Series A 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. 305 investor-backed series a companies in the North West are in Pulse, and 16 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Investor-backed companies
- 305
- Active investors, 2 years
- 1,616
- Rounds, 2 years
- 406
- Median round
- £203k
Who is investing
In the last two years 418 funds, firms and family offices and 1,192 angels took shares in series a 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 | 16 companies |
| The University of Manchester | University | 9 companies |
| Haatch | Fund or investment firm | 6 companies |
| Haatch BBI | Fund or investment firm | 6 companies |
| SFC BBI | Fund or investment firm | 6 companies |
| Ascension | Fund or investment firm | 5 companies |
| Deepbridge BBI | Fund or investment firm | 4 companies |
| Fuel Ventures | Fund or investment firm | 4 companies |
See all 1,616 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, 406 funding rounds were raised by series a companies in the North West, an estimated £309.7m, with a median round of about £203k. 16 of the companies raised their first priced round in the last 12 months. 41% of these valuations carry a High confidence rating.
How North West compares
The North West has 6% of the UK's series a companies's 5,483 investor-backed companies. The median round of £203k is below the £250k median for the UK's series a companies, and above the UK-wide £176k. The leading sectors are software & it (95), business services (50) and life sciences (26). The most active firm in these companies is SFC Capital, in 16 companies.
Questions
How many investors back series a companies in the North West?
Pulse found 1,616 outside investors taking shares in series a companies in the North West in the last two years: 418 funds, firms and family offices, and 1,192 angels.
How much do series a companies in the North West raise?
Over the last two years 406 rounds were raised, an estimated £309.7m in total. The median round was about £203k.
Which sectors raise the most in the North West?
By number of investor-backed companies, software & it (95), business services (50), life sciences (26) lead in the North 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.