Discover 20 essential UK angel investor networks that provide seed funding and accelerate your startup’s growth journey.
Introduction
The United Kingdom boasts the most developed network of angel investors in Europe, with around 15,000 angels actively supporting startups across the nation. These angel investor networks play a pivotal role in propelling UK startups from their initial stages to successful ventures. In the year ending April 2022, a record £2.3 billion was funneled into UK startups through the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS), underscoring the significant impact of these networks. Whether you’re an entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an investor looking to support innovative ventures, understanding the best angel networks UK has to offer is crucial for achieving your goals.
Top 20 UK Angel Investor Networks
1. Advantage Business Angels
Regions Covered: UK
Investment Size: £25,000 – £300,000
Sectors: SaaS, Fintech, EdTech, MedTech
Investments Per Year: ~10
Successful Exits: 1
Advantage Business Angels has been instrumental in raising equity for small businesses since 2003, backing companies like ThinCats and Beaconsoft. Their selective approach ensures that only startups with robust revenue models receive funding.
2. Angel Investment Network
Regions Covered: Worldwide
Investment Size: Up to £5m
Sectors: Any
Investments Per Year: N/A
Successful Exits: N/A
A global platform that connects entrepreneurs with a vast network of angel investors, facilitating investments across diverse sectors and regions.
3. AngelClubRCA
Regions Covered: UK
Investment Size: £100,000 – £500,000
Sectors: Any
Investments Per Year: 5-15
Successful Exits: 0
Focused on Royal College of Art startups, AngelClubRCA bridges the gap between creative enterprises and investors, supporting innovations from design to technology.
4. Angels Den
Regions Covered: UK
Investment Size: £100,000 – £1m
Sectors: Any
Investments Per Year: 40
Successful Exits: 7
An online investment platform utilizing AI to streamline the selection process, Angels Den has invested in over 270 startups, including Dream Reality Interactive and AAZZUR Limited.
5. Angels Invest Wales
Regions Covered: Wales
Investment Size: Any
Sectors: Any
Investments Per Year: ~30
Successful Exits: N/A
As the largest angel network in Wales, Angels Invest Wales connects experienced investors with Welsh businesses, showcasing investment opportunities to its extensive network.
6. Dorset Business Angels
Regions Covered: All UK, focus on South
Investment Size: £50,000 – £1m
Sectors: Any
Investments Per Year: ~5
Successful Exits: 5
Dorset Business Angels facilitates equity capital for early-stage businesses, supporting companies like Genesis and OnBuy through private equity opportunities.
7. DSW Angels
Regions Covered: UK
Investment Size: £300,000 – £1m
Sectors: Software, Digital, Tech
Investments Per Year: 4-5
Successful Exits: 0
Specializing in tech businesses, DSW Angels focuses on scalable models with protectable market positions, backing startups like PopTop and Shopblocks.
8. Envestor Private Investment Club (EPIC)
Regions Covered: UK
Investment Size: £250,000 – £5m
Sectors: Tech, CleanTech, FinTech, MedTech, EdTech
Investments Per Year: 15
Successful Exits: 21
A division of Envestors, EPIC connects sophisticated investors with high-growth businesses, achieving notable exits including Chargemaster’s acquisition by BP.
9. Equity Gap
Regions Covered: Scotland
Investment Size: £100,000 – £500,000
Sectors: Various excluding Retail/Property
Investments Per Year: 5
Successful Exits: 0
An Edinburgh-based syndicate supporting entrepreneurial companies in Scotland, Equity Gap leverages partnerships with organizations like the Scottish Investment Bank to maximize investment impact.
10. Finstock Capital
Regions Covered: UK
Investment Size: £100,000 – £2m
Sectors: Any
Investments Per Year: 30
Successful Exits: N/A
Finstock Capital offers early-stage debt solutions, providing over £13m in capital to businesses seeking to extend their cash flow runway without diluting equity.
11. Green Angel Syndicate
Regions Covered: UK
Investment Size: £150,000 – £1m
Sectors: Cleantech
Investments Per Year: 10
Successful Exits: 2
The only UK angel syndicate specializing in climate change solutions, Green Angel Syndicate supports impactful startups like Scottish Bee Company and Good Club.
12. Halo Business Angel Network (HBAN)
Regions Covered: Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland
Investment Size: €10,000 – €500,000
Sectors: MedTech, Software, Food & Beverage, Agri & CleanTech, Manufacturing, Engineering
Investments Per Year: 60+
Successful Exits: N/A
HBAN fosters investment in Irish startups, providing a robust network for businesses like Soopa and Bluedrop Medical to secure necessary funding.
13. Kelvin Capital
Regions Covered: UK
Investment Size: £500,000 – £2m
Sectors: Any
Investments Per Year: 10-12
Successful Exits: 1
A Scottish-based investment group, Kelvin Capital focuses on high-growth UK businesses with international scaling potential, supporting companies like Snappy Shopper and Logan Energy.
14. Low Carbon Innovation Fund
Regions Covered: Norfolk, Suffolk, Greater Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Hertfordshire
Investment Size: £25,000 – £500,000
Sectors: Climate Tech
Investments Per Year: ~40
Successful Exits: 6
LCIF2 invests in SMEs developing environmentally beneficial products and services, backing startups like Cube Cleantech and Sustainable Marine Energy.
15. Minerva
Regions Covered: UK
Investment Size: £150,000 – £2m
Sectors: Tech Agnostic
Investments Per Year: ~16
Successful Exits: 4
As the largest syndicated network in the UK, Minerva supports startups through its Pitch Up program, investing in over 100 companies including Trackener and The Electrospinning Company.
16. NorthInvest
Regions Covered: Northern England
Investment Size: £25,000 – £1m
Sectors: Technology, Digital Media, FinTech, AI, MedTech, Cyber Security, EdTech, Tech For Good
Investments Per Year: 10
Successful Exits: 0
Based in Leeds, NorthInvest facilitates equity investments for tech and digital startups across the North of England, supporting innovative ventures like GoBubble and Evince Technology.
17. Seedrs
Regions Covered: Europe
Investment Size: Average £85,000
Sectors: FinTech, Food & Beverage, Travel, Leisure, Insurtech, Welltech, Sustainability
Investments Per Year: 250
Successful Exits: 14
UK’s leading equity crowdfunding platform, Seedrs enables investors to buy and sell shares in private companies, having invested over £940m in startups like Howsy and PodPoint.
18. SFC Capital
Regions Covered: UK
Investment Size: £100,000 – £500,000
Sectors: Diverse including FinTech, MedTech, Renewable Energy
Investments Per Year: 50
Successful Exits: 4
SFC Capital combines its Angel Network and Seed Funds to support over 220 startups, providing both direct and portfolio investments across various sectors.
19. Solid Bond
Regions Covered: UK-wide
Investment Size: £50,000 – £1m
Sectors: Marketing, Finance, Product, Tech
Investments Per Year: 3-4
Successful Exits: 0
Solid Bond invests in pre-seed and early seed stages, emphasizing strong founder relationships and specializing in sectors like marketing and tech, supporting startups like ClickSit.
20. The FSE Group
Regions Covered: Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, Cornwall
Investment Size: £50,000 – £2m
Sectors: Any
Investments Per Year: 12-14
Successful Exits: 7
The FSE Group provides equity finance to early-stage SMEs, operating an exclusive angel investor network that has invested in 63 companies, including Humanising Autonomy.
How Oriel IPO Enhances Investment Opportunities
Amidst these established networks, Oriel IPO emerges as a groundbreaking online investment marketplace launched in early 2024. Focused on connecting UK startups with angel investors through SEIS/EIS tax incentives, Oriel IPO eliminates commission fees and offers comprehensive educational resources. By fostering a community-driven environment and providing subscription-based access, Oriel IPO democratizes investment opportunities, making it easier for startups to secure seed funding and for investors to discover curated, tax-efficient investments.
Conclusion
Navigating the landscape of angel investor networks can be daunting, but understanding the top 20 best angel networks UK has to offer can significantly enhance your startup’s funding prospects or investment strategy. Whether you’re seeking seed capital or looking to invest in high-potential startups, these networks provide a robust foundation for successful partnerships.
Ready to take your startup to the next level or find your next investment opportunity? Join Oriel IPO today and connect with the best angel investor networks in the UK!
