Connection Capital LLP

Background

Established in 2010, Connection Capital LLP is a London-based specialist syndicator of investment funds, providing private investors with access to direct private equity, private debt transactions, commercial property deals, and institutional-grade alternative asset funds. The firm's mission is to democratize access to alternative investments, enabling clients to diversify their portfolios beyond traditional asset classes. By sourcing, structuring, and conducting thorough due diligence on each investment opportunity, Connection Capital ensures that private investors can participate in deals typically reserved for institutional investors.

Key Strategic Focus

Connection Capital's strategic focus centers on offering a fully managed service that allows private investors to build bespoke alternative asset portfolios. Clients can self-select investment opportunities in increments of £25,000, choosing from a diverse range of sectors including consumer services, education, financial services, food and beverage, media and entertainment, transportation, travel, energy, edtech, fintech, and foodtech. The firm targets UK-based companies with significant growth potential, emphasizing profitable private businesses and single-asset private market transactions managed by top-tier professionals.

Financials and Funding

As of March 31, 2025, Connection Capital has raised over £554 million from private clients, completing 126 investments and achieving 35 exits, returning £383 million to investors. The firm's investment portfolio is diversified across private equity (34%), commercial property (25%), alternative funds (32%), and private debt (9%). Notable investments include Virgin Wines, 23.5 Degrees (the UK's first Starbucks franchise partner), and properties tenanted by Travis Perkins and Premier Inn.

Pipeline Development

Connection Capital maintains a robust pipeline of investment opportunities across various asset classes:

Private Equity: Investments in profitable UK businesses with significant growth potential.

Private Debt: Lending to profitable private companies in exchange for high yields and a share in capital growth.

Alternative Funds: Diversification through specialist, uncorrelated alternative asset funds, typically inaccessible due to high minimum entry thresholds.

Commercial Property: Targeting income and capital growth with institutional-grade property investments.

Recent investment opportunities include a growth capital investment in a rapidly growing fintech serving the food and farming sector, a senior debt plus equity investment in the management buyout of an award-winning market research agency, and an MBO of a provider of transformers to the UK electricity distribution sector.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Connection Capital leverages a proprietary investment platform that enables private investors to access and manage alternative investments efficiently. The platform facilitates:

Deal Sourcing and Structuring: Identifying and negotiating unique investment opportunities.

Due Diligence: Conducting comprehensive assessments to ensure investment viability.

Portfolio Management: Providing regular reviews and valuations from investment completion through to exit.

This technology-driven approach ensures transparency, control, and ease of access for investors building their alternative asset portfolios.

Leadership Team

Connection Capital's leadership comprises experienced professionals with diverse backgrounds:

Bernard Dale: Managing Partner, overseeing investment strategy and execution.

Claire Madden: Managing Partner, responsible for client relations and business development.

Darren Mitchell: Partner, focusing on private equity investments.

Miles Otway: Partner, specializing in SME investments.

Mark Snaith: Investment Director, leading due diligence and portfolio management.

James Greenwood: Associate Director, supporting investment analysis and execution.

Lucy Merson: Associate Director, focusing on alternative fund investments.

Hannah Willison: Investment Associate, assisting in investment research and operations.

Steve Wilson: Co-Founder and Partner, contributing to strategic direction and governance.

The team's collective expertise spans investment management, financial analysis, and client services, ensuring a comprehensive approach to alternative investments.

Leadership Changes

In May 2023, Connection Capital appointed Michael Mowlem as Chief Investment Officer to lead its direct private equity and broader alternative investments. Additionally, in August 2022, James Greenwood joined as Associate Director, enhancing the firm's investment team capabilities.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics:

The alternative investment market in the UK has experienced significant growth, driven by investors seeking diversification and higher returns amid low-interest rates. The market encompasses private equity, private debt, real estate, and alternative funds, with increasing participation from high-net-worth individuals and family offices.

Competitor Analysis:

Connection Capital operates in a competitive landscape alongside firms such as FundRock, PiP, and Carne.

FundRock: Established in 2015 and headquartered in Luxembourg, FundRock provides fund management solutions, including governance, risk management, and compliance services.

PiP: Founded in 2013 and based in London, PiP focuses on infrastructure investments, offering access to UK infrastructure projects for institutional investors.

Carne: Established in 2004 in Dublin, Carne offers fund management solutions, including compliance, risk management, and governance services, with a global presence.

These competitors primarily cater to institutional clients, whereas Connection Capital differentiates itself by providing private investors with direct access to alternative investments, emphasizing a personalized and transparent investment experience.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Connection Capital has established partnerships with leading private equity firms, enabling clients to invest in funds managed by entities such as CVC, Permira, 17Capital, Invesco, DNCapital, and Therium. These collaborations enhance the firm's ability to offer diverse and high-quality investment opportunities across various asset classes.

Operational Insights

Connection Capital's strategic positioning focuses on providing private investors with access to alternative investments typically reserved for institutional clients. The firm's fully managed service, combined with a low minimum investment threshold of £25,000, allows clients to build diversified portfolios tailored to their individual preferences. By sourcing unique investment opportunities and conducting thorough due diligence, Connection Capital ensures a high standard of investment quality and transparency.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, Connection Capital aims to expand its investment offerings by exploring emerging sectors and asset classes, such as renewable energy and technology-driven businesses. The firm plans to leverage its existing partnerships and expertise to identify high-growth opportunities, providing clients with access to innovative and sustainable investments. Additionally, Connection Capital intends to enhance its technological platform to improve investor experience and operational efficiency, ensuring continued growth and competitiveness in the alternative investment market.