Explore the world of private equity and venture capital like never before in a new online film series – ‘A Different Angle: Funding people, with purpose’

Launching on 27^th October, ‘A Different Angle’ is an online film series exploring the role of private equity and venture capital in European society. This unique film series, presented by Invest Europe, the world’s largest association of private capital providers, and produced by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions, brings to screen the human stories at the heart of the businesses that are driving change and fuelling growth through private capital.

Most people come into contact with a product or service from a company backed by private equity or venture capital every single day. Many of the brands we love, services we rely upon, and companies we work for benefit from private equity expertise and capital to enable them to flourish and meet our needs. Yet the industry’s contribution to jobs, innovation, funding better retirements, and driving positive societal change can be often overlooked or misunderstood.

A Different Angle aims to improve the understanding of private equity and venture capital, demystifying the virtuous circle of investing that supports our pensions and savings while exploring the true nature of innovation in Europe. It will also raise awareness about the expertise injected into businesses alongside capital, and how profit and purpose, such as high social and environmental goals, can work in harmony to produce better returns for investors and society.

Through powerful human stories, rather than a focus on mere data and figures, A Different Angle shines a light on the private equity industry and the businesses that are making a difference. The films within the series will explore the topics of pensions and savings, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, employment and job creation, and Europe’s next unicorns. Crossing the continent, the films showcase a range of inspiring stories, from solutions for beekeepers to non-invasive healthcare headsets to combat depression and obesity.

Within the series, leaders like Coller Capital, the European Investment Fund, IQ Capital, and Mid-Europa Partners have contributed with their commitment and expertise to show how the companies they support innovate, create jobs, and improve our lives.

Simon Shelley, vice president of BBC StoryWorks Programme Partnerships, said:

“Private equity and venture capital are ubiquitous but not often understood. This series seeks to demystify private equity and how it can generate positive returns not just for shareholders but for society as a whole. We’re thrilled to be working with Invest Europe to tell important stories from a variety of settings across Europe about job creation, responsible investing, and innovation.

Eric de Montgolfier, CEO of Invest Europe, commented:

“Private equity and venture capital are deeply ingrained into the fabric of Europe. Across the continent, this industry is building better businesses that are helping support security in retirement for millions of pensioners, while fuelling innovation, creating jobs, and driving advances in sustainability. We are delighted to work with BBC StoryWorks to bring these stories to life.”

You can explore the full series from 27^th October at www.bbc.com/storyworks/a-different-angle and Invest Europe’s website (U.K. viewers can only access the latter) and join the conversation online with #ADifferentAngle.