Software and IT 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. Software is the most heavily backed sector in the UK, from B2B SaaS and developer tools to AI products. Rounds tend to be frequent and fast, and angel syndicates often sit alongside seed funds. 191 investor-backed software and it companies in the North East are in Pulse, and 11 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Investor-backed companies
- 191
- Active investors, 2 years
- 514
- Rounds, 2 years
- 81
- Median round
- £102k
Who is investing
In the last two years 94 funds, firms and family offices and 420 angels took shares in software and it 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 | 4 companies |
| Finance Durham LP | Fund or investment firm | 3 companies |
| Innovation GP Limited | Fund or investment firm | 3 companies |
| Benson Group Investments Limited | Fund or investment firm | 2 companies |
| Leader Group Investments Limited | Fund or investment firm | 2 companies |
| SFC Capital | Fund or investment firm | 2 companies |
| 1414 Ventures LLC | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
| 316 Capital Limited | Fund or investment firm | 1 company |
See all 514 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, 81 funding rounds were raised by software and it companies in the North East, an estimated £35.7m, with a median round of about £102k. 11 of the companies raised their first priced round in the last 12 months. 35% of these valuations carry a High confidence rating.
How North East compares
The North East has 2% of the UK's software and it sector's 11,491 investor-backed companies. The median round of £102k is below the £160k median for the UK's software and it sector, and below the UK-wide £176k. By stage, 30 are at seed, 30 are at venture stage, 14 have exited. The most active firm in these companies is Newcastle University Holdings Limited, in 4 companies.
Questions
How many investors back software and it companies in the North East?
Pulse found 514 outside investors taking shares in software and it companies in the North East in the last two years: 94 funds, firms and family offices, and 420 angels.
How much do software and it companies in the North East raise?
Over the last two years 81 rounds were raised, an estimated £35.7m in total. The median round was about £102k.
How accurate are the amounts?
They are Pulse estimates, each with a confidence rating. 35% 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.