Startup investors in the North East
The North East, around Newcastle and Sunderland, has a close-knit investor community, regional funds and growing software and energy sectors. 1,840 investor-backed companies in the North East are in Pulse, and 49 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Investor-backed companies
- 1,840
- Active investors, 2 years
- 2,249
- Rounds, 2 years
- 299
- Median round
- £150k
Who is investing
In the last two years 412 funds, firms and family offices and 1,833 angels took shares in companies in the North East, with the latest round in Oct 2026. These are the firms backing the most of these companies:
| Firm | Type | Companies |
|---|---|---|
| Newcastle University Holdings Limited | University | 18 companies |
| University of Durham | University | 14 companies |
| Innovation GP Limited | Fund or investment firm | 7 companies |
| Finance Durham LP | Fund or investment firm | 6 companies |
| SFC Capital | Fund or investment firm | 6 companies |
| Maven Npif II Ne Equity GP Limited | Fund or investment firm | 4 companies |
| Enterprise Ventures (General Partner Ne Venture) Limited | Fund or investment firm | 3 companies |
| Leader Group Investments Limited | Fund or investment firm | 3 companies |
See all 2,249 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, 299 funding rounds were raised by companies in the North East, an estimated £1.07bn, with a median round of about £150k. 49 of the companies raised their first priced round in the last 12 months. 39% of these valuations carry a High confidence rating.
How North East compares
The North East has 2% of the UK's 74,284 investor-backed companies. The median round of £150k is below the £176k median for the UK, and below the UK-wide £176k. The leading sectors are business services (513), software & it (191) and retail & ecommerce (167). By stage, 175 are at seed, 99 have exited, 87 are at venture stage. The most active firm in these companies is Newcastle University Holdings Limited, in 18 companies.
Questions
How many investors back companies in the North East?
Pulse found 2,249 outside investors taking shares in companies in the North East in the last two years: 412 funds, firms and family offices, and 1,833 angels.
How much do companies in the North East raise?
Over the last two years 299 rounds were raised, an estimated £1.07bn in total. The median round was about £150k.
Which sectors raise the most in the North East?
By number of investor-backed companies, business services (513), software & it (191), retail & ecommerce (167) lead in the North East, 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.