The British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (BVCA), the UK's leading lobby group for the investment sector, has announced a significant rebrand. The organisation will now be known as UK Private Capital, pending final member approval later this week.
A New Name for an Evolving Industry
The change, set to take effect on 27 January 2026, is designed to mirror the substantial growth and transformation within the UK's private capital market. The association stated that the new name better encompasses the full spectrum of the industry, which now spans private equity, private credit, and venture capital.
Michael Moore, the chief executive of the BVCA, explained the rationale behind the shift. He noted that the industry has changed dramatically since the group's founding in 1983. "Adopting the name UK Private Capital gives us a clearer platform from which to set out who we represent and to engage more effectively," Moore said.
The rebrand aims to eliminate the "ambiguity" of the old name, making the association's advocacy purpose clearer for both policymakers and international investors.
Amplifying the Voice of a Key Economic Driver
A central goal of the rebrand is to strengthen the industry's voice in policy debates that affect investment allocations in the UK. The association highlighted the sector's critical contribution to the national economy.
Private equity and venture capital firms back approximately 13,000 companies across the UK. This activity is responsible for generating an estimated seven per cent of the country's total GDP. Furthermore, companies under private capital ownership support around 2.5 million jobs nationwide.
"The new name will… give the association a clearer foundation from which to advocate for the vital importance of private capital investment for growth in the UK," added Michael Moore.
Aligning with a Forward-Looking Strategy
The name change is closely aligned with the group's Strategy 2030. This long-term plan focuses on fuelling UK economic growth by encouraging greater investment from pension funds and establishing the UK as a premier global hub for private capital.
Matthew Sabben-Clare, chair of the BVCA, endorsed the move. "The board recommends this change to members because it is clearer, better reflects the industry and builds a platform for the strategy of representing the scope and diversity of the industry," he stated.
The final decision now rests with the association's members, who are expected to vote on the proposal imminently.
