It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

1 October 2025

Baillie Gifford the best Growth Investor you have never heard of!

In this first Category Leaders Episode, Colin Brown and Martti Wallin unpack the story, playbook and framework of Baillie Gifford (BG), the best Growth Stage investor in the world.

A Category Leader that delivers phenomenal returns by investing in other Category Leaders.

Based in Europe. Best in the world.

TAKEAWAYS:

  • Baillie Gifford is a global leader in growth stage investing.
  • The company has a long-term investment outlook, focusing on decades rather than quarters.
  • Founded in 1907, Baillie Gifford has a rich history tied to the British Empire.
  • Their first major investment was in a Malaysian rubber plantation which helped power the Model T Ford.
  • The firm operates as a private partnership, emphasizing intellectual curiosity.
  • Baillie Gifford’s culture prioritizes character over traditional metrics in hiring.
  • The company has successfully navigated multiple economic crises over its history.
  • Their investment strategy includes a focus on investing in category-leading companies not themes.
  • Japan served as a significant learning ground for Baillie Gifford’s investment approach.
  • Their early investment in Amazon and Google set the stage for future successes.
  • Tesla was a controversial investment that paid off significantly.
    The firm has shifted its focus towards more private companies simply because in the 2000s the companies Baillie Gifford invests in are staying private for longer.
  • Investing in defense companies poses ethical challenges and requires careful justification which BG has worked hard to articulate with Security coming before ESG.
  • China remains a complex investment landscape with both opportunities and risks.