Seed investors in the North West
The North West, led by Manchester and Liverpool, is the largest startup ecosystem outside the South East of England, with regional funds, angels and platforms all active. 801 investor-backed seed companies in the North West are in Pulse, and 120 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Investor-backed companies
- 801
- Active investors, 2 years
- 1,750
- Rounds, 2 years
- 520
- Median round
- £50k
Who is investing
In the last two years 193 funds, firms and family offices and 1,555 angels took shares in seed companies in the North West, with the latest round in Nov 2026. These are the firms backing the most of these companies:
| Firm | Type | Companies |
|---|---|---|
| The University of Manchester | University | 13 companies |
| SFC Capital | Fund or investment firm | 12 companies |
| LCR Ventures Limited | Fund or investment firm | 7 companies |
| University of Liverpool | University | 6 companies |
| DSW Ventures | Fund or investment firm | 4 companies |
| Haatch | Fund or investment firm | 4 companies |
| Odin Investments Limited | Fund or investment firm | 4 companies |
| SFC BBI | Fund or investment firm | 4 companies |
See all 1,750 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, 520 funding rounds were raised by seed companies in the North West, an estimated £84.9m, with a median round of about £50k. 120 of the companies raised their first priced round in the last 12 months. 46% of these valuations carry a High confidence rating.
How North West compares
The North West has 8% of the UK's seed companies's 9,780 investor-backed companies. The median round of £50k is below the £70k median for the UK's seed companies, and below the UK-wide £176k. The leading sectors are business services (179), software & it (171) and retail & ecommerce (92). The most active firm in these companies is The University of Manchester, in 13 companies.
Questions
How many investors back seed companies in the North West?
Pulse found 1,750 outside investors taking shares in seed companies in the North West in the last two years: 193 funds, firms and family offices, and 1,555 angels.
How much do seed companies in the North West raise?
Over the last two years 520 rounds were raised, an estimated £84.9m in total. The median round was about £50k.
Which sectors raise the most in the North West?
By number of investor-backed companies, business services (179), software & it (171), retail & ecommerce (92) lead in the North West.
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.