Discover the top 20 angel investor networks in the UK that provide essential seed funding to kick-start your startup’s growth.
Introduction
The UK boasts the most developed network of angel investor communities in Europe, with around 15,000 angel investors spread across the country. In the year ending April 2022, a record £2.3 billion was invested into UK startups through the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS), supporting 4,480 firms. These angel investor networks are pivotal in propelling startups towards success, offering not only financial backing but also invaluable mentorship and industry connections.
Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur seeking seed capital or an investor looking to support high-potential ventures, understanding the landscape of UK angel investor networks is crucial. This guide introduces you to 20 essential networks that can help drive your business to new heights.
1. Advantage Business Angels
Regions Covered: UK
Investment Size: £25,000 – £300,000
Sectors: SaaS, Fintech, EdTech, MedTech
Investments/Year: ~10
Exits: 1
Advantage Business Angels has been instrumental in funding small businesses since 2003. Their selective approach ensures that only robust and revenue-driven startups receive support.
2. Angel Investment Network
Regions Covered: Worldwide
Investment Size: Up to £5m
Sectors: Any
Investments/Year: N/A
Exits: N/A
A global platform connecting entrepreneurs with angel investors, providing extensive opportunities across various sectors and investment sizes.
3. AngelClubRCA
Regions Covered: UK
Investment Size: £100,000 – £500,000
Sectors: Any
Investments/Year: 5-15
Exits: 0
Focusing on Royal College of Art startups, AngelClubRCA bridges innovative projects with potential investors, fostering commercial enterprise.
4. Angels Den
Regions Covered: UK
Investment Size: £100,000 – £1m
Sectors: Any
Investments/Year: 40
Exits: 7
Angels Den leverages artificial intelligence to enhance its startup selection, ensuring investors have access to high-standard businesses.
5. Angels Invest Wales
Regions Covered: Wales
Investment Size: Any
Sectors: Any
Investments/Year: 30
Exits: N/A
As the largest angel network in Wales, Angels Invest Wales connects seasoned investors with Welsh businesses seeking private investment.
6. Dorset Business Angels
Regions Covered: All UK, focus on the South
Investment Size: £50,000 – £1m
Sectors: Any
Investments/Year: ~5
Exits: 5
Dorset Business Angels focuses on southern England, providing equity capital to accelerate early-stage businesses.
7. DSW Angels
Regions Covered: UK
Investment Size: £300,000 – £1m
Sectors: Software, Digital, Tech
Investments/Year: 4-5
Exits: 0
Specializing in technology-driven businesses, DSW Angels offers venture funding primarily on an EIS basis.
8. Envestors Private Investment Club (EPIC)
Regions Covered: UK
Investment Size: £250,090 -£5m
Sectors: Tech, CleanTech, FinTech, MedTech, EdTech
Investments/Year: 15
Exits: 21
EPIC provides sophisticated investors with opportunities in high-growth sectors, boasting a significant number of successful exits.
9. Equity Gap
Regions Covered: Scotland
Investment Size: £100,000 – £500,000
Sectors: Various excluding retail/property
Investments/Year: 5
Exits: 0
Equity Gap focuses on matching private investors with entrepreneurial companies in Scotland, supporting over £70m in investments.
10. Finstock Capital
Regions Covered: UK
Investment Size: £100,000 – £2m
Sectors: Any
Investments/Year: 30
Exits: N/A
Finstock Capital offers early-stage debt solutions, providing non-dilutive funding to extend startups’ cash flow runway.
11. Green Angel Syndicate
Regions Covered: UK
Investment Size: £150,000 – £1m
Sectors: CleanTech
Investments/Year: 10
Exits: 2
The only UK syndicate specializing in climate-focused investments, Green Angel Syndicate supports ventures combating climate change.
12. Halo Business Angel Network (HBAN)
Regions Covered: Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland
Investment Size: €10,000 – €500,000
Sectors: MedTech, Software, CleanTech, Manufacturing
Investments/Year: 60+
Exits: N/A
HBAN supports the entrepreneurial community across Ireland, connecting investors with startups in diverse sectors.
13. Kelvin Capital
Regions Covered: UK
Investment Size: £500,000 – £2m
Sectors: Any
Investments/Year: 10-12
Exits: 1
Kelvin Capital targets high-growth UK businesses with international scaling potential, offering substantial venture capital.
14. Low Carbon Innovation Fund
Regions Covered: Norfolk, Suffolk, Greater Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Hertfordshire
Investment Size: £25,000 – £500,000
Sectors: Climate Tech
Investments/Year: ~40
Exits: 6
Focused on environmentally beneficial products, the Low Carbon Innovation Fund supports SMEs making measurable impacts on greenhouse gas reduction.
15. Manchester Angels
Regions Covered: Manchester and North-West
Investment Size: £50,000 – £300,000
Sectors: Tech, Life Sciences, IP-Rich Businesses
Investments/Year: ~7
Exits: 0
A collective of leading tech figures, Manchester Angels backs startups in one of the UK’s fastest-growing tech hubs.
16. Minerva
Regions Covered: UK
Investment Size: £150,000 – £2m
Sectors: Tech Agnostic
Investments/Year: ~16
Exits: 4
Minerva is the UK’s largest syndicated network, supporting startups through multiple syndicates and collaborating with various universities.
17. NorthInvest
Regions Covered: Northern England
Investment Size: £25,000 – £1m
Sectors: Technology, FinTech, AI, MedTech
Investments/Year: 10
Exits: 0
NorthInvest facilitates equity investments for tech and digital startups across Northern England, fostering innovation in the region.
18. Seedrs
Regions Covered: Europe
Investment Size: Avg. £85,000
Sectors: FinTech, Food & Beverage, InsurTech
Investments/Year: 250
Exits: 14
As the UK’s leading equity crowdfunding platform, Seedrs connects investors with a wide array of startups, ensuring professional-grade agreements and investor protections.
19. SFC Capital
Regions Covered: UK
Investment Size: £100,000 – £500,000
Sectors: Diverse, including FinTech, MedTech, CleanTech
Investments/Year: 50
Exits: 4
SFC Capital offers a unique model combining an Angel Network and Seed Funds, providing exposure to SEIS- and EIS-qualifying businesses.
20. Solid Bond
Regions Covered: UK-wide
Investment Size: £50,000 – £1m
Sectors: Sector Agnostic (excluding Life Sciences, Engineering)
Investments/Year: 3-4
Exits: 0
Solid Bond focuses on early-stage investments, prioritizing strong founder relationships over specific sector preferences.
Conclusion
Navigating the landscape of UK angel investor networks can significantly enhance your startup’s growth trajectory. These 20 networks offer diverse opportunities across various sectors and investment sizes, catering to both entrepreneurs and investors alike. Leveraging these networks can provide the necessary financial backing, mentorship, and industry connections essential for business success.
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