Food and drink investors in the North East
The North East, around Newcastle and Sunderland, has a close-knit investor community, regional funds and growing software and energy sectors. Food and drink brands and hospitality businesses attract large numbers of angel backers, often through crowdfunding, plus a few specialist funds. 23 investor-backed food and drink companies in the North East are in Pulse, and 2 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Investor-backed companies
- 23
- Active investors, 2 years
- 49
- Rounds, 2 years
- 14
- Median round
- £220k
Who is investing
In the last two years 5 funds, firms and family offices and 44 angels took shares in food and drink companies in the North East, with the latest round in Aug 2026. These are the firms backing the most of these companies:
| Firm | Type | Companies |
|---|---|---|
| Maven Npif II Ne Equity GP Limited | Fund or investment firm | 2 companies |
| Athena Venture Capital Limited | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
| Britgrocer International Holdings Ltd | Holding company (possible family office) | 1 company |
| GB18 Group Holdings Limited | Holding company (possible family office) | 1 company |
| Herring Holdings Ltd | Holding company (possible family office) | 1 company |
| Hiriijoki & Partners Oy | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
| Lever VC Fund I, LP | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
| Maven Nedf GP Limited | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
See all 49 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, 14 funding rounds were raised by food and drink companies in the North East, an estimated £4.63m, with a median round of about £220k. 2 of the companies raised their first priced round in the last 12 months. 50% of these valuations carry a High confidence rating.
How North East compares
The North East has 2% of the UK's food and drink sector's 1,359 investor-backed companies. The median round of £220k is above the £143k median for the UK's food and drink sector, and above the UK-wide £176k. By stage, 6 are at seed, 4 are at venture stage, 1 are inactive. The most active firm in these companies is Maven Npif II Ne Equity GP Limited, in 2 companies.
Questions
How many investors back food and drink companies in the North East?
Pulse found 49 outside investors taking shares in food and drink companies in the North East in the last two years: 5 funds, firms and family offices, and 44 angels.
How much do food and drink companies in the North East raise?
Over the last two years 14 rounds were raised, an estimated £4.63m in total. The median round was about £220k.
How accurate are the amounts?
They are Pulse estimates, each with a confidence rating. 50% 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.