Startup investors in Yorkshire and the Humber
Yorkshire and the Humber, with Leeds and Sheffield at its core, has strong digital, health tech and fintech activity and a growing regional investor base. 4,713 investor-backed companies in Yorkshire and the Humber are in Pulse, and 134 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Investor-backed companies
- 4,713
- Active investors, 2 years
- 5,671
- Rounds, 2 years
- 605
- Median round
- £125k
Who is investing
In the last two years 797 funds, firms and family offices and 4,855 angels took shares in companies in Yorkshire and the Humber, with the latest round in Nov 2026. These are the firms backing the most of these companies:
| Firm | Type | Companies |
|---|---|---|
| The University of Sheffield | University | 24 companies |
| SFC Capital | Fund or investment firm | 19 companies |
| University of Leeds | University | 15 companies |
| SFC BBI | Fund or investment firm | 11 companies |
| Enterprise Ventures (General Partner Npif Yhtv Equity) Limited | Fund or investment firm | 9 companies |
| Npif Yhtv Equity LP | Fund or investment firm | 6 companies |
| Foresight Fund Managers Limited | Fund or investment firm | 5 companies |
| University of York | University | 5 companies |
See all 5,671 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, 605 funding rounds were raised by companies in Yorkshire and the Humber, an estimated £971.8m, with a median round of about £125k. 134 of the companies raised their first priced round in the last 12 months. 39% of these valuations carry a High confidence rating.
How Yorkshire and the Humber compares
Yorkshire and the Humber has 6% of the UK's 74,284 investor-backed companies. The median round of £125k is below the £176k median for the UK, and below the UK-wide £176k. The leading sectors are business services (1,286), retail & ecommerce (522) and software & it (446). By stage, 489 are at seed, 309 have exited, 162 are at venture stage. The most active firm in these companies is The University of Sheffield, in 24 companies.
Questions
How many investors back companies in Yorkshire and the Humber?
Pulse found 5,671 outside investors taking shares in companies in Yorkshire and the Humber in the last two years: 797 funds, firms and family offices, and 4,855 angels.
How much do companies in Yorkshire and the Humber raise?
Over the last two years 605 rounds were raised, an estimated £971.8m in total. The median round was about £125k.
Which sectors raise the most in Yorkshire and the Humber?
By number of investor-backed companies, business services (1,286), retail & ecommerce (522), software & it (446) lead in Yorkshire and the Humber, 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.