philosophy of Souter Investments is characterized by a patient capital approach, aiming to support management teams in driving growth and operational improvements. They typically target businesses with strong market positions, robust financial performance, and clear growth potential. Their sector-agnostic approach has led to investments in diverse industries including transport, healthcare, industrials, consumer goods, and technology. The firm is known for its hands-on yet supportive role, leveraging its extensive network and operational expertise to assist portfolio companies in achieving their strategic objectives.

Since its inception in 2006, Souter Investments has deployed substantial capital, investing over £700 million into more than 60 businesses. This significant deployment highlights their active role in the private investment landscape. Their typical equity investment in a single company ranges from £5 million to £50 million, indicating a focus on established mid-market companies rather than early-stage startups. Collectively, the businesses within their portfolio generate combined revenues exceeding £3 billion and employ over 20,000 people, underscoring the considerable economic impact of their investment activities. The firm's long-term perspective and substantial capital base position it as a notable player in the UK and international private investment scene.

Investor Profile

Souter Investments has backed more than 45 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 9 rounds, about 20% of its total and boasts 20 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Private Equity, Series Unknown, Seed rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United Kingdom, Colombia, Finland.
  • Strong thematic focus on Financial Services, Information Technology, Transportation.
  • Typical check size: $6.3M – $63.5M.

Stage Focus

  • Private Equity (60%)
  • Series Unknown (27%)
  • Seed (7%)
  • Series C (2%)
  • Series B (2%)
  • Series A (2%)

Country Focus

  • United Kingdom (78%)
  • Colombia (4%)
  • Finland (4%)
  • New Zealand (4%)
  • India (2%)
  • Ireland (2%)
  • United States (2%)
  • Australia (2%)

Industry Focus

  • Financial Services
  • Information Technology
  • Transportation
  • Insurance
  • Telecommunications
  • Manufacturing
  • Service Industry
  • Construction
  • Software
  • Consulting
circle-line
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Who does Souter Investments frequently co-invest with?

ePlanet Capital
North America, California, United States, San Jose
Co-Investments: 2
Archimedia
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 1
Penta Capital
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 2
Hermes Growth Partners
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 2
Horizon Capital
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 2
Praesidian Capital
North America, New York, United States, Larchmont
Co-Investments: 1
Buckthorn Partners
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 2
Sullivan Street Partners
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 1
Lonsdale Capital Partners
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 2
Virgin Group
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 1

Which angels does Souter Investments often collaborate with?

HW
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 1
LH
Europe, United Kingdom
Shared Deals: 1
CA
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 1
JE
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 1
BB
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Souter Investments?

All Good Things

London, England, United Kingdom

All Good Things is a multi-brand outlet retailer that sells pre-owned, fragmented, or repaired apparel to promote sustainable fashion.

ApparelConsumer GoodsFashionRetail
Series AJul 13, 2023
Amount Raised: $3,282,089
Intralink

Abingdon, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

Intralink is an international business development and innovation consultancy with a deep specialism in Asia

Business DevelopmentBusiness IntelligenceConsultingManagement ConsultingMarket Research
Private EquityJul 3, 2023
Amount Raised: $24,876,790
Cardo Group

London, England, United Kingdom

Cardo Group delivers building maintenance services to local authorities, social housing providers and their residents.

Building MaintenanceConstructionRecreation
SeedMay 7, 2023
Suir Engineering

Waterford, Waterford, Ireland

Suir Engineering offers network cabling, process automation, HV cable testing, off-site fabrication, BIM and calibration services.

Industrial AutomationMechanical EngineeringTelecommunicationsVirtualization
Private EquityJan 1, 2023
Pelion

San Jose, California, United States

Pelion delivers IoT solutions that allow users to control and securely connect their devices.

Information TechnologyInternet of ThingsMobile Devices
Private EquityDec 1, 2022
SI-UK

London, England, United Kingdom

SI-UK provides UK university, college and boarding school advice and application services.

Education
Private EquityJun 30, 2022
The Wave

Avonmouth, Bristol, City of, United Kingdom

The Wave is inland surf park operator.

Amusement Park and ArcadeMedia and EntertainmentOutdoors
Private EquityMay 1, 2022
Akixi

Crawley, West Sussex, United Kingdom

Akixi offers all-inclusive call, cloud computing and contact analytics solutions and services.

AnalyticsCloud ComputingInformation Technology
Private EquityMar 14, 2022
CellPoint Digital

London, England, United Kingdom

CellPoint Digital offers digital commerce and payment solutions.

E-CommerceFinancial ServicesInformation TechnologyTravel
Series UnknownJan 5, 2022
Amount Raised: $25,000,000
Surepharm

Burton-on-trent, St. Helens, United Kingdom

Surepharm is a contract manufacturing company providing pharmaceutical manufacturing and assembly services.

Health CareManufacturingMedicalPharmaceutical
Private EquityJan 1, 2022