Fund manager Whiterock has marked its latest milestone of £70 million investment in local SMEs across the Growth Capital Fund and Investment Fund for Northern Ireland both backed by the British Business Bank.
Since 2024, Whiterock has invested £40 million into 15 companies across Northern Ireland, including Drinksology, MANTIS and Around Noon, through its £75 million equity fund and a further £30 million invested into 60 companies through its £60 million IFNI debt fund, supporting local SMEs such as Neighbourhood Café, Nomadic Watches, Axial 3D and BLK BOX.
Whiterock has been operating in Northern Ireland for more than 14 years, managing more than £255m across 5 funds. To date, the company has deployed in excess of £190m, which has leveraged over £150m of further funding from other funders, and supporting the creation of over 3000 jobs.
With an 18-strong professional team working across debt and equity, Whiterock has become the biggest equity and debt provider for local businesses in Northern Ireland. Whiterock has invested in innovative companies across Northern Ireland that demonstrate strong sales growth and clear routes to market, spanning a diverse range of sectors including technology, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, hospitality, renewable energy, and consumer products.
A prime example is Neighbourhood Café, which since opening its new site in February 2025 with loan support has delivered strong growth and is on track to more than double its revenue in FY26, its first full year of trading from the expanded premises. The business now serves an average of 11,000 guests per month across its café operations. Building on this performance, management is focused on growing its events offering as a key driver of future revenue diversification and revenue growth.
Paul Millar, Chief Executive of Whiterock, said: “Whiterock has been supporting local SMEs’ growth for over 14 years, and our strong, dedicated team has spotted investment opportunities across multiple sectors from advanced manufacturing to tech to consumer products.
“We are an NI based funder with local knowledge, and we find that local businesses really value the insights and partnership that we bring to the table. We are proud of the resounding success of our equity and debt funds since they launched in early 2024 and we hope to continue working as the go-to strategic partner for local companies to achieve their growth ambitions.”
Sue Barnard, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank said: “Reaching £70 million of investment in Northern Ireland businesses is an important milestone and demonstrates the impact that public and private finance can have in supporting ambitious smaller businesses to grow.
“Through the British Business Bank’s programmes, we are proud to work with fund managers such as Whiterock to increase access to finance for businesses that can drive jobs, innovation, and economic growth across the region. The breadth of businesses supported through these funds highlights the importance of a diverse funding landscape, and we look forward to seeing the continued impact of this investment across Northern Ireland.”