Startup investors in Chester
Chester, in the North West, has 229 investor-backed companies in Pulse, and 5 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Investor-backed companies
- 229
- Active investors, 2 years
- 282
- Rounds, 2 years
- 40
- Median round
- £224k
Who is investing
In the last two years 47 funds, firms and family offices and 234 angels took shares in companies in Chester, with the latest round in Nov 2026. These are the firms backing the most of these companies:
| Firm | Type | Companies |
|---|---|---|
| Icg-Longbow Investment No 5 S.A.R.L. | Fund or investment firm | 5 companies |
| Bluestones Investment Group Limited | Fund or investment firm | 3 companies |
| Cso Investments Limited | Fund or investment firm | 3 companies |
| SFC Capital | Fund or investment firm | 2 companies |
| 5M Holdings Ltd | Holding company (possible family office) | 1 company |
| Accion Venture Lab Holdings LLC | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
| Angel Investors Bristol SPV Limited | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
| Artesian Venture Partners Pty Ltd | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
See all 282 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, 40 funding rounds were raised by companies in Chester, an estimated £84.5m, with a median round of about £224k. 5 of the companies raised their first priced round in the last 12 months. 45% of these valuations carry a High confidence rating.
How Chester compares
Chester accounts for 3% of the 8,003 investor-backed companies in the North West. The median round of £224k is above the £140k median for the North West. The leading sectors are business services (70), software & it (28) and retail & ecommerce (20). By stage, 21 have exited, 21 are at seed, 12 are at venture stage. The most active firm in these companies is Icg-Longbow Investment No 5 S.A.R.L., in 5 companies.
Questions
How many investors back companies in Chester?
Pulse found 282 outside investors taking shares in companies in Chester in the last two years: 47 funds, firms and family offices, and 234 angels.
How much do companies in Chester raise?
Over the last two years 40 rounds were raised, an estimated £84.5m in total. The median round was about £224k.
Which sectors raise the most in Chester?
By number of investor-backed companies, business services (70), software & it (28), retail & ecommerce (20) lead in Chester, and most companies are at the exited stage.
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.