Seed investors in the North East
The North East, around Newcastle and Sunderland, has a close-knit investor community, regional funds and growing software and energy sectors. 175 investor-backed seed companies in the North East are in Pulse, and 36 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Investor-backed companies
- 175
- Active investors, 2 years
- 379
- Rounds, 2 years
- 122
- Median round
- £57k
Who is investing
In the last two years 70 funds, firms and family offices and 309 angels took shares in seed companies in the North East, with the latest round in Oct 2026. These are the firms backing the most of these companies:
| Firm | Type | Companies |
|---|---|---|
| Newcastle University Holdings Limited | University | 6 companies |
| Innovation GP Limited | Fund or investment firm | 3 companies |
| SFC Capital | Fund or investment firm | 2 companies |
| Sixth Wave Angel Group Ltd | Fund or investment firm | 2 companies |
| SyndicateRoom | Fund or investment firm | 2 companies |
| University of Durham | University | 2 companies |
| 316 Capital Limited | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
| Ada Ventures II LP | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
See all 379 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, 122 funding rounds were raised by seed companies in the North East, an estimated £22.4m, with a median round of about £57k. 36 of the companies raised their first priced round in the last 12 months. 47% of these valuations carry a High confidence rating.
How North East compares
The North East has 2% of the UK's seed companies's 9,780 investor-backed companies. The median round of £57k is below the £70k median for the UK's seed companies, and below the UK-wide £176k. The leading sectors are business services (34), software & it (30) and retail & ecommerce (19). The most active firm in these companies is Newcastle University Holdings Limited, in 6 companies.
Questions
How many investors back seed companies in the North East?
Pulse found 379 outside investors taking shares in seed companies in the North East in the last two years: 70 funds, firms and family offices, and 309 angels.
How much do seed companies in the North East raise?
Over the last two years 122 rounds were raised, an estimated £22.4m in total. The median round was about £57k.
Which sectors raise the most in the North East?
By number of investor-backed companies, business services (34), software & it (30), retail & ecommerce (19) lead in the North East.
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.