Members of Bristol Private Equity Club (BPEC) celebrated five years of supporting business growth in the city with a party overlooking the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Entrepreneurs who have invested £10 million into fast growing businesses and some of those who have received funding celebrated at the Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin in an event that had been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The party had an extra swing as a few hours before a deal was completed that saw Auroch Digital, which club members backed three years ago with investment funds, sold for £6 million to Sumo Group plc, marking a successful and profitable exit from the project.

Within 24 hours BPEC was also highly commended in the South West Dealmakers Awards in a category for venture capitalists and private equity.

Club founder Jerry Barnes said: “Even in the last difficult year our members have invested £3 million in 14 deals with local businesses that are at the forefront of healthcare and app development, across many sectors.

“It was great to get so many people together once again and celebrate what has been achieved in creating wealth, jobs and business in Bristol. To be part of a life-changing deal for Auroch, who as videogame developers are in a fast-growing sector, is also very satisfying.”

Bristol Private Equity Club has over 100 successful local business people as members. They invest in South West businesses to enable them to grow.