Software and IT 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. 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. 1,662 investor-backed software and it companies in the South East are in Pulse, and 99 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Investor-backed companies
- 1,662
- Active investors, 2 years
- 4,018
- Rounds, 2 years
- 770
- Median round
- £125k
Who is investing
In the last two years 624 funds, firms and family offices and 3,387 angels took shares in software and it 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 | 24 companies |
| The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Oxford | University | 11 companies |
| Odin Investments Limited | Fund or investment firm | 10 companies |
| SFC BBI | Fund or investment firm | 10 companies |
| Haatch | Fund or investment firm | 9 companies |
| Haatch BBI | Fund or investment firm | 8 companies |
| SyndicateRoom | Fund or investment firm | 8 companies |
| Fuel Ventures | Fund or investment firm | 6 companies |
See all 4,018 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, 770 funding rounds were raised by software and it companies in the South East, an estimated £937.4m, with a median round of about £125k. 99 of the companies raised their first priced round in the last 12 months. 37% of these valuations carry a High confidence rating.
How South East compares
The South East has 14% of the UK's software and it sector's 11,491 investor-backed companies. The median round of £125k is below the £160k median for the UK's software and it sector, and below the UK-wide £176k. By stage, 381 are at seed, 198 are at venture stage, 78 have exited. The most active firm in these companies is SFC Capital, in 24 companies.
Questions
How many investors back software and it companies in the South East?
Pulse found 4,018 outside investors taking shares in software and it companies in the South East in the last two years: 624 funds, firms and family offices, and 3,387 angels.
How much do software and it companies in the South East raise?
Over the last two years 770 rounds were raised, an estimated £937.4m in total. The median round was about £125k.
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.