Derby is firmly building a reputation as an innovation and business growth hotspot in the UK. Renowned for its manufacturing past, the city is now making a name for itself in sectors like advanced engineering, transport, and clean energy. With the backing of local universities and investment availability through regional funds like Mercia and the Midlands Engine Investment Fund, Derby is creating new opportunities for start-ups. To make it easier, we've put together an extensive list of venture capital investors, and our experts have handpicked the top 10 venture capital firms in West Virginia just for you. Here's a table that summarizes the overall VC data for a quick overview:
| VC Firm | Ticket Size | Stages | Founding Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haatch ESAIF | £100K - £250K | Pre-Seed to Seed | 2024 |
| TechFund | Not specified | Seed to Series A | 2017 |
| Business Growth Fund (BGF) | £1M - £15M | Growth Stage | 2011 |
| Derby City Angel Investment Programme | Not specified | Pre-Seed to Seed | 2022 |
| Mercia Asset Management | £100K - £10M | Seed to Growth-stage | 2014 |
| Praetura Ventures | £250K - £5M | Seed, Series A, Growth | 2011 |
| Foresight Group | £1M - £5M | Early to Growth Stage | 1984 |
| NVM Private Equity | £5M - £20M | Growth Stage | 1980 |
| Octopus Ventures | $500K - $50M | Seed to Series B | 2007 |
| LocalGlobe | $100K - $10M | Pre-Seed to Series A | 2015 |
1. Haatch Early Stage Angel Investment Fund (ESAIF)
Haatch, together with the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), has launched an £8m fund to help startups in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. The sector-agnostic fund targets businesses that are driving net-zero aspirations, ESG impact, and job generation. With its proven track record of regional investment, Haatch continues to drive innovation and economic growth across the UK.
- Website: haatch.com
- Founding Year: 2024
- Investment Range: £100K - £250K
- Stage: Pre-Seed to Seed
- Sector: Sector-agnostic, with a focus on businesses contributing to net-zero/low-carbon outcomes and job creation
- Geography: Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, UK
- Notable Investments: Aerocloud, Native Teams, Made With Intent, Bunch
2. TechFund
Tech Fund, which operates under Ark Venture Group, is a Derby-based venture capital firm investing in digital innovation and technology startups. Quick-track investment is provided to entrepreneurs with strong business proposals, facilitating new and upcoming businesses to flourish. With simple investment procedures and personal guidance, Tech Fund is driving the future of Derby's tech ecosystem.
- Website: yarko.co.uk
- Founding Year: 2017
- Investment Range: Not specified
- Stage: Seed to Series A
- Sector: Technology
- Geography: Derby, UK
- Notable Investments: Information not publicly disclosed
3. Business Growth Fund (BGF)
BGF is the most active investor in Irish and UK mid-sized and smaller companies. They have £4B invested across 600+ companies, long-term and minority investing to support companies to grow without giving up control. Invested in by top UK banks, BGF invests founders with capital, expertise, and a huge network to fuel lasting growth and long-term success.
- Website: bgf.co.uk
- Investment Range: £1 million to £15 million
- Stage: Growth Stage
- Sector Focus: Diverse Sectors
- Geography: UK and Ireland, including investments outside London and South East England
- Notable Investments: Gousto, Unruly, M Squared
4. Derby City Angel Investment Programme
The Derby City Angel Investment programme supports businesses in understanding and securing equity investment while developing a strong local investor network. Through workshops, mentoring, and pitch events, entrepreneurs gain the skills to attract funding, refine their business plans, and connect with investors. Open to businesses within Derby City Council, this initiative fosters regional growth and innovation.
- Website: derby.ac.uk
- Founding Year: 2022
- Investment Range: Not specified
- Stage: Pre-Seed to Seed
- Sector: Various
- Geography: Derby, UK
- Notable Investments: Information not publicly disclosed
5. Mercia Asset Management
Mercia fuels UK business expansion with venture capital, private equity, and debt finance of £100k to £10m. As an active asset manager, they invest in regional businesses outside the capital, providing capital and real-world expertise to help them scale. With 600+ businesses in their portfolio and a successful track record of growth investment, Mercia invests alongside founders to create long-term success from ambition.
- Website: mercia.co.uk
- Founding Year: 2014
- Investment Range: £100K - £10M
- Stage: Seed to growth-stage
- Sector: Technology, life sciences, and digital entertainment
- Geography: UK-wide (Derby via Midlands deals)
- Notable Investments: Concepta, Intechnica, and Pimberly
6. Praetura Ventures
Praetura Group provides funding solutions to SMEs and start-ups across the UK, lending and investing in equity. It is not solely about money; they also support businesses with experience, guidance, and a relationship-driven service. With over £1bn invested or loaned, Praetura supports businesses in releasing growth, growing successfully, and achieving long-term success. Their purpose is to fund companies in a way that actually does make a difference.
- Website: praetura.co.uk
- Founding Year: 2011
- Investment Range: £250k to £5m
- Stage: Seed, Series A, Growth
- Sector: Technology, FinTech, HealthTech, Creative Industries
- Geography: Northern England, including Bradford
- Notable Investments: Peak, Interactive Investor, and Patchwork
7. Foresight Group
Foresight Group invests in businesses pioneering a sustainable future. With a long history of over decades, they invest in businesses pioneering the change in energy, decarbonization, and economic growth. Their investments encourage innovation, recovery of nature, and long-term value creation, helping founders and investors to capitalize on transformative opportunities.
- Founding Year: 1984
- Website: foresightgroup.eu
- Investment Range: £1 million to £5 million
- Stage: Early to Growth Stage
- Sector Focus: Clean Energy, Infrastructure, SMEs
- Geography: UK
- Notable Investments: Xeros Technology Group, Optalysys, and Ilika
8. NVM Private Equity
This independent private equity firm is at the forefront of investing in lower mid-market companies across the UK regions. Having made over 330 investments since 1984, they place MBO and expansion capital of between £10m-£20m, partnering with ambitious management teams to develop companies. As regional operators, they bring deep local knowledge, rolling-up sleeves assistance, and a personal stake in each investment.
- Website: nvm.co.uk
- Founding Year: 1980
- Investment Range: £5M - £20M
- Stage: Growth Stage
- Sector: Technology, Healthcare, Manufacturing
- Geography: UK-wide (Derby via Midlands deals)
- Notable Investments: Xeros Technology Group, Optalysys, and Ilika
9. Octopus Ventures
Octopus Ventures backs founders making the world a better place. They invest early, from page to IPO, in companies driving positive impact. With extensive industry experience in B2B Software, Bio, Climate, Consumer, Deep Tech, Fintech, and Health, they provide funding and hands-on support. Their mission is to power the people solving the world's toughest challenges.
- Website: octopusventures.com
- Founding Year: 2007
- Investment Range: $500K to $ 50M
- Stage: Seed to Series B
- Sector: Healthtech, Fintech, Deep Tech, Consumer Tech
- Geography: UK/Europe (active in Midlands)
- Notable Investments: Zoopla, Depop, Elvie, SwiftKey, Cazoo
10. LocalGlobe
LocalGlobe is a trusted long-term co-founder to pre-seed to early-stage founders. They back ambitious founders shaping the future of software, AI, and IT, focusing on London, Paris, and Berlin. With a deep history of backing meaningful businesses like Wise, Moo, and Zoopla, they help startups scale with capital, expertise, and a deep network of founders.
- Website: localglobe.vc
- Founding Year: 2015
- Investment Range: $100K to $10M
- Stage: Pre-Seed to Series A
- Sector: Fintech, SaaS, Healthtech, Climate Tech
- Geography: UK/Europe (invests in regional hubs)
- Notable Investments: Wise, Robinhood, Improbable, Zego, Citymapper
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Is VC high risk?
Venture capital is a type of investment that can be risky but has the potential for high returns. However, there is no guarantee of success. Investing in startups is always uncertain, and you might lose your money. Even though VC firms try to minimize risks, investing in startups is always uncertain, and you might lose your money. - What is the best country to set up a VC fund?
If you’re looking to set up a VC fund, many people think the United States has the best venture capital (VC) funds worldwide. This is because the US has a big economy, lots of money available, and many successful startups. - What cities have the most VC investments?
The top five cities for venture capital investment are San Francisco, New York City, Boston, San Jose, and Los Angeles. These cities together receive more than two-thirds (67.5%) of all venture capital investments. - What is the minimum amount for a VC fund?
Venture capital funds usually ask for a minimum investment of $250,000 to $500,000, and sometimes even more. Investing a small amount of money can still cost a lot. These funds are usually only open to wealthy people and big organizations that have a lot of money. - How do I choose a VC fund?
To choose a VC fund, check how much experience and success the venture capital firm has had before. Look at the companies they’ve invested in before to see if they match what your business does. This can help you figure out if they’re a good match for you.
Best of luck with your amazing ventures.
Please note that this list is filtered by various metrics, and all the data are collected through various third-party websites, mostly the VC website. Since data such as ticket size or industry may change, you are requested to visit the official website given in the blog for the latest and updated information