Life sciences and biotech investors in the North West
The North West, led by Manchester and Liverpool, is the largest startup ecosystem outside the South East of England, with regional funds, angels and platforms all active. Life sciences companies tend to raise fewer but larger rounds, often backed by university venture arms, specialist funds and Innovate UK grants. Many show a long gap between first funding and later rounds. 102 investor-backed life sciences and biotech companies in the North West are in Pulse, and 7 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Investor-backed companies
- 102
- Active investors, 2 years
- 531
- Rounds, 2 years
- 93
- Median round
- £415k
Who is investing
In the last two years 193 funds, firms and family offices and 337 angels took shares in life sciences and biotech companies in the North West, with the latest round in Oct 2026. These are the firms backing the most of these companies:
| Firm | Type | Companies |
|---|---|---|
| The University of Manchester | University | 10 companies |
| The GM & Cheshire Life Sciences Fund LP | Fund or investment firm | 7 companies |
| SFC Capital | Fund or investment firm | 5 companies |
| University of Liverpool | University | 5 companies |
| LCR Ventures Limited | Fund or investment firm | 4 companies |
| Npif II Equity NW GP LLP | Fund or investment firm | 3 companies |
| SyndicateRoom | Fund or investment firm | 3 companies |
| SyndicateRoom BBI | Fund or investment firm | 3 companies |
See all 531 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, 93 funding rounds were raised by life sciences and biotech companies in the North West, an estimated £272.5m, with a median round of about £415k. 7 of the companies raised their first priced round in the last 12 months. 28% of these valuations carry a High confidence rating.
How North West compares
The North West has 8% of the UK's life sciences and biotech sector's 1,251 investor-backed companies. The median round of £415k is above the £368k median for the UK's life sciences and biotech sector, and above the UK-wide £176k. By stage, 26 are at venture stage, 13 are at seed, 12 have exited. The most active firm in these companies is The University of Manchester, in 10 companies.
Questions
How many investors back life sciences and biotech companies in the North West?
Pulse found 531 outside investors taking shares in life sciences and biotech companies in the North West in the last two years: 193 funds, firms and family offices, and 337 angels.
How much do life sciences and biotech companies in the North West raise?
Over the last two years 93 rounds were raised, an estimated £272.5m in total. The median round was about £415k.
How accurate are the amounts?
They are Pulse estimates, each with a confidence rating. 28% of recent valuations here carry a High confidence rating; the rest are marked Medium or Low.
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.