Software and IT 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. 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. 924 investor-backed software and it companies in the North West are in Pulse, and 36 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Investor-backed companies
- 924
- Active investors, 2 years
- 1,931
- Rounds, 2 years
- 356
- Median round
- £160k
Who is investing
In the last two years 348 funds, firms and family offices and 1,581 angels took shares in software and it companies in the North 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 | 19 companies |
| SFC BBI | Fund or investment firm | 9 companies |
| Haatch | Fund or investment firm | 7 companies |
| The University of Manchester | University | 7 companies |
| Haatch BBI | Fund or investment firm | 6 companies |
| Icg-Longbow Investment No 5 S.A.R.L. | Fund or investment firm | 5 companies |
| Npif II Equity NW GP LLP | Fund or investment firm | 5 companies |
| Odin Investments Limited | Fund or investment firm | 5 companies |
See all 1,931 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, 356 funding rounds were raised by software and it companies in the North West, an estimated £861.3m, with a median round of about £160k. 36 of the companies raised their first priced round in the last 12 months. 37% of these valuations carry a High confidence rating.
How North West compares
The North West has 8% of the UK's software and it sector's 11,491 investor-backed companies. The median round of £160k is close to the £160k median for the UK's software and it sector, and close to the UK-wide £176k. By stage, 171 are at seed, 95 are at venture stage, 61 have exited. The most active firm in these companies is SFC Capital, in 19 companies.
Questions
How many investors back software and it companies in the North West?
Pulse found 1,931 outside investors taking shares in software and it companies in the North West in the last two years: 348 funds, firms and family offices, and 1,581 angels.
How much do software and it companies in the North West raise?
Over the last two years 356 rounds were raised, an estimated £861.3m in total. The median round was about £160k.
How accurate are the amounts?
They are Pulse estimates, each with a confidence rating. 37% 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.