Hardware and engineering 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. Hardware, robotics and engineering companies usually need more capital before revenue, so grants, university funds and patient angel money feature heavily. 106 investor-backed hardware and engineering companies in the East Midlands are in Pulse, and 3 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Investor-backed companies
- 106
- Active investors, 2 years
- 164
- Rounds, 2 years
- 32
- Median round
- £64k
Who is investing
In the last two years 15 funds, firms and family offices and 149 angels took shares in hardware and engineering companies in the East Midlands, with the latest round in Oct 2026. These are the firms backing the most of these companies:
| Firm | Type | Companies |
|---|---|---|
| University of Nottingham | University | 2 companies |
| Ap Ventures Fund II GP LLP | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
| Aurum Private Equity GMBH | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
| Basinghall Tech Fund I SCS | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
| Blackfinch Holdings Limited | Holding company (possible family office) | 1 company |
| Blackfinch Spring VCT PLC | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
| British Design Fund | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
| Ccep Ventures UK Limited | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
See all 164 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, 32 funding rounds were raised by hardware and engineering companies in the East Midlands, an estimated £7.35m, with a median round of about £64k. 3 of the companies raised their first priced round in the last 12 months. 41% of these valuations carry a High confidence rating.
How East Midlands compares
The East Midlands has 5% of the UK's hardware and engineering sector's 1,973 investor-backed companies. The median round of £64k is below the £228k median for the UK's hardware and engineering sector, and below the UK-wide £176k. By stage, 15 are at seed, 11 have exited, 11 are at venture stage. The most active firm in these companies is University of Nottingham, in 2 companies.
Questions
How many investors back hardware and engineering companies in the East Midlands?
Pulse found 164 outside investors taking shares in hardware and engineering companies in the East Midlands in the last two years: 15 funds, firms and family offices, and 149 angels.
How much do hardware and engineering companies in the East Midlands raise?
Over the last two years 32 rounds were raised, an estimated £7.35m in total. The median round was about £64k.
How accurate are the amounts?
They are Pulse estimates, each with a confidence rating. 41% 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.