Business services investors in the North West
The North West, led by Manchester and Liverpool, is the largest startup ecosystem outside the South East of England, with regional funds, angels and platforms all active. A broad group covering consultancies, marketplaces, research and professional services businesses. Many tech companies also file under these codes. 2,414 investor-backed business services companies in the North West are in Pulse, and 27 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Investor-backed companies
- 2,414
- Active investors, 2 years
- 2,375
- Rounds, 2 years
- 176
- Median round
- £100k
Who is investing
In the last two years 261 funds, firms and family offices and 2,109 angels took shares in business services companies in the North West, with the latest round in Oct 2026. These are the firms backing the most of these companies:
| Firm | Type | Companies |
|---|---|---|
| The University of Manchester | University | 7 companies |
| SFC Capital | Fund or investment firm | 6 companies |
| BGF Investments | Fund or investment firm | 4 companies |
| Jnewberry Family Investment Company Limited | Fund or investment firm | 4 companies |
| Mattravers Family Investment Company Limited | Fund or investment firm | 4 companies |
| G5 Family Investments LLC | Fund or investment firm | 3 companies |
| Haatch | Fund or investment firm | 3 companies |
| Haatch BBI | Fund or investment firm | 3 companies |
See all 2,375 active investors, including angels, with what they've backed, estimated cheque sizes and who they invest alongside.
Rounds and valuations
Over the last two years, 176 funding rounds were raised by business services companies in the North West, an estimated £445.5m, with a median round of about £100k. 27 of the companies raised their first priced round in the last 12 months. 44% of these valuations carry a High confidence rating.
How North West compares
The North West has 12% of the UK's business services sector's 19,809 investor-backed companies. The median round of £100k is below the £148k median for the UK's business services sector, and below the UK-wide £176k. By stage, 179 are at seed, 104 have exited, 62 are inactive. The most active firm in these companies is The University of Manchester, in 7 companies.
Questions
How many investors back business services companies in the North West?
Pulse found 2,375 outside investors taking shares in business services companies in the North West in the last two years: 261 funds, firms and family offices, and 2,109 angels.
How much do business services companies in the North West raise?
Over the last two years 176 rounds were raised, an estimated £445.5m in total. The median round was about £100k.
How accurate are the amounts?
They are Pulse estimates, each with a confidence rating. 44% of recent valuations here carry a High confidence rating; the rest are marked Medium or Low.
Can I see every investor?
Pulse subscribers see every outside investor by name, with portfolios and co-investors, from £39.99 a month plus VAT (£47.99 inc. VAT). Contact details are not included and names are not linked to personal profiles.