Manchester is now among the UK's leading startup ecosystems, with over 1,600 tech scale-ups and startups employing approximately 60,000 individuals. Manchester's successful ecosystem is supported by world-class universities, a multiverse of talent, and an open business community. To assist business owners, we have compiled a detailed list of venture capital firms and have narrowed down the top 10 firms in Manchester. You can find more details about investment opportunities here. Here's a table that summarizes the overall VC data for a quick overview:
| VC Firm | Ticket Size | Stages | Founding Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| DSW Ventures | Up to £2M | Seed, Early Stage | 2018 |
| Maven Capital Partners | £2M - £20M | Early Stage, Growth, Buyouts | 2009 |
| Praetura Ventures | £250K - £5M | Seed, Series A, Growth | 2011 |
| Mercia Asset Management | £100K - £10M | Seed to Growth | 2014 |
| Business Growth Fund (BGF) | £1M - £15M | Growth Stage | 2011 |
| Foresight Group | £1M - £5M | Early to Growth Stage | 1984 |
| Parkwalk Advisors | £500K - £10M | Seed, Early-Stage, Growth | 2009 |
| Octopus Ventures | $500K - $50M | Seed to Series B | 2007 |
| Balderton Capital | $1M - $50M | Seed to Series B | 2000 |
| LDC | £10M - £50M | Seed Stage | 1981 |
1. DSW Ventures
DSW Ventures is a UK venture capital fund that invests in seed and early-stage technology businesses with growth potential. They specialize in regional UK startup investment opportunities and provide £300K to £1M investment, along with proactive support to aid founders in business scaling. Staffed with experienced investors, they invest more than just money to provide real value and success.
- Founding Year: 2018
- Website: https://dsw.vc
- Investment Range: Up to £2 million
- Stage: Seed, Early Stage
- Sector Focus: Innovative Startups, Scale-ups
- Geography: Nottingham and the East Midlands, including Leicester
2. Maven Capital Partners
Maven Capital Partners is a winning private equity and alternative asset manager which invests growth capital into enterprising UK businesses. Having extensive regional roots and connections across the UK, including the West Midlands, it funds SMEs across a range of markets including technology, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing. Maven provides much more than money—active assistance, strategic guidance, and dedicated long-term partnership to help the businesses grow and develop successfully.
- Founding Year: 2009
- Website: mavencp.com
- Investment Range: £2 million to £20 million
- Stage: Early Stage, Growth Capital, Management Buyouts
- Sector Focus: Advanced Manufacturing, Financial Services, Technology, Life Sciences, Logistics
- Geography: UK
3. 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: UK (with a focus on Northern England)
4. Mercia Asset Management
Mercia fuels UK business ambitions with venture capital, private equity, and debt investment ranging from £100k to £10m. As a proactive asset manager, they support regional businesses outside London, providing capital and hands-on expertise to help them scale. With a portfolio of 600+ companies and a strong track record in growth investment, Mercia partners with founders to turn ambition into long-term success.
- 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, including Nottingham
5. Business Growth Fund (BGF)
BGF is the most active investor in small and mid-sized businesses across the UK and Ireland. With £4B deployed across 600+ companies, they provide long-term, minority investment to help businesses scale without losing control. Backed by major UK banks, BGF supports founders with capital, expertise, and an extensive network to drive sustainable growth and lasting success.
- Website: bgf.co.uk
- Founding Year: 2011
- Investment Range: £1 million to £15 million
- Stage: Growth Stage
- Sector Focus: Diverse Sectors
- Geography: UK and Ireland, including Nottingham
6. 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-wide, including Leicester
7. Parkwalk Advisors
Parkwalk is the UK’s leading investor in university spinouts, backing world-changing technologies from top research institutions. With over £500m invested in 180+ companies, they focus on deep tech, life sciences, AI, cleantech, and more. Their funds, including EIS and university-managed funds, help turn cutting-edge research into successful businesses while delivering strong returns for investors.
- Website: parkwalkadvisors.com
- Founding Year: 2009
- Investment Range: Parkwalk Advisors
- Stage: Seed, Early-Stage, Growth
- Sector: Deep Tech, Life Sciences, AI, Clean Energy
- Geography: UK
8. 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
9. Balderton Capital
Balderton Capital is a leading VC that invests in Europe's top-performing founders. They invest from seed to IPO, helping entrepreneurs build global businesses. With deep familiarity of European technology, broad network of support, and hands-on guidance, they help startups grow. They possess experienced founders and investors on staff, committed to propelling lasting success.
- Website: balderton.com
- Founding Year: 2000
- Investment Range: $1M to $50M
- Stage: Seed to Series B
- Sector: SaaS, Fintech, Marketplaces, Healthtech, AI
- Geography: Pan-European focus, including extensive investments throughout the UK
10. LDC
LDC is a leading UK private equity investor financing growth plans of UK companies with responsive capital. Lloyds Banking Group is their parent organization, and they provide strategic capital investment and board-level support, helping management teams develop, invest in, and expand their businesses. With over £3.9bn invested since 2014 and a team of 10 offices around the UK, LDC combines local relationships and national expertise to drive long-term business success.
- Website: ldc.co.uk
- Founding Year: 1981
- Investment Range: £10 million to £50 million
- Stage: Seed Stage
- Sector Focus: Various sectors including Technology, Healthcare, Industrials
- Geography: UK-wide, with a significant presence in Manchester
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.