Frequently asked questions

The Investment Fund for Wales (IFW) will deliver a £130m commitment of new funding through investment strategies that best meet the needs of the businesses in Wales. IFW is designed to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across Wales. IFW will increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for smaller businesses in Wales, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and help to break down barriers in access to finance.

IFW does not invest directly in businesses. It invests through product funds which are managed by IFW’s appointed fund managers. The Fund will offer three commercial finance options with Smaller Loans from £25k to £100k, Debt Finance from £100k to £2m and Equity Finance up to £5 million.

IFW will offer three commercial finance options with Smaller Loans from £25k to £100k, Debt Finance from £100k to £2m and Equity Finance up to £5 million.

Enquiries and applications are made direct to IFW’s selected fund managers, full details of which can be viewed here. IFW cannot provide financial or business advice to businesses seeking funding and businesses may wish to engage their own accountant or business adviser if application assistance is required.

IFW covers the whole of Wales, including rural, coastal and urban areas. Investments can be made in businesses that are headquartered in Wales or have a significant operating presence there.

IFW has been designed to help address market gaps by increasing the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for UK smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment. The product funds that IFW supports provide commercially focussed funding to businesses across Wales.

IFW’s product funds can invest alone or alongside other funders, and indeed IFW fund managers are encouraged to leverage-in additional private capital.

IFW will have an inclusive approach, but some eligibility criteria do apply to IFW funding and fund managers will be able to advise on suitability.