Life sciences and biotech investors in the South West
The South West has growing clusters in Bristol and Bath, particularly in hardware, climate and creative technology, backed by regional funds and angel networks. 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. 73 investor-backed life sciences and biotech companies in the South West are in Pulse, and 4 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Investor-backed companies
- 73
- Active investors, 2 years
- 327
- Rounds, 2 years
- 77
- Median round
- £149k
Who is investing
In the last two years 68 funds, firms and family offices and 259 angels took shares in life sciences and biotech companies in the South West, with the latest round in Oct 2026. These are the firms backing the most of these companies:
| Firm | Type | Companies |
|---|---|---|
| University of Bristol | University | 13 companies |
| MNL Parkwalk | Fund or investment firm | 5 companies |
| SFC Capital | Fund or investment firm | 4 companies |
| The University of Bath | University | 4 companies |
| Elbow Beach Capital Ltd | Fund or investment firm | 3 companies |
| Green Angel BBI | Fund or investment firm | 3 companies |
| Green Angel Syndicate | Fund or investment firm | 3 companies |
| Newable | Fund or investment firm | 3 companies |
See all 327 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, 77 funding rounds were raised by life sciences and biotech companies in the South West, an estimated £63.8m, with a median round of about £149k. 4 of the companies raised their first priced round in the last 12 months. 26% of these valuations carry a High confidence rating.
How South West compares
The South West has 6% of the UK's life sciences and biotech sector's 1,251 investor-backed companies. The median round of £149k is below the £368k median for the UK's life sciences and biotech sector, and below the UK-wide £176k. By stage, 22 are at venture stage, 18 are at seed, 7 are growth. The most active firm in these companies is University of Bristol, in 13 companies.
Questions
How many investors back life sciences and biotech companies in the South West?
Pulse found 327 outside investors taking shares in life sciences and biotech companies in the South West in the last two years: 68 funds, firms and family offices, and 259 angels.
How much do life sciences and biotech companies in the South West raise?
Over the last two years 77 rounds were raised, an estimated £63.8m in total. The median round was about £149k.
How accurate are the amounts?
They are Pulse estimates, each with a confidence rating. 26% 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.