Startup investors in Durham
Durham, in the North East, has 94 investor-backed companies in Pulse, and 1 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Investor-backed companies
- 94
- Active investors, 2 years
- 93
- Rounds, 2 years
- 9
- Median round
- £160k
Who is investing
In the last two years 19 funds, firms and family offices and 74 angels took shares in companies in Durham, with the latest round in Aug 2026. These are the firms backing the most of these companies:
| Firm | Type | Companies |
|---|---|---|
| University of Durham | University | 7 companies |
| Ada Ventures II LP | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
| Angels for Food, Lda | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
| Ashford & Carter Investments Ltd | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
| BGF UK Enterprise Fund 1 Nominees Limited | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
| Bond II, LP | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
| Etsaw Ventures Limited | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
| Finance Durham LP | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
See all 93 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, 9 funding rounds were raised by companies in Durham, an estimated £1.73m, with a median round of about £160k. 1 of the companies raised their first priced round in the last 12 months. 44% of these valuations carry a High confidence rating.
How Durham compares
Durham accounts for 5% of the 1,840 investor-backed companies in the North East. The median round of £160k is close to the £150k median for the North East. The leading sectors are business services (27), software & it (11) and health & care (7). By stage, 7 are at seed, 5 have exited, 3 are at venture stage. The most active firm in these companies is University of Durham, in 7 companies.
Questions
How many investors back companies in Durham?
Pulse found 93 outside investors taking shares in companies in Durham in the last two years: 19 funds, firms and family offices, and 74 angels.
How much do companies in Durham raise?
Over the last two years 9 rounds were raised, an estimated £1.73m in total. The median round was about £160k.
Which sectors raise the most in Durham?
By number of investor-backed companies, business services (27), software & it (11), health & care (7) lead in Durham, and most companies are at the seed 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.