GroupBC (formerly Business Collaborator) is a leading provider of Building Information Management (BIM) and project collaboration software for the construction and infrastructure sectors. Trusted by clients including Balfour Beatty, Thames Water, and Heathrow Airport, GroupBC’s platform helps organisations streamline processes, improve data sharing, and achieve greater efficiency in project delivery.
Group BC
Information management for the construction industry
Website
YFM investment
£3.4m - over 3x return
Investment date(s)
2014 - 2020
Deal type
Buyout
Location
Reading
"GroupBC has scaled strongly since the YFM-backed MBO in 2014, breaking new ground with project and asset information solutions for the built environment. We worked closely with YFM, who were a hugely supportive partner, to invest in the sales and operational capabilities of the business and execute our strategy."
Key Information
The Business
Why We Invested
YFM Equity Partners first invested in GroupBC in 2014 through the British Smaller Companies VCT funds, partnering with the management team to support a management buyout. The investment aimed to accelerate product development, expand customer adoption, and strengthen the company’s leadership in the rapidly growing BIM software market.
Growth Story
During YFM’s ownership, GroupBC achieved significant milestones:
- Developed innovative features for its BIM software platform, enhancing its capabilities to drive collaboration and efficiency in large-scale infrastructure projects.
- Secured high-profile customers, cementing its reputation as a trusted provider of BIM solutions in the UK and internationally.
- Expanded its customer base across critical infrastructure sectors, including transportation, utilities, and public services.
- Enhanced its leadership and operational capabilities to scale the business effectively.
Outcome
In 2020, YFM successfully exited its investment in GroupBC through a sale to Bentley Systems, a global leader in infrastructure engineering software. The transaction delivered a strong return for YFM’s investors and positioned GroupBC for continued growth under Bentley’s ownership. The acquisition enabled GroupBC to integrate its BIM solutions with Bentley’s infrastructure software, offering even greater value to clients worldwide.