Growth-stage 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. 188 investor-backed growth-stage companies in the North West are in Pulse, and 15 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Investor-backed companies
- 188
- Active investors, 2 years
- 1,357
- Rounds, 2 years
- 244
- Median round
- £2.12m
Who is investing
In the last two years 363 funds, firms and family offices and 985 angels took shares in growth-stage 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Built Holdings Limited | Holding company (possible family office) | 10 companies |
| Index Ventures X (Jersey), L.P. | Fund or investment firm | 3 companies |
| Index Ventures X Entrepreneur Fund (Delaware), L.P. | Fund or investment firm | 3 companies |
| Alleycorp Partners LP | Fund or investment firm | 2 companies |
| Amadeus | Fund or investment firm | 2 companies |
| BGF Investments | Fund or investment firm | 2 companies |
| Blythe Investments | Fund or investment firm | 2 companies |
| Elliott Associates, L.P. | Fund or investment firm | 2 companies |
See all 1,357 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, 244 funding rounds were raised by growth-stage companies in the North West, an estimated £3.16bn, with a median round of about £2.12m. 15 of the companies raised their first priced round in the last 12 months. 23% of these valuations carry a High confidence rating.
How North West compares
The North West has 8% of the UK's growth-stage companies's 2,485 investor-backed companies. The median round of £2.12m is close to the £2.08m median for the UK's growth-stage companies, and above the UK-wide £176k. The leading sectors are software & it (35), business services (23) and life sciences (12). The most active firm in these companies is Built Holdings Limited, in 10 companies.
Questions
How many investors back growth-stage companies in the North West?
Pulse found 1,357 outside investors taking shares in growth-stage companies in the North West in the last two years: 363 funds, firms and family offices, and 985 angels.
How much do growth-stage companies in the North West raise?
Over the last two years 244 rounds were raised, an estimated £3.16bn in total. The median round was about £2.12m.
Which sectors raise the most in the North West?
By number of investor-backed companies, software & it (35), business services (23), life sciences (12) lead in the North West.
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.