Why LDC is pressing hard on the accelerator into 2026

Managing partner John Garner tells Ellie Hollinshead that momentum is on LDC’s side

Hello Rainmakers,

A real treat for you today. In a rare one to one interview LDC’s managing partner John Garner scotches a few myths about the mid-market, or at least LDC’s approach to investing into 2026.

Also, the discount code for the Rainmakers Summit is included in this bulletin. Enjoy.

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If 2025 was about getting deals done, 2026 looks set to be about pressing the accelerator.

After investing more than £250m last year - with over half of transactions landing in the final quarter - LDC heads into the new year with momentum firmly on its side.

According to John Garner, managing partner at LDC, that end-of-year dash wasn’t a coincidence.

“This momentum reflects an improving market,” he said. “Management teams that may have been cautious about taking on investment are gradually becoming more confident.”

John Garner

And when confidence returns, pipelines start flowing.

“That’s driving an improving pipeline of opportunities and our teams are working hard to find and build relationships with ambitious management teams that are ready to partner with the right private equity investor,” Garner added.

In a market where hesitation can kill deals, speed has become a competitive weapon. LDC’s December investment into digital mental health platform myHappymind was wrapped up in just three weeks – no hanging around the boardroom table.

“In this market, we’ve really seen the importance of being able to act quickly,” Garner says. “For example, we jumped at the opportunity to back myHappymind…completing the investment within three weeks.”

Looking to 2026, LDC isn’t chasing fads or fortune-telling the economy. The approach remains consistent: back good businesses, led by ambitious people, wherever they are in the UK.

“We’re through-the-cycle investors,” Garner says. “What matters to us is finding high-quality and ambitious management teams to support.”