Angel syndicates take flight with £7 million fund

Early-stage businesses are set to benefit from a fresh injection of funding thanks to a new investment initiative designed to widen access to capital beyond the capital.

British Business Bank has committed £7 million to a platform that will co-invest alongside five promising angel syndicates, with investment management led by venture capital firm Haatch.

The initial cohort of syndicates, including two female-led angel groups, are HERmesa, CircleRock Capital, The Games Angels, Sie Ventures and 2050 Capital – each bringing expertise across sectors such as gaming, deep tech, science and female-led innovation.

Bosses say the initiative is designed to support early-stage start-ups through partnerships with emerging angel groups, many of which have limited infrastructure but strong potential to back high-growth ventures.

They add that by “significantly increasing” the angels’ “capacity to invest”, the funding will help fuel start-up growth and unlock innovation “across multiple sectors” in the UK.

Fred Soneya, Haatch co-founder and general partner, said: “We’re thrilled to deepen our relationship with the British Business Bank and have the opportunity to co-invest alongside some of the best emerging angel syndicates in the country. 

“This additional commitment allows us to broaden our reach and support an even more diverse range of founders, driving innovation and growth across multiple sectors.”

Jenny Tooth, executive chair, UK Business Angels Association and member of the Invest in Women Task Force, added: “We are very encouraged this £7 million co-investment will enable five growing angel groups to leverage their investment potential into innovating entrepreneurs in key sectors.

“This development is especially important since, for the first time, the Regional Angels Programme funds will enable two proactive female investor-led angel groups to significantly increase their capacity to invest in more women-powered businesses across the UK.

“We hope to see this opportunity extended to further emerging angel groups going forward.”  

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