Hardware and engineering 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. Hardware, robotics and engineering companies usually need more capital before revenue, so grants, university funds and patient angel money feature heavily. 195 investor-backed hardware and engineering companies in the North West are in Pulse, and 4 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Investor-backed companies
- 195
- Active investors, 2 years
- 272
- Rounds, 2 years
- 74
- Median round
- £83k
Who is investing
In the last two years 59 funds, firms and family offices and 212 angels took shares in hardware and engineering 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 |
|---|---|---|
| The University of Manchester | University | 7 companies |
| SFC Capital | Fund or investment firm | 3 companies |
| University of Liverpool | University | 3 companies |
| LCR Ventures Limited | Fund or investment firm | 2 companies |
| Oxford Innovation Finance | Fund or investment firm | 2 companies |
| Aalberts Investments | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
| Angel Cofund | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
| Angel Invest Fund II GMBH & Co. KG | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
See all 272 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, 74 funding rounds were raised by hardware and engineering companies in the North West, an estimated £83.0m, with a median round of about £83k. 4 of the companies raised their first priced round in the last 12 months. 45% of these valuations carry a High confidence rating.
How North West compares
The North West has 10% of the UK's hardware and engineering sector's 1,973 investor-backed companies. The median round of £83k is below the £228k median for the UK's hardware and engineering sector, and below the UK-wide £176k. By stage, 34 are at seed, 19 are at venture stage, 7 have exited. The most active firm in these companies is The University of Manchester, in 7 companies.
Questions
How many investors back hardware and engineering companies in the North West?
Pulse found 272 outside investors taking shares in hardware and engineering companies in the North West in the last two years: 59 funds, firms and family offices, and 212 angels.
How much do hardware and engineering companies in the North West raise?
Over the last two years 74 rounds were raised, an estimated £83.0m in total. The median round was about £83k.
How accurate are the amounts?
They are Pulse estimates, each with a confidence rating. 45% 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.