Startup investors in Manchester
Manchester, in the North West, has 1,295 investor-backed companies in Pulse, and 40 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Investor-backed companies
- 1,295
- Active investors, 2 years
- 2,400
- Rounds, 2 years
- 355
- Median round
- £180k
Who is investing
In the last two years 448 funds, firms and family offices and 1,945 angels took shares in companies in Manchester, 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 | 32 companies |
| SFC Capital | Fund or investment firm | 15 companies |
| The Enterprise Fund Limited | Fund or investment firm | 9 companies |
| SFC BBI | Fund or investment firm | 8 companies |
| The Enterprise Fund Ltd T/A GC Angels | Fund or investment firm | 8 companies |
| Npif II Equity NW GP LLP | Fund or investment firm | 7 companies |
| Odin Investments Limited | Fund or investment firm | 6 companies |
| DSW Ventures | Fund or investment firm | 4 companies |
See all 2,400 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, 355 funding rounds were raised by companies in Manchester, an estimated £680.8m, with a median round of about £180k. 40 of the companies raised their first priced round in the last 12 months. 39% of these valuations carry a High confidence rating.
How Manchester compares
Manchester accounts for 16% of the 8,003 investor-backed companies in the North West. The median round of £180k is above the £140k median for the North West. The leading sectors are business services (261), software & it (225) and health & care (162). By stage, 186 are at seed, 105 have exited, 88 are at venture stage. The most active firm in these companies is The University of Manchester, in 32 companies.
Questions
How many investors back companies in Manchester?
Pulse found 2,400 outside investors taking shares in companies in Manchester in the last two years: 448 funds, firms and family offices, and 1,945 angels.
How much do companies in Manchester raise?
Over the last two years 355 rounds were raised, an estimated £680.8m in total. The median round was about £180k.
Which sectors raise the most in Manchester?
By number of investor-backed companies, business services (261), software & it (225), health & care (162) lead in Manchester, 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.