Food and drink investors in the East Midlands
The East Midlands, centred on Nottingham, Leicester and Derby, has a mix of consumer, engineering and life sciences companies and an active regional fund scene. Food and drink brands and hospitality businesses attract large numbers of angel backers, often through crowdfunding, plus a few specialist funds. 52 investor-backed food and drink companies in the East Midlands are in Pulse, and 2 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Investor-backed companies
- 52
- Active investors, 2 years
- 78
- Rounds, 2 years
- 11
- Median round
- £50k
Who is investing
In the last two years 23 funds, firms and family offices and 55 angels took shares in food and drink companies in the East Midlands, with the latest round in Aug 2026. These are the firms backing the most of these companies:
| Firm | Type | Companies |
|---|---|---|
| Acsquared Holdings Ltd | Holding company (possible family office) | 1 company |
| Aj91 Investment Ltd | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
| Ajp Investment Solutions Ltd | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
| Ansar Holdings Limited | Holding company (possible family office) | 1 company |
| Applegarth Holdings | Holding company (possible family office) | 1 company |
| Awg Ventures Limited | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
| Beeches Capital | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
| Belvoir Farming Company Holdings Ltd | Holding company (possible family office) | 1 company |
See all 78 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, 11 funding rounds were raised by food and drink companies in the East Midlands, an estimated £1.03m, with a median round of about £50k. 2 of the companies raised their first priced round in the last 12 months. 73% of these valuations carry a High confidence rating.
How East Midlands compares
The East Midlands has 4% of the UK's food and drink sector's 1,359 investor-backed companies. The median round of £50k is below the £143k median for the UK's food and drink sector, and below the UK-wide £176k. By stage, 10 are at seed, 8 have exited, 3 are at venture stage. The most active firm in these companies is Acsquared Holdings Ltd, in 1 companies.
Questions
How many investors back food and drink companies in the East Midlands?
Pulse found 78 outside investors taking shares in food and drink companies in the East Midlands in the last two years: 23 funds, firms and family offices, and 55 angels.
How much do food and drink companies in the East Midlands raise?
Over the last two years 11 rounds were raised, an estimated £1.03m in total. The median round was about £50k.
How accurate are the amounts?
They are Pulse estimates, each with a confidence rating. 73% 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.