Lifted Ventures recognised with national award

An investment network has been recognised for its work empowering women founders and strengthening regional investment outside of London.

Leeds-based Lifted Ventures has been named ‘Investing in Women: Initiative of the Year’ at the Growth Investor Awards 2025, which celebrate the UK’s SME investment community and its contribution to innovation and job creation.

Beating finalists including Angel Academe, Conduit Connect, NoBa Capital and Revenge Capital, the organisation was praised for driving inclusive growth and helping more women access investment opportunities.

Lifted Ventures supports founders and investors across the UK through angel education programmes, investment-readiness training and community initiatives designed to build confidence and connectivity in early-stage investing.

The award, presented by TV presenter Alex Jones and Natalie Gasson-McKinley MBE MBA, senior manager, policy and strategy at the British Business Bank, marks a major milestone in its mission to strengthen regional investment ecosystems and close gender gaps in finance, further establishing the organisation as a leader in promoting equality and opportunity across the UK.

Jordan Dargue, co-founder of Lifted Ventures, said: “We’re incredibly proud to receive this recognition.

“Our mission has always been to ensure that great ideas and ambitious founders, wherever they are based, have access to the capital, knowledge and networks they need to thrive. 

“There’s exceptional innovation happening in regions outside of London and we’re determined to keep championing it.”

Helen Oldham, co-founder of Lifted Ventures, added: “This award is not just for us, it’s for the growing community of women founders and regional investors who are changing the face of UK venture capital. 

“By empowering women on both sides of the investment table, we’re helping to build a more balanced, resilient and representative economy.”

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