The venture capital investment in technology firms located in the UK and Ireland during the initial six months (H1) of 2012 has been the highest in ten years, according to a new research.
According to a new research carried out by finance firm Ascendant, about £596m has been invested in UK technology firms during H1 2012, when compared to the £786m invested for the complete 2011.
The research also revealed that total venture capital investment reported 27% rise to £297m in the second quarter of 2012 (2Q12) when compared to £234m invested during the same period in 2011.
Investment on companies related to internet/mobile/digital media reported the highest increase in investments of 30% to about £0.25bn, while Cleantech reported 70% rise to £125m, when compared to the corresponding period in 2011.
The investments in other sectors which include software and semiconductors declined in H1 2012, over the same period in 2011.
During the period, the number of firms invested in also increased to 60, compared with 48 in 2011.
Ascendant managing director Stuart McKnight said that the company is experiencing a significant uplift in terms of funds committed and in the volume of companies receiving money.
"These numbers are much better than expected and present a very encouraging investment picture. £600m has not been invested in a six-month period for more than 10 years," McKnight said.
"Even in 2008, which was a boom year, VCs only managed to invest £550m in H1."
