Baillie Gifford

Baillie Gifford is a long-term investment management firm dedicated to identifying innovative companies and changemakers that offer exceptional growth opportunities. The firm is known for its research-driven approach, commitment to long-termism, and partnerships with visionary trailblazers to strengthen its portfolios. They invest in high-growth companies across multi-equity and fixed asset classes, with a particular focus on businesses that innovate to address societal needs, such as the electrification of transport and the application of artificial intelligence for medical advancements.

Founded in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1908 by Augustus Baillie and Carlyle Gifford, Baillie Gifford initially operated as a law firm. However, the prevailing financial climate led to a strategic shift towards investment management in 1908. The firm established several investment trusts, with the Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust becoming a notable early success. Baillie Gifford is privately and wholly owned by its partners, all of whom are actively involved in the firm's operations, fostering a culture of curiosity, patience, and bravery.

The firm has a history of making significant early investments, including a notable stake in Tesla. Its portfolio also features private companies such as Lyft, Airbnb, and Dropbox. More recent investments include Tractive (Electronic Equipment and Instruments), Zipline (Logistics), Merlin Labs (Aerospace and Defense), Eventbrite (Entertainment Software), and Wayve (Business/Productivity Software). Other prominent holdings include MercadoLibre, Amazon, Shopify, Sea Limited, Ginkgo Bioworks, Nu Holdings Ltd, Remitly Global, Inc., Duolingo, Spotify, Reddit, Symbotic, Joby Aviation, and Coupang.

Baillie Gifford emphasizes a distinctive investment culture characterized by a long-term mindset and a willingness to diverge from conventional wisdom. The firm prioritizes diversity and inclusion, and its robust graduate program plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining talent. With offices in key global financial centers, Baillie Gifford leverages its extensive expertise to manage a broad range of assets for its diverse client base.