Organization · Government VC
Development Bank of Wales
The Development Bank of Wales is a government-owned development finance institution that provides debt and equity financing to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups across Wales. It aims to foster economic growth and job creation by supporting businesses at various stages of development.
Overview
What Development Bank of Wales does
What Development Bank of Wales is
The Development Bank of Wales is a government-owned development finance institution that provides debt and equity financing to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups across Wales. It aims to foster economic growth and job creation by supporting businesses at various stages of development.
How it participates in the startup ecosystem
The current public profile supports funder capabilities. Each capability below is shown separately so organization identity and role-specific information do not get conflated.
Operational profile
Organization status and context
Organization status describes the entity itself. Funding and program availability appear within the relevant capability profile.
- Operational status
- Active
- Organization type
- Government VC
- Founded
- Founded in 2001
- Approximate age
- About 25 years
- Structured capabilities
- Funder
- Last reviewed
- May 5, 2026
Official channels
Find Development Bank of Wales elsewhere
Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.
Capability profile
Development Bank of Wales as a funder
Investment thesis
The Development Bank of Wales focuses on impact-oriented regional development, funding businesses that can benefit Wales and its people, particularly those with social, ethical, environmental, and commercial promise.
Focus narrative
The Development Bank of Wales invests in businesses at various stages of development, from startups to established companies. It offers a range of financial products, including business loans and equity finance, with a strong emphasis on supporting technology ventures and businesses willing to relocate to Wales.
Value beyond capital
The Development Bank of Wales provides not only financial support but also strategic guidance to its portfolio companies, focusing on enhancing their growth potential and facilitating access to additional funding sources. Its commitment to regional development ensures that investments align with the broader economic goals of Wales.
Terms and economics
- Typical check
- $50,000–$10,000,000
- Sweet spot
- $1,000,000
Focus and fit
- Stages
- Seed
- Regions
- United Kingdom
Availability
- Currently deploying
- Yes
Portfolio and track record
- Recorded portfolio count
- 292
Portfolio context
Notable portfolio companies include Academii, a Caerphilly-based AI learning technology company, Antiverse, a Cardiff AI-driven TechBio company, and DataWollet, an open-finance platform. The bank has invested nearly £90m across 292 Welsh tech ventures, unlocking over £195m in private co-investment.
Common questions
What to know about Development Bank of Wales
Upseed classifies Development Bank of Wales under the Government VC organization type. Its current public profile includes funder capabilities.
Source and update disclosure
Know what this page is based on
Source basis
Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.
Last reviewed
May 5, 2026
Known limits
Capability profiles appear only when a structured public profile also contains decision-useful role evidence. Terms and availability can change.
Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organization described on this page.