Octopus Ventures

What we do: Octopus Ventures is one of the largest and most active venture capital investors in the UK and Europe, managing £1.8 billion and investing in more than 200 businesses. We focus on backing entrepreneurs from their first funding round through to IPO, targeting companies that address three major global challenges: building a sustainable planet, empowering people, and revitalising healthcare. Our portfolio spans deep tech, artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, femtech, digital therapeutics, and travel technology, supporting both B2B and B2C innovators. We partner with founders to help them scale, providing not just capital but also sector expertise, strong teams, and deep networks to accelerate growth and impact.

Where we are located: Our headquarters is in London, United Kingdom, at 33 Holborn, London, England, EC1N 2HT. We do not have a Belgian office.

Short history: Founded in 2007, Octopus Ventures has grown to become a leading force in European venture capital, recognized for its commitment to disruptive innovation and early-stage investment. The firm has built a reputation for identifying and nurturing high-potential startups, with notable portfolio companies including Zoovu, Elvie, Cazoo, Big Health, and Duffel. In 2019, Octopus Ventures partnered with Oxford Sciences Innovation to invest in science and technology startups emerging from the University of Oxford, further expanding its reach into cutting-edge fields like quantum computing and medical diagnostics.

Organization & culture: As part of the Octopus Group, we operate with the agility and ambition of a startup, combined with the resources and stability of a large financial institution. Our team is composed of experienced investors, operators, and sector specialists who are passionate about supporting founders and building the businesses of tomorrow. We value collaboration, integrity, and a long-term perspective, fostering a culture where diverse ideas and bold thinking are encouraged. While the exact number of employees is not publicly disclosed, our scale and portfolio size reflect a significant and growing organization.

Recent developments: Octopus Ventures continues to be recognized as a top venture investor in the UK, most recently highlighted in industry rankings in May 2025. Our portfolio includes recent exits such as Pendula in August 2025, and we remain active in supporting our companies through funding rounds, strategic guidance, and operational support. The firm’s Future Generations VCT reported a net asset value per share of 88.4p as of June 2025, with several portfolio companies delivering strong performance despite economic headwinds. We are committed to corporate social responsibility and actively seek to make a positive impact through our investments and partnerships.