National investment platform opens Yorkshire branch to support Northern Powerhouse

National investment society and platform for angel investors, The League of Angels has formed its Yorkshire branch today (March 13).

The League, which launched in February with an event at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, has been quick to establish this branch. The company believes there are untapped opportunities in the regions outside of London.

The League’s Yorkshire branch will be headed by Keith Madeley, a local Yorkshire businessman, who will be the contact for businesses, entrepreneurs, investors and League members based in Yorkshire and the surrounding areas.

He commented: “There is a wealth of young entrepreneurs in Northern universities who are creating exciting university IP, but who lack the access to capital or the expertise to grow.

“As the League representative in the North, we will look to introduce those early stage businesses to League members, who can provide both funding and experience.

“The League is especially unique as it provides access to a bank of knowledge and experience, something local young people desperately need access to.

“As a proud member of the Yorkshire community, this initiative is incredibly exciting and I look forward to being the Yorkshire ambassador.”

The League intends to put particular emphasis on engaging with local universities, with Mr Madeley engaged with the University of Leeds, the Business School of Leeds Beckett University and Leeds Trinity University.

The creation of Nexus, which has been set up at the University of Leeds and is set to open in May, marks the beginning of a world class enterprise hub that is set to rival those in the US and will be housed in a £40m building on the university campus.

The League also wants to reach out to female entrepreneurs in the regions who seek growth capital or an international channel to develop their export opportunities.

Barney Battles, CEO of the League of Angels, added: “The North of England is one such area where I believe we can find incredible value and importantly introduce others to the exciting opportunities Yorkshire holds, especially in a post-Brexit environment.

“Many think the future of investing is online, but a large majority of investors still want face-to-face introductions, something that the digital age doesn’t always offer, but the League does.

“Our highly select members are all respected in their individual fields and can offer both capital and expertise to growing businesses; we look forward to introducing them to opportunities in Yorkshire and beyond.”