Seed 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. 1,480 investor-backed seed companies in the South East are in Pulse, and 266 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Investor-backed companies
- 1,480
- Active investors, 2 years
- 3,706
- Rounds, 2 years
- 1,065
- Median round
- £70k
Who is investing
In the last two years 479 funds, firms and family offices and 3,217 angels took shares in seed companies in the South East, with the latest round in Nov 2026. These are the firms backing the most of these companies:
| Firm | Type | Companies |
|---|---|---|
| SFC Capital | Fund or investment firm | 22 companies |
| Haatch | Fund or investment firm | 10 companies |
| SFC BBI | Fund or investment firm | 10 companies |
| Haatch BBI | Fund or investment firm | 8 companies |
| SyndicateRoom | Fund or investment firm | 6 companies |
| Fuel Ventures | Fund or investment firm | 5 companies |
| Imperial College Innovations Limited | University | 4 companies |
| Oxford University Innovation Limited | University | 4 companies |
See all 3,706 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, 1,065 funding rounds were raised by seed companies in the South East, an estimated £192.8m, with a median round of about £70k. 266 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 seed companies's 9,780 investor-backed companies. The median round of £70k is close to the £70k median for the UK's seed companies, and below the UK-wide £176k. The leading sectors are software & it (381), business services (287) and retail & ecommerce (174). The most active firm in these companies is SFC Capital, in 22 companies.
Questions
How many investors back seed companies in the South East?
Pulse found 3,706 outside investors taking shares in seed companies in the South East in the last two years: 479 funds, firms and family offices, and 3,217 angels.
How much do seed companies in the South East raise?
Over the last two years 1,065 rounds were raised, an estimated £192.8m in total. The median round was about £70k.
Which sectors raise the most in the South East?
By number of investor-backed companies, software & it (381), business services (287), retail & ecommerce (174) lead in the South 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.