Startup investors in Leeds
Leeds, in Yorkshire and the Humber, has 895 investor-backed companies in Pulse, and 29 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Investor-backed companies
- 895
- Active investors, 2 years
- 1,328
- Rounds, 2 years
- 169
- Median round
- £217k
Who is investing
In the last two years 228 funds, firms and family offices and 1,095 angels took shares in companies in Leeds, with the latest round in Oct 2026. These are the firms backing the most of these companies:
| Firm | Type | Companies |
|---|---|---|
| University of Leeds | University | 14 companies |
| SFC Capital | Fund or investment firm | 8 companies |
| SFC BBI | Fund or investment firm | 6 companies |
| Enterprise Ventures (General Partner Npif Yhtv Equity) Limited | Fund or investment firm | 5 companies |
| MRV (General Partner Npif II - Equity Yh) Limited | Fund or investment firm | 3 companies |
| Npif Yhtv Equity LP | Fund or investment firm | 3 companies |
| Amadeus | Fund or investment firm | 2 companies |
| BGF Investments | Fund or investment firm | 2 companies |
See all 1,328 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, 169 funding rounds were raised by companies in Leeds, an estimated £307.8m, with a median round of about £217k. 29 of the companies raised their first priced round in the last 12 months. 37% of these valuations carry a High confidence rating.
How Leeds compares
Leeds accounts for 19% of the 4,713 investor-backed companies in Yorkshire and the Humber. The median round of £217k is above the £125k median for Yorkshire and the Humber. The leading sectors are business services (247), software & it (130) and health & care (74). By stage, 98 are at seed, 72 have exited, 46 are at venture stage. The most active firm in these companies is University of Leeds, in 14 companies.
Questions
How many investors back companies in Leeds?
Pulse found 1,328 outside investors taking shares in companies in Leeds in the last two years: 228 funds, firms and family offices, and 1,095 angels.
How much do companies in Leeds raise?
Over the last two years 169 rounds were raised, an estimated £307.8m in total. The median round was about £217k.
Which sectors raise the most in Leeds?
By number of investor-backed companies, business services (247), software & it (130), health & care (74) lead in Leeds, 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.