Startup investors in Wales
Wales, led by Cardiff and Swansea, has a distinct investor base including government-backed funds alongside angel networks and university spinouts. 2,044 investor-backed companies in Wales are in Pulse, and 49 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Investor-backed companies
- 2,044
- Active investors, 2 years
- 2,844
- Rounds, 2 years
- 384
- Median round
- £130k
Who is investing
In the last two years 447 funds, firms and family offices and 2,387 angels took shares in companies in Wales, with the latest round in Nov 2026. These are the firms backing the most of these companies:
| Firm | Type | Companies |
|---|---|---|
| DBW Investments (3) Limited | Fund or investment firm | 74 companies |
| SFC Capital | Fund or investment firm | 20 companies |
| SFC BBI | Fund or investment firm | 11 companies |
| SyndicateRoom | Fund or investment firm | 6 companies |
| Management Succession (Wales) LP | Fund or investment firm | 4 companies |
| Odin Investments Limited | Fund or investment firm | 4 companies |
| University College Cardiff Consultants Limited | University | 4 companies |
| Genmed Capital Management Limited | Fund or investment firm | 3 companies |
See all 2,844 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, 384 funding rounds were raised by companies in Wales, an estimated £395.7m, with a median round of about £130k. 49 of the companies raised their first priced round in the last 12 months. 41% of these valuations carry a High confidence rating.
How Wales compares
Wales has 3% of the UK's 74,284 investor-backed companies. The median round of £130k is below the £176k median for the UK, and below the UK-wide £176k. The leading sectors are business services (510), software & it (227) and retail & ecommerce (199). By stage, 251 are at seed, 116 have exited, 106 are at venture stage. The most active firm in these companies is DBW Investments (3) Limited, in 74 companies.
Questions
How many investors back companies in Wales?
Pulse found 2,844 outside investors taking shares in companies in Wales in the last two years: 447 funds, firms and family offices, and 2,387 angels.
How much do companies in Wales raise?
Over the last two years 384 rounds were raised, an estimated £395.7m in total. The median round was about £130k.
Which sectors raise the most in Wales?
By number of investor-backed companies, business services (510), software & it (227), retail & ecommerce (199) lead in Wales, 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.