Business services investors in the South East
The South East combines the Oxford and Reading technology clusters with a dense commuter-belt angel community and strong university spinout activity. A broad group covering consultancies, marketplaces, research and professional services businesses. Many tech companies also file under these codes. 3,275 investor-backed business services companies in the South East are in Pulse, and 61 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Investor-backed companies
- 3,275
- Active investors, 2 years
- 3,745
- Rounds, 2 years
- 387
- Median round
- £189k
Who is investing
In the last two years 524 funds, firms and family offices and 3,199 angels took shares in business services companies in the South East, with the latest round in Oct 2026. These are the firms backing the most of these companies:
| Firm | Type | Companies |
|---|---|---|
| SFC Capital | Fund or investment firm | 9 companies |
| The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Oxford | University | 7 companies |
| SFC BBI | Fund or investment firm | 5 companies |
| University of Oxford | University | 5 companies |
| Event Investments Holdings Limited | Fund or investment firm | 4 companies |
| Hillersdon Investments Ltd | Fund or investment firm | 4 companies |
| Oxford Science Enterprises Holdings II Limited | Holding company (possible family office) | 4 companies |
| Redpark Investments Limited | Fund or investment firm | 4 companies |
See all 3,745 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, 387 funding rounds were raised by business services companies in the South East, an estimated £1.18bn, with a median round of about £189k. 61 of the companies raised their first priced round in the last 12 months. 45% of these valuations carry a High confidence rating.
How South East compares
The South East has 17% of the UK's business services sector's 19,809 investor-backed companies. The median round of £189k is above the £148k median for the UK's business services sector, and close to the UK-wide £176k. By stage, 287 are at seed, 135 have exited, 106 are at venture stage. The most active firm in these companies is SFC Capital, in 9 companies.
Questions
How many investors back business services companies in the South East?
Pulse found 3,745 outside investors taking shares in business services companies in the South East in the last two years: 524 funds, firms and family offices, and 3,199 angels.
How much do business services companies in the South East raise?
Over the last two years 387 rounds were raised, an estimated £1.18bn in total. The median round was about £189k.
How accurate are the amounts?
They are Pulse estimates, each with a confidence rating. 45% 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.