New partnership aims to champion female ventures

A Leeds-based investment network is joining forces with legal and financial experts to boost support for women-led start-ups and increase the number of female angel investors.

Lifted Ventures has formed a partnership with law firm Gordons and wealth manager RBC Brewin Dolphin to improve access to funding, advice and investor networks for female founders across the UK.

The collaboration will also focus on providing aspiring women investors with the tools and opportunities to back early-stage businesses. 

Jordan Dargue, co-founder of Lifted Ventures, which recently announced a similar partnership with the British Business Bank, said: “To truly close the gender funding gap, we must support both sides of the investment equation – female founders and female funders. 

“This partnership gives us the scale, expertise and shared mission to do just that.”

Helen Oldham, fellow co-founder of Lifted Ventures, added: “The under-representation of women in investment is a systemic issue, and we’re proud to be working with partners who are committed to long-term change. 

“Together, we’re not only backing brilliant women-led businesses; we’re building a new generation of women investors.”

A series of national events and workshops is planned throughout 2025 to support both founders and funders.

Liz Hancock, strategic partnership manager at RBC Brewin Dolphin, said: “We’re passionate about empowering women to take control of their financial futures. 

“By collaborating with Lifted Ventures, we aim to provide aspiring women investors with the knowledge and confidence to participate meaningfully in early-stage investing.”

Amy Pierechod, partner at Gordons, added: “Our firm has a strong track record of supporting innovative entrepreneurs, and we’re excited to bring our legal expertise to this mission.

“Championing female founders and investors aligns perfectly with our values and our belief in inclusive economic growth.”

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