New partnership backs women to back women

A new partnership is set to transform the investment landscape for women founders and female angel investors across the UK.

Lifted Ventures has teamed up with the British Business Bank to increase capital flow into women-led startups while growing the number of female angel investors. 

Together, they will deliver events, education programmes and support initiatives across the North, West Midlands and Yorkshire, designed to “unlock” new opportunities for women to raise and invest capital with confidence.

Delyth Edwards, senior manager at British Business Bank, said: “We know that women continue to face barriers in accessing early-stage finance, both as founders and as investors. 

“That’s why this partnership is so important. 

“By working with Lifted Ventures, we can help unlock more capital, create more inclusive investor networks, and drive systemic change across the regions.”

Since launching 20 months ago, Lifted Ventures, founded by Jordan Dargue and Helen Oldham, has helped secure £6.5 million in funding for women-led businesses and supported over 400 female founders. 

Jordan added: “We’re on a mission to reshape who gets funded – and who gets to fund. 

“By educating, activating, and connecting more women angels, we’re helping build a virtuous circle of investment where women are empowered to back other women. 

“Partnering with the British Business Bank allows us to do this at greater scale and pace.”

Helen added: “To close the gender funding gap, we must focus on both sides of the table. 

“That means giving women founders access to capital and entrepreneur education – and ensuring more women are in a position to deploy it. 

“Our work with the British Business Bank is a powerful step toward a more balanced, inclusive and sustainable investment ecosystem in the North.”

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