Seed investors in the South West
The South West has growing clusters in Bristol and Bath, particularly in hardware, climate and creative technology, backed by regional funds and angel networks. 683 investor-backed seed companies in the South West are in Pulse, and 121 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Investor-backed companies
- 683
- Active investors, 2 years
- 1,420
- Rounds, 2 years
- 437
- Median round
- £54k
Who is investing
In the last two years 166 funds, firms and family offices and 1,247 angels took shares in seed companies in the South West, with the latest round in Oct 2026. These are the firms backing the most of these companies:
| Firm | Type | Companies |
|---|---|---|
| SFC Capital | Fund or investment firm | 9 companies |
| The University of Bath | University | 6 companies |
| SFC BBI | Fund or investment firm | 5 companies |
| Haatch BBI | Fund or investment firm | 4 companies |
| University of Exeter | University | 4 companies |
| Carbon 13 Capital | Fund or investment firm | 3 companies |
| Haatch | Fund or investment firm | 3 companies |
| Angel Investors Bristol SPV Limited | Fund or investment firm | 2 companies |
See all 1,420 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, 437 funding rounds were raised by seed companies in the South West, an estimated £69.7m, with a median round of about £54k. 121 of the companies raised their first priced round in the last 12 months. 45% of these valuations carry a High confidence rating.
How South West compares
The South West has 7% of the UK's seed companies's 9,780 investor-backed companies. The median round of £54k is below the £70k median for the UK's seed companies, and below the UK-wide £176k. The leading sectors are software & it (160), business services (141) and retail & ecommerce (74). The most active firm in these companies is SFC Capital, in 9 companies.
Questions
How many investors back seed companies in the South West?
Pulse found 1,420 outside investors taking shares in seed companies in the South West in the last two years: 166 funds, firms and family offices, and 1,247 angels.
How much do seed companies in the South West raise?
Over the last two years 437 rounds were raised, an estimated £69.7m in total. The median round was about £54k.
Which sectors raise the most in the South West?
By number of investor-backed companies, software & it (160), business services (141), retail & ecommerce (74) lead in the South 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.