Discover the top 20 angel investor networks in the UK that provide essential seed funding to kick-start your startup’s growth.
Introduction
Navigating the UK startup ecosystem can be challenging, especially when seeking funding. Angel investor networks play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between innovative entrepreneurs and the capital they need to thrive. With the UK boasting one of the most developed networks of angel investors in Europe, it’s essential to know where to turn. This guide highlights the top 20 UK angel investor networks that can significantly boost your startup’s journey.
1. Advantage Business Angels
Bio:
Established in 2003, Advantage Business Angels is highly selective, having raised £5.3m since 2016. They focus on businesses with robust revenue models in SaaS, Fintech, EdTech, and MedTech.
- Regions Covered: UK
- Investment Size: £25,000 – £300,000
- Sectors: SaaS, Fintech, EdTech, MedTech
- Investments/Year: ~10
- Exits: 1 (ThinCats)
- Website: advantagebusinessangels.co.uk
- Contact: john@advantagebusinessangels.co.uk | 07768 650783
2. AngelClubRCA
Bio:
Founded in 2015, AngelClubRCA connects Royal College of Art startups with investors, promoting commercial enterprise across the UK.
- Regions Covered: UK
- Investment Size: £100,000 – £500,000
- Sectors: Any
- Investments/Year: 5-15
- Exits: 0
- Website: rca.ac.uk
- Contact: angelclub@rca.ac.uk
3. Angels Den
Bio:
An online platform leveraging AI to match investors with high-potential early-stage companies, ensuring access to top-tier investment opportunities.
- Regions Covered: UK
- Investment Size: £100,000 – £1m
- Sectors: Any
- Investments/Year: 40
- Exits: 7
- Website: angelsden.com
- Contact: info@angelsden.com
4. Angels Invest Wales
Bio:
Part of the Development Bank of Wales, this network connects experienced investors with Welsh businesses seeking private investment.
- Regions Covered: Wales
- Investment Size: Any
- Sectors: Any
- Investments/Year: ~30
- Exits: N/A
- Website: developmentbank.wales
- Contact: info@developmentbank.wales
5. Dorset Business Angels
Bio:
Focused on southern England, Dorset Business Angels provides private equity to accelerate early-stage businesses.
- Regions Covered: All UK (focus on South)
- Investment Size: £50,000 – £1m
- Sectors: Any
- Investments/Year: ~5
- Exits: 5
- Website: dorsetbusinessangels.co.uk
- Contact: contact@dorsetbusinessangels.co.uk
6. 24Haymarket
Bio:
One of London’s largest angel networks, 24Haymarket focuses on high-growth startups with commercial traction in sectors like digital healthcare and climate technology.
- Regions Covered: UK
- Investment Size: £1m – £5m
- Sectors: Digital healthcare, Cyber Security, Supply Chain Tech, Climate Technology
- Investments/Year: 6-8
- Exits: Not stated
- Website: 24haymarket.com
- Contact: contact@24haymarket.com
7. Envestor
Bio:
Envestor Private Investment Club matches sophisticated investors with high-growth tech, clean, and fintech businesses, managing over £100m.
- Regions Covered: UK
- Investment Size: £250,000 – £5m
- Sectors: Tech, CleanTech, FinTech, MedTech, EdTech
- Investments/Year: 15
- Exits: 26+
- Website: envestors.envestry.com
- Contact: +44 (0)20 7240 0202
8. Equity Gap
Bio:
An Edinburgh-based syndicate with 150 members, Equity Gap invests £100,000 – £500,000 in SEIS/EIS-eligible startups, fostering growth in Scotland.
- Regions Covered: Scotland (or relocating businesses)
- Investment Size: £100,000 – £500,000
- Sectors: Business Product, Fintech, Food & Drink, Gaming, Energy, Life Science, SaaS
- Investments/Year: 5
- Exits: 4
- Website: equitygap.co.uk
- Contact: enquiries@equitygap.co.uk
9. Finstock Capital
Bio:
Providing early-stage debt solutions, Finstock Capital offers non-dilutive capital to businesses, supporting over £13m in funding.
- Regions Covered: UK
- Investment Size: £100,000 – £5m
- Sectors: Any
- Investments/Year: 30
- Exits: Not disclosed
- Website: finstockcapital.com
- Contact: info@finstockcapital.com | 0208 834 1161
10. Green Angel Syndicate
Bio:
The UK’s only angel syndicate dedicated to combating climate change, investing in energy, transportation, and waste management technologies.
- Regions Covered: UK
- Investment Size: £250,000 – £1.2m
- Sectors: Energy, Transportation, Waste Management, Climate Tech
- Investments/Year: 8-16
- Exits: 4
- Website: greenangelsyndicate.com
- Contact: emma@greenangelsyndicate.com
11. Halo Business Angel Network (HBAN)
Bio:
Supporting the entrepreneurial community across Ireland, HBAN connects angel investors with startups in MedTech, software, and cleantech.
- Regions Covered: Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland
- Investment Size: €10,000 – €150,000; Syndicated: €100,000 – €500,000
- Sectors: MedTech, Software, Food & Beverage, Agri & CleanTech, Manufacturing
- Investments/Year: 60+
- Exits: Not disclosed
- Website: hban.org
- Contact: info@hban.org
12. Kelvin Capital
Bio:
A Scottish venture capital group, Kelvin Capital invests in UK businesses with high growth potential and international scalability.
- Regions Covered: UK
- Investment Size: £500,000 – £2m
- Sectors: Any
- Investments/Year: 10-12
- Exits: 3
- Website: kelvincapital.com
- Contact: theteam@kelvincapital.com
13. The Cambridge Angels Network
Bio:
An invitation-only group of exited entrepreneurs, The Cambridge Angels Network invests in sectors like cleantech, robotics, and space tech, fostering diversity and innovation.
- Regions Covered: Cambridge and Surroundings
- Investment Size: £150,000 – £1.5m
- Sectors: Cleantech, Data & Cyber Security, Robotics, Telecoms, Space Tech
- Investments/Year: Up to 6
- Exits: 18+
- Website: cambridgeangels.com
- Contact: info@cambridgeangels.net
14. Manchester Angels
Bio:
Based in one of the UK’s fastest-growing tech hubs, Manchester Angels backs tech, life sciences, and IP-rich businesses with investments ranging from £50,000 to £300,000.
- Regions Covered: Manchester and North-West
- Investment Size: £50,000 – £300,000
- Sectors: Tech, Life Sciences, IP-Rich Businesses
- Investments/Year: ~7
- Exits: Not listed
- Website: manchesterangels.org
- Contact: david.levine@manchesterangels.org
15. Minerva
Bio:
The largest syndicated network in the UK, Minerva connects startups with investment opportunities, focusing on EIS/SEIS-eligible businesses in the Midlands and beyond.
- Regions Covered: UK
- Investment Size: Up to £500,000
- Sectors: Sector Agnostic (focus on East and West Midlands)
- Investments/Year: 10-20
- Exits: 20+
- Website: minerva.uk.net
- Contact: enquiries@minerva.uk.net
16. NorthInvest
Bio:
Aligned with the Northern Powerhouse, NorthInvest facilitates equity investments for early-stage tech and digital startups across Northern England.
- Regions Covered: Northern England
- Investment Size: £25,000 – £1m
- Sectors: Technology, Digital Media, FinTech, Big Data, AI, MedTech, Cyber Security, EdTech, Tech For Good
- Investments/Year: 10
- Exits: 0
- Website: northinvest.co.uk
- Contact: info@northinvest.co.uk
17. South East Angels
Bio:
Backing exceptional founders in underserved markets, South East Angels supports businesses raising up to £2m, particularly those eligible for SEIS/EIS.
- Regions Covered: Sussex, Surrey, Kent, Hampshire (open to UK-wide)
- Investment Size: £50,000 – £350,000
- Sectors: Any
- Investments/Year: 10-15
- Exits: 1
- Website: southeastangels.co.uk
- Contact: team@southeastangels.co.uk
18. SFC Capital
Bio:
A leading early-stage investment firm, SFC Capital combines its Angel Network and Seed Funds to support SEIS/EIS-qualifying businesses across the UK.
- Regions Covered: UK
- Investment Size: £150,000+
- Sectors: Sector Agnostic
- Investments/Year: 100
- Exits: 24
- Website: startupfundingclub.com
- Contact: info@sfccapital.com
19. Solid Bond
Bio:
Investing in pre-seed and early seed stages, Solid Bond emphasizes strong founder relationships over sector focus, specializing in marketing, finance, product, and tech.
- Regions Covered: UK-wide
- Investment Size: £50,000 – £1m
- Sectors: Sector Agnostic (excludes Life Sciences, Engineering, Deep Tech, Gambling, Alcohol)
- Investments/Year: 3-4
- Exits: 0
- Website: solidbond.com
- Contact: contact@solidbond.com
20. The FSE Group
Bio:
Focusing on early-stage, high-growth SMEs, The FSE Group provides equity finance and operates an angel investor network supporting businesses in Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, and Cornwall.
- Regions Covered: Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, Cornwall
- Investment Size: £50,000 – £2m
- Sectors: Any
- Investments/Year: 12-14
- Exits: 7
- Website: thefsegroup.com
- Contact: fundingenquiries@thefsegroup.com | 01276 608510
Conclusion
Securing the right investment is crucial for your startup’s success. The top investment groups UK listed above offer a diverse range of opportunities tailored to various sectors and regions. Whether you’re in tech, healthcare, or climate technology, there’s an angel investor network ready to support your vision. Leveraging these networks can provide not only the necessary capital but also invaluable mentorship and industry connections.
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