Life sciences and biotech 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. 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. 51 investor-backed life sciences and biotech companies in Yorkshire and the Humber are in Pulse, and 6 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Investor-backed companies
- 51
- Active investors, 2 years
- 115
- Rounds, 2 years
- 29
- Median round
- £250k
Who is investing
In the last two years 32 funds, firms and family offices and 82 angels took shares in life sciences and biotech companies in Yorkshire and the Humber, with the latest round in Oct 2026. These are the firms backing the most of these companies:
| Firm | Type | Companies |
|---|---|---|
| The University of Sheffield | University | 14 companies |
| University of Leeds | University | 8 companies |
| SFC Capital | Fund or investment firm | 5 companies |
| SFC BBI | Fund or investment firm | 3 companies |
| University of York | University | 3 companies |
| Alderley Park Ventures Limited | Fund or investment firm | 2 companies |
| MNL Parkwalk | Fund or investment firm | 2 companies |
| Ahren Innovation Capital Guernsey (GP) Limited | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
See all 115 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, 29 funding rounds were raised by life sciences and biotech companies in Yorkshire and the Humber, an estimated £27.5m, with a median round of about £250k. 6 of the companies raised their first priced round in the last 12 months. 34% of these valuations carry a High confidence rating.
How Yorkshire and the Humber compares
Yorkshire and the Humber has 4% of the UK's life sciences and biotech sector's 1,251 investor-backed companies. The median round of £250k is below the £368k median for the UK's life sciences and biotech sector, and above the UK-wide £176k. By stage, 19 are at seed, 10 are at venture stage, 4 have exited. The most active firm in these companies is The University of Sheffield, in 14 companies.
Questions
How many investors back life sciences and biotech companies in Yorkshire and the Humber?
Pulse found 115 outside investors taking shares in life sciences and biotech companies in Yorkshire and the Humber in the last two years: 32 funds, firms and family offices, and 82 angels.
How much do life sciences and biotech companies in Yorkshire and the Humber raise?
Over the last two years 29 rounds were raised, an estimated £27.5m in total. The median round was about £250k.
How accurate are the amounts?
They are Pulse estimates, each with a confidence rating. 34% 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.