Retail and ecommerce 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. Consumer brands and online retailers often raise from crowdfunding platforms and large groups of angels, alongside a smaller set of consumer-focused funds. 1,072 investor-backed retail and ecommerce companies in the South East are in Pulse, and 37 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Investor-backed companies
- 1,072
- Active investors, 2 years
- 1,340
- Rounds, 2 years
- 210
- Median round
- £100k
Who is investing
In the last two years 147 funds, firms and family offices and 1,189 angels took shares in retail and ecommerce 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 |
|---|---|---|
| SFC BBI | Fund or investment firm | 4 companies |
| SFC Capital | Fund or investment firm | 4 companies |
| Specsavers UK Holdings Limited | Holding company (possible family office) | 4 companies |
| SyndicateRoom | Fund or investment firm | 3 companies |
| 7711 Investment Ltd | Fund or investment firm | 2 companies |
| Angel Investment Ventures Limited | Fund or investment firm | 2 companies |
| Hillten Holdings Ltd | Holding company (possible family office) | 2 companies |
| Odin Investments Limited | Fund or investment firm | 2 companies |
See all 1,340 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 retail and ecommerce companies in the South East, an estimated £100.0m, with a median round of about £100k. 37 of the companies raised their first priced round in the last 12 months. 44% of these valuations carry a High confidence rating.
How South East compares
The South East has 15% of the UK's retail and ecommerce sector's 7,129 investor-backed companies. The median round of £100k is close to the £100k median for the UK's retail and ecommerce sector, and below the UK-wide £176k. By stage, 174 are at seed, 57 are at venture stage, 41 have exited. The most active firm in these companies is SFC BBI, in 4 companies.
Questions
How many investors back retail and ecommerce companies in the South East?
Pulse found 1,340 outside investors taking shares in retail and ecommerce companies in the South East in the last two years: 147 funds, firms and family offices, and 1,189 angels.
How much do retail and ecommerce companies in the South East raise?
Over the last two years 210 rounds were raised, an estimated £100.0m in total. The median round was about £100k.
How accurate are the amounts?
They are Pulse estimates, each with a confidence rating. 44% 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.