Startup investors in the North West
The North West, led by Manchester and Liverpool, is the largest startup ecosystem outside the South East of England, with regional funds, angels and platforms all active. 8,003 investor-backed companies in the North West are in Pulse, and 161 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Investor-backed companies
- 8,003
- Active investors, 2 years
- 12,912
- Rounds, 2 years
- 1,256
- Median round
- £140k
Who is investing
In the last two years 1,856 funds, firms and family offices and 11,012 angels took shares in companies in the North West, with the latest round in Nov 2026. These are the firms backing the most of these companies:
| Firm | Type | Companies |
|---|---|---|
| SFC Capital | Fund or investment firm | 40 companies |
| The University of Manchester | University | 40 companies |
| SFC BBI | Fund or investment firm | 15 companies |
| BGF Investments | Fund or investment firm | 12 companies |
| Haatch | Fund or investment firm | 12 companies |
| LCR Ventures Limited | Fund or investment firm | 12 companies |
| Haatch BBI | Fund or investment firm | 11 companies |
| Npif II Equity NW GP LLP | Fund or investment firm | 11 companies |
See all 12,912 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, 1,256 funding rounds were raised by companies in the North West, an estimated £16.54bn, with a median round of about £140k. 161 of the companies raised their first priced round in the last 12 months. 40% of these valuations carry a High confidence rating.
How North West compares
The North West has 11% of the UK's 74,284 investor-backed companies. The median round of £140k is below the £176k median for the UK, and below the UK-wide £176k. The leading sectors are business services (2,414), software & it (924) and retail & ecommerce (770). By stage, 801 are at seed, 470 have exited, 305 are at venture stage. The most active firm in these companies is SFC Capital, in 40 companies.
Questions
How many investors back companies in the North West?
Pulse found 12,912 outside investors taking shares in companies in the North West in the last two years: 1,856 funds, firms and family offices, and 11,012 angels.
How much do companies in the North West raise?
Over the last two years 1,256 rounds were raised, an estimated £16.54bn in total. The median round was about £140k.
Which sectors raise the most in the North West?
By number of investor-backed companies, business services (2,414), software & it (924), retail & ecommerce (770) lead in the North West, 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.