IO Talks: Stuart Dunbar on the investment approach at Baillie Gifford

Baillie Gifford is expanding its presence in the Benelux region to engage with long-term, fundamental-focused investors, moving away from traditional short-term market speculation. The firm prioritizes "actual investment," which involves deep engagement with companies driving structural change through technological innovation, such as advancements in healthcare and international payment systems. Rather than relying on quantitative models or short-term price movements, the strategy centers on identifying companies with significant long-term upside, including pre-IPO private equity opportunities. While the firm acknowledges the growing importance of ESG, it views these factors as integrated components of business analysis rather than mere product labels or tick-box exercises. Success hinges on identifying a narrow set of companies that create outsized value over decades, a process that requires patience, deep research, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty.