Startup 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. 3,545 investor-backed companies in the East Midlands are in Pulse, and 87 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Investor-backed companies
- 3,545
- Active investors, 2 years
- 4,455
- Rounds, 2 years
- 484
- Median round
- £115k
Who is investing
In the last two years 748 funds, firms and family offices and 3,694 angels took shares in companies in the East Midlands, with the latest round in Nov 2026. These are the firms backing the most of these companies:
| Firm | Type | Companies |
|---|---|---|
| University of Nottingham | University | 19 companies |
| SFC Capital | Fund or investment firm | 13 companies |
| Haatch | Fund or investment firm | 8 companies |
| Loughborough University Enterprises Limited | University | 8 companies |
| SFC BBI | Fund or investment firm | 8 companies |
| Haatch BBI | Fund or investment firm | 7 companies |
| Odin Investments Limited | Fund or investment firm | 6 companies |
| Brackley Holdings Limited | Holding company (possible family office) | 5 companies |
See all 4,455 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, 484 funding rounds were raised by companies in the East Midlands, an estimated £835.3m, with a median round of about £115k. 87 of the companies raised their first priced round in the last 12 months. 42% of these valuations carry a High confidence rating.
How East Midlands compares
The East Midlands has 5% of the UK's 74,284 investor-backed companies. The median round of £115k is below the £176k median for the UK, and below the UK-wide £176k. The leading sectors are business services (866), retail & ecommerce (386) and software & it (323). By stage, 369 are at seed, 241 have exited, 106 are at venture stage. The most active firm in these companies is University of Nottingham, in 19 companies.
Questions
How many investors back companies in the East Midlands?
Pulse found 4,455 outside investors taking shares in companies in the East Midlands in the last two years: 748 funds, firms and family offices, and 3,694 angels.
How much do companies in the East Midlands raise?
Over the last two years 484 rounds were raised, an estimated £835.3m in total. The median round was about £115k.
Which sectors raise the most in the East Midlands?
By number of investor-backed companies, business services (866), retail & ecommerce (386), software & it (323) lead in the East Midlands, 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.