Startup investors in the West Midlands
The West Midlands, led by Birmingham and Coventry, has strengths in advanced manufacturing, mobility and fintech, with regional and government-backed funds active. 4,579 investor-backed companies in the West Midlands are in Pulse, and 114 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Investor-backed companies
- 4,579
- Active investors, 2 years
- 5,646
- Rounds, 2 years
- 592
- Median round
- £144k
Who is investing
In the last two years 908 funds, firms and family offices and 4,721 angels took shares in companies in the West Midlands, 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 | 15 companies |
| Meif WM Equity LP | Fund or investment firm | 13 companies |
| SFC BBI | Fund or investment firm | 11 companies |
| The University of Birmingham | University | 9 companies |
| SyndicateRoom | Fund or investment firm | 8 companies |
| University of Warwick | University | 8 companies |
| Aston University | University | 6 companies |
| Haatch | Fund or investment firm | 6 companies |
See all 5,646 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, 592 funding rounds were raised by companies in the West Midlands, an estimated £1.79bn, with a median round of about £144k. 114 of the companies raised their first priced round in the last 12 months. 44% of these valuations carry a High confidence rating.
How West Midlands compares
The West Midlands has 6% of the UK's 74,284 investor-backed companies. The median round of £144k is below the £176k median for the UK, and below the UK-wide £176k. The leading sectors are business services (1,194), software & it (438) and retail & ecommerce (429). By stage, 470 are at seed, 280 have exited, 186 are at venture stage. The most active firm in these companies is SFC Capital, in 15 companies.
Questions
How many investors back companies in the West Midlands?
Pulse found 5,646 outside investors taking shares in companies in the West Midlands in the last two years: 908 funds, firms and family offices, and 4,721 angels.
How much do companies in the West Midlands raise?
Over the last two years 592 rounds were raised, an estimated £1.79bn in total. The median round was about £144k.
Which sectors raise the most in the West Midlands?
By number of investor-backed companies, business services (1,194), software & it (438), retail & ecommerce (429) lead in the West Midlands, 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.