Venture capital (VC) investment in the United Kingdom demonstrated notable resilience during the third quarter of 2023. In the face of ongoing economic uncertainties, the UK’s VC investment landscape remained stable and even experienced a surge, with a $631 million deal involving Conigital, a UK-based driverless vehicle firm, contributing to this positive trend.
Despite concerns related to the cost of living crisis and the high-interest rate environment affecting the UK, VC investments showcased their durability. In the period from July to September 2023, a substantial $5.2 billion was invested in UK businesses. While this figure represents a $0.4 billion decrease compared to the previous quarter, it’s essential to note a significant shift in the number of deals completed during this period. The total number of deals decreased by 34%, dropping from 713 in the second quarter to 469 in Q3.
A noteworthy transformation in the VC investment landscape is the distribution of funds across the country. According to a recent report by KPMG, during Q3 2023, half of the VC investments, amounting to $2.6 billion, were directed towards businesses located outside of London. This substantial capital injection was distributed across 219 deals. Simultaneously, London-based businesses secured an equivalent amount of $2.6 billion, with a slightly higher number of deals, totaling 250. This change highlights the increasing diversity in the geographical distribution of VC investments within the UK.
KPMG has noted that “early-stage companies with proven cash flows at seed, early, and series A stages are likely to continue to constitute a large part of the deal volume for the remainder of the year.” This emphasises the significance of early-stage startups in the UK’s VC landscape and points to a sustained focus on nurturing and supporting these emerging businesses.
Looking ahead to the fourth quarter of 2023, VC investment is expected to remain relatively soft on a global scale. Nevertheless, the field of artificial intelligence (AI) is likely to remain a compelling area for investment worldwide. The acceleration of AI technologies may also bring additional regulatory considerations to the forefront in the coming quarters.
Furthermore, the UK showcased a strong presence in larger VC investments over the summer. The country played a prominent role in the European investment scene, with five of the top 10 largest deals in the continent during the period taking place in the UK. One standout example is the $631.6 million Series A funding for Birmingham-based Conigital, which not only secured a spot in the European top 10 but also ranked among the top global deals for Q3 2023. Other remarkable UK deals include a $355 million late-stage investment in London-based pet tech firm Butternut Box, a $256.4 million deal with Bristol-based Ovo Energy, and a $226.5 million Series C investment in Cambridge-based Apollo Therapeutics.
In summary, the UK’s VC investment landscape is displaying adaptability and resilience in the face of economic challenges. The diversification of investments in terms of both regions and industries indicates a promising future for the country’s startup ecosystem. The UK continues to attract interest from domestic and international investors, contributing to its reputation as a global financial and innovation hub.
The Impact on Talent Acquisition and Hiring in 2024
The robust VC investment landscape in the UK during 2023 is expected to usher in significant changes to the talent acquisition and hiring processes for companies completing funding rounds in 2024. While the specifics will vary from company to company, several overarching trends and considerations should be taken into account:
Escalating Demand for Specialised Talent: As VC-backed companies continue to thrive and expand, there will be an increasing demand for specialised talent. Startups in various sectors, from automotive technology to drug discovery, will actively seek professionals with specific skills and knowledge. Consequently, job seekers with niche expertise will find a plethora of opportunities to select from.
Heightened Competition for Skilled Professionals: With the flourishing VC landscape, businesses will find themselves in competition for the same pool of highly talented individuals. This heightened competition for skilled professionals may result in more attractive salary offers, more comprehensive benefits packages, and enhanced career development opportunities to entice and retain top-tier talent.
Diverse Skill Sets in High Demand: The diversity of VC investments across various industries will translate into a requirement for a broad spectrum of skill sets. Companies embarking on funding rounds in 2024 may need to recruit professionals with expertise in artificial intelligence, sustainability, biotechnology, and various other domains. This diversification of talent requirements will enrich the hiring landscape.
Exploration Beyond Conventional Hubs: The geographical distribution of VC investments extending beyond London is a noteworthy trend. This presents an opportunity for businesses to explore talent sources in regions outside the capital. By considering candidates in different locations, companies can access diverse skill sets and potentially offer remote or flexible work arrangements, thereby expanding their talent acquisition possibilities.
Evolving Startup Ecosystem: The resilience of the VC landscape signifies the continued growth of the startup ecosystem. Companies securing funding in 2024 will play pivotal roles in this ecosystem, contributing to its dynamism and competitiveness. They can leverage this ecosystem to attract talent by positioning themselves as innovative employers in a thriving business environment.
Investment in Employee Development: To maximise the potential of their workforce, companies may invest in employee development. This could encompass mentorship programmes, training initiatives, and ongoing skill enhancement efforts. By nurturing and upskilling their employees, businesses can align their teams with the company’s growth objectives.
Looking ahead to 2024
The flourishing VC investment landscape in the UK sets the stage for a dynamic hiring landscape in 2024. Companies securing funding rounds will need to adapt to a competitive environment, emphasising the recruitment of specialised professionals and offering attractive compensation packages. The diversification of skillsets and the exploration of talent beyond traditional hubs are key themes that will shape the hiring process in the coming year. In this evolving startup ecosystem, companies have the opportunity to invest in employee development and create a thriving workplace that attracts and retains top talent.
Troi: Your Partner for Hyper-Growth Hiring in the VC Landscape
In the dynamic world of venture capital, rapid growth is the name of the game. Scaling your team to match your expanding business needs can be a challenge, but that’s where Troi steps in. Troi has a history of partnering with numerous VC-backed companies in the past to help them scale their hiring efforts, and today, we’re embedded with companies that have successfully completed funding rounds and are now in the hyper-growth phase.
Our experience and expertise in the VC space have made us keenly aware of the unique hiring demands that such companies face. We understand that one size does not fit all in talent acquisition. To cater to the diverse needs of VC-backed businesses, we offer customisable packages that can accommodate your hiring requirements, no matter what your budget may be. Our versatile solutions include:
Enterprise: We deliver at the scale of a traditional Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) but with the flexibility and cost savings of embedded talent acquisition. This means you get the best of both worlds, with a dedicated team to handle your hiring needs efficiently and cost-effectively.
Embedded: Our Plug & Play talent acquisition solution operates on a monthly subscription basis. It’s designed to seamlessly integrate with your company, ensuring that you have access to the right talent when you need it most during periods of rapid expansion.
Hybrid: We understand that VC-backed companies may have specific hiring demands related to location, function, or program. Our Hybrid solution allows you to tailor your hiring strategy to precisely meet those requirements.
Sourcing: Our specialised sourcing approach is designed to connect you with active and highly relevant candidates who perfectly match your requirements. We know that the right talent is out there, and we have the tools and expertise to find them for you.
Executive Search: When it comes to hiring for senior, complex, or discreet roles, our executive search recruitment services are tailor-made for your organisation’s unique needs. We understand the importance of securing top leadership and strategic positions in your company.
Contractor: We offer a comprehensive resource for contracting talent, allowing you to quickly bring on skilled professionals for short-term projects or to address specific needs in your growing business.
At Troi, we’re not just a recruitment partner; we’re your strategic ally in navigating the fast-paced world of VC-backed companies. We know that scaling your team is a critical component of success, and we’re here to provide you with the right solutions at every step of the way. Our goal is to help you build a workforce that drives your company’s growth and innovation, whether you’re a startup with big ambitions or an established firm on a trajectory of hyper-growth. With Troi, you can trust that your hiring needs are in expert hands.
Data and quotation source: Q3 2023 Venture Pulse Report – UK – KPMG UK