Life sciences and biotech investors in the South East
The South East combines the Oxford and Reading technology clusters with a dense commuter-belt angel community and strong university spinout activity. 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. 196 investor-backed life sciences and biotech companies in the South East are in Pulse, and 12 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Investor-backed companies
- 196
- Active investors, 2 years
- 972
- Rounds, 2 years
- 210
- Median round
- £473k
Who is investing
In the last two years 291 funds, firms and family offices and 678 angels took shares in life sciences and biotech companies in the South East, with the latest round in Oct 2026. These are the firms backing the most of these companies:
| Firm | Type | Companies |
|---|---|---|
| The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Oxford | University | 29 companies |
| SFC Capital | Fund or investment firm | 10 companies |
| MNL Parkwalk | Fund or investment firm | 7 companies |
| University of Oxford | University | 7 companies |
| Oxford Science Enterprises Holdings II Limited | Holding company (possible family office) | 5 companies |
| British Patient Capital Limited | Fund or investment firm | 4 companies |
| G.K. Goh Ventures Pte Ltd | Fund or investment firm | 4 companies |
| Imperial College Innovations Limited | University | 4 companies |
See all 972 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, 210 funding rounds were raised by life sciences and biotech companies in the South East, an estimated £1.66bn, with a median round of about £473k. 12 of the companies raised their first priced round in the last 12 months. 28% of these valuations carry a High confidence rating.
How South East compares
The South East has 16% of the UK's life sciences and biotech sector's 1,251 investor-backed companies. The median round of £473k is above the £368k median for the UK's life sciences and biotech sector, and above the UK-wide £176k. By stage, 59 are at venture stage, 39 are growth, 31 are at seed. The most active firm in these companies is The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Oxford, in 29 companies.
Questions
How many investors back life sciences and biotech companies in the South East?
Pulse found 972 outside investors taking shares in life sciences and biotech companies in the South East in the last two years: 291 funds, firms and family offices, and 678 angels.
How much do life sciences and biotech companies in the South East raise?
Over the last two years 210 rounds were raised, an estimated £1.66bn in total. The median round was about £473k.
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.