Food and drink 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. Food and drink brands and hospitality businesses attract large numbers of angel backers, often through crowdfunding, plus a few specialist funds. 193 investor-backed food and drink companies in the South East are in Pulse, and 13 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Investor-backed companies
- 193
- Active investors, 2 years
- 590
- Rounds, 2 years
- 100
- Median round
- £100k
Who is investing
In the last two years 63 funds, firms and family offices and 526 angels took shares in food and drink 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Binary Stars Investments LLC-FZ | Fund or investment firm | 2 companies |
| Doehler Ventures GMBH | Fund or investment firm | 2 companies |
| SyndicateRoom | Fund or investment firm | 2 companies |
| 1869 Brand Ventures Limited | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
| 1879 Brand Ventures Limited | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
| 729 Ventures GMBH | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
| Agora Solutions Holdings Limited | Holding company (possible family office) | 1 company |
| Angel Hive | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
See all 590 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, 100 funding rounds were raised by food and drink companies in the South East, an estimated £35.4m, with a median round of about £100k. 13 of the companies raised their first priced round in the last 12 months. 40% of these valuations carry a High confidence rating.
How South East compares
The South East has 14% of the UK's food and drink sector's 1,359 investor-backed companies. The median round of £100k is below the £143k median for the UK's food and drink sector, and below the UK-wide £176k. By stage, 57 are at seed, 30 are at venture stage, 9 have exited. The most active firm in these companies is Binary Stars Investments LLC-FZ, in 2 companies.
Questions
How many investors back food and drink companies in the South East?
Pulse found 590 outside investors taking shares in food and drink companies in the South East in the last two years: 63 funds, firms and family offices, and 526 angels.
How much do food and drink companies in the South East raise?
Over the last two years 100 rounds were raised, an estimated £35.4m in total. The median round was about £100k.
How accurate are the amounts?
They are Pulse estimates, each with a confidence rating. 40% 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.