Startup investors in the South East
The South East combines the Oxford and Reading technology clusters with a dense commuter-belt angel community and strong university spinout activity. 11,283 investor-backed companies in the South East are in Pulse, and 350 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Investor-backed companies
- 11,283
- Active investors, 2 years
- 17,831
- Rounds, 2 years
- 2,495
- Median round
- £150k
Who is investing
In the last two years 2,827 funds, firms and family offices and 14,944 angels took shares in companies in the South East, with the latest round in Nov 2026. These are the firms backing the most of these companies:
| Firm | Type | Companies |
|---|---|---|
| The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Oxford | University | 67 companies |
| SFC Capital | Fund or investment firm | 53 companies |
| SyndicateRoom | Fund or investment firm | 28 companies |
| SFC BBI | Fund or investment firm | 25 companies |
| University of Oxford | University | 21 companies |
| MNL Parkwalk | Fund or investment firm | 17 companies |
| Odin Investments Limited | Fund or investment firm | 16 companies |
| SyndicateRoom BBI | Fund or investment firm | 16 companies |
See all 17,831 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, 2,495 funding rounds were raised by companies in the South East, an estimated £8.86bn, with a median round of about £150k. 350 of the companies raised their first priced round in the last 12 months. 40% of these valuations carry a High confidence rating.
How South East compares
The South East has 15% 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 (3,275), software & it (1,662) and retail & ecommerce (1,072). By stage, 1,480 are at seed, 694 are at venture stage, 591 have exited. The most active firm in these companies is The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Oxford, in 67 companies.
Questions
How many investors back companies in the South East?
Pulse found 17,831 outside investors taking shares in companies in the South East in the last two years: 2,827 funds, firms and family offices, and 14,944 angels.
How much do companies in the South East raise?
Over the last two years 2,495 rounds were raised, an estimated £8.86bn in total. The median round was about £150k.
Which sectors raise the most in the South East?
By number of investor-backed companies, business services (3,275), software & it (1,662), retail & ecommerce (1,072) lead in the South 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.