Top 3,704 Early-Stage Investors Backing UK Startups (Free List)
A breakdown of the angels, VCs, networks and accelerators writing the first cheques
Early-stage investors are often grouped together, but in reality they back startups in very different ways. For founders, knowing who actually writes the first cheques matters more than funding theory.
This page brings together the main types of early-stage investors active in the UK, focusing on who is deploying capital at pre-seed and seed.
We start with angel investors, who are typically the first to invest £10k to £50k into new startups, before covering pre-seed and seed venture capital firms, angel networks, and startup accelerators.
Each section highlights the investors founders are most likely to encounter when raising their first round, with tables showing recent activity where relevant.
3,704 Most Active Angel Investors
Angel Investors (websites, linkedin and twitter accounts)
Angel investors are usually the first people to back a startup, often investing £10k to £50k at pre-seed.
Explore 2,898 angel investors by sector.
369 Most Active Pre-Seed VCs
Pre-Seed VCs (websites, linkedin and twitter accounts)
Pre-seed venture capital firms typically lead or co-lead rounds before meaningful revenue, backing teams and early signals.
| Pre-seed VCs | Investment Sector | Location | Funding Round | Contact Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Manchester | ||||
 Fuel Ventures(more info 🔒) Fuel Ventures is a venture capital firm that focuses on backing ambitious t... | London | |||
 Firstminute Capital(more info 🔒) firstminute capital is a seed-stage venture firm focused on investing in th... | London | |||
 24Haymarket(more info 🔒) 24Haymarket Limited operates as a venture capital firm, focusing on support... | London | |||
 British Business Bank(more info 🔒) The British Business Bank focuses on enhancing finance accessibility for sm... | Sheffield |
Click here for a full list of 801 UK VC Funds
347 Most Active Seed VCs
Seed VCs (websites, linkedin and twitter accounts)
Seed venture capital firms invest once a startup has early traction and a clearer path to growth.
| Seed VCs | Investment Sector | Location | Funding Round | Contact Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 7percent Ventures(more info 🔒) 7percent Ventures Ltd focuses on backing breakthrough technologies and prod... | London | |||
London | ||||
London | ||||
London | ||||
London |
Click here for a full list of 801 UK VC Funds
59 Most Active Angel Networks
Angel Networks (websites, linkedin and twitter accounts)
Angel networks pool individual investors, helping founders raise a first round from multiple angels.
| Id | Angel Networks | City, Country | Network Type | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cambridge Angels | Cambridge, UK | Angel syndicate | Apply |
| 2 | Dorset Business Angels | Bournemouth, UK | Angel network | Apply |
| 3 | Green Angel Syndicate | London, UK | Angel syndicate | Apply |
| 4 | HBS Angels of London | London, UK | Angel network | Apply |
| 5 | Minerva Business Angel Network | Coventry, UK | Angel syndicate | Apply |
31 Most Active Startup Accelerators
Startup Accelerators (websites, linkedin and twitter accounts)
Startup accelerators combine capital with structured programmes and investor access.
| Startup Accelerators | Location | Apply | Focus | Website | X/Twitter | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Techstars- Accelerator The Techstars London Accelerator is a three-month, mentorship-driven progra... | London | Tech | ||||
 Tech Nation- Climate The Tech Nation Climate Programme is a four-month growth initiative designe... | London | Climate | ||||
 Pi labs Accelerator- Growth Programme The Pi Labs Growth Programme is a 12-week accelerator designed to support e... | London | Proptech | ||||
 The Royal Society- Entrepreneur in Residence The Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) scheme aims to enhance th... | London | Science |
FAQ
What counts as an early-stage investor?
Early-stage investors typically back startups at pre-seed and seed. This includes angel investors, pre-seed and seed venture capital firms, angel networks, and accelerators that invest early and help founders reach their first meaningful milestones.
Should I approach angels or venture capital firms first?
In most cases, founders start with angel investors and angel networks, then move to pre-seed and seed VCs once there is a clearer story, early traction, or enough momentum to raise a larger round.
Are these investors actively investing right now?
These tables are based on recent activity signals and are updated regularly as new investments are announced. Activity can still vary by sector and timing, so use this list as a starting point and always check fit before outreach.
Is this list free? What’s unlocked?
This page includes a free preview across each investor type. Unlocking the database gives full access to the complete list and deeper filters to help you find the best-fit investors faster.
Do you include sector-specific and regional investors?
Yes. The database includes investors across sectors and locations, including UK regions, and helps you narrow down by fit rather than searching manually.
