Clarendon Fund Managers

Clarendon Fund Managers operates as a premier venture capital fund manager headquartered in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The firm strategically oversees two active venture capital funds while also maintaining a robust Private Investor Network. With a strong regional focus and commitment to fostering economic growth in Northern Ireland, Clarendon has established itself as a key player in the local investment ecosystem. Their comprehensive approach combines institutional funding with private capital to support innovative companies across multiple development stages, creating a versatile investment platform that addresses various funding needs in the market.

The firm's flagship investment vehicle, Co-Fund NI, represents a substantial £50 million equity fund backed by Invest NI and British Business Investments. This fund specifically targets high-growth potential companies, operating through a co-investment model alongside business angels, corporate entities, academic institutions, and other private investors. Investment parameters are clearly defined, with individual investments ranging from £150,000 to £500,000, and cumulative investments capped at £2.5 million per company. This structured approach allows Clarendon to participate in funding rounds while leveraging additional capital from co-investors, effectively multiplying the impact of their investments across Northern Ireland's entrepreneurial landscape.

Complementing their co-investment strategy, Clarendon manages the Investment Fund for Northern Ireland (IFNI), a £33 million equity fund supported by the British Business Bank. IFNI demonstrates greater flexibility in its investment approach, targeting companies across the entire business lifecycle from startup and early-stage to growth and expansion phases. The fund offers larger investment tickets, ranging from £250,000 to £3 million, with a maximum cumulative investment of £5 million per company. This broader mandate allows Clarendon to support businesses through critical scaling phases, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance to navigate growth challenges that Northern Irish companies typically face when expanding beyond regional markets.

Beyond direct fund management, Clarendon operates the Clarendon Private Investor Network (CPIN), which connects high-net-worth individuals and sophisticated investors with promising business opportunities. CPIN members contribute more than just financial resources, often providing valuable mentorship, industry expertise, and strategic guidance to founders. Throughout the year, Clarendon organizes structured pitching events where selected companies present their business models and growth strategies to network members, creating a forum for investment facilitation and relationship building. This holistic ecosystem approach positions Clarendon as more than just a capital provider, but rather as an integral component of Northern Ireland's entrepreneurial infrastructure, bridging the gap between innovative businesses and investment resources.