Startup investors in the South West
The South West has growing clusters in Bristol and Bath, particularly in hardware, climate and creative technology, backed by regional funds and angel networks. 5,730 investor-backed companies in the South West are in Pulse, and 160 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Investor-backed companies
- 5,730
- Active investors, 2 years
- 8,313
- Rounds, 2 years
- 1,014
- Median round
- £136k
Who is investing
In the last two years 1,224 funds, firms and family offices and 7,061 angels took shares in companies in the South 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 | 23 companies |
| University of Bristol | University | 18 companies |
| SyndicateRoom | Fund or investment firm | 14 companies |
| University of Exeter | University | 12 companies |
| Angel Investors Bristol SPV Limited | Fund or investment firm | 11 companies |
| SFC BBI | Fund or investment firm | 11 companies |
| SyndicateRoom BBI | Fund or investment firm | 11 companies |
| The University of Bath | University | 10 companies |
See all 8,313 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, 1,014 funding rounds were raised by companies in the South West, an estimated £1.96bn, with a median round of about £136k. 160 of the companies raised their first priced round in the last 12 months. 39% of these valuations carry a High confidence rating.
How South West compares
The South West has 8% of the UK's 74,284 investor-backed companies. The median round of £136k is below the £176k median for the UK, and below the UK-wide £176k. The leading sectors are business services (1,546), software & it (703) and retail & ecommerce (557). By stage, 683 are at seed, 320 are at venture stage, 317 have exited. The most active firm in these companies is SFC Capital, in 23 companies.
Questions
How many investors back companies in the South West?
Pulse found 8,313 outside investors taking shares in companies in the South West in the last two years: 1,224 funds, firms and family offices, and 7,061 angels.
How much do companies in the South West raise?
Over the last two years 1,014 rounds were raised, an estimated £1.96bn in total. The median round was about £136k.
Which sectors raise the most in the South West?
By number of investor-backed companies, business services (1,546), software & it (703), retail & ecommerce (557) lead in the South 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.