Blog31 Pre-Seed Investors in United Kingdom in 2024

31 Pre-Seed Investors in United Kingdom in 2024

The article showcases the leading pre-seed investors in the United Kingdom, highlighting their significant contributions to nurturing early-stage startups. In 2024, the UK startup ecosystem is thriving, with a reported £1.5 billion invested in pre-seed funding rounds in the first half of the year alone. These top investors are pivotal in fostering innovation, providing crucial support and capital to emerging entrepreneurs.

Quick list of pre-seed venture capital firms in United Kingdom

  • 7 Percent Ventures: Driving innovation in the United Kingdom, 7 Percent Ventures supports early-stage tech startups with strategic funding and mentorship.
  • Ada Ventures: Empowering diverse entrepreneurs, they foster innovation across the United Kingdom.
  • Angel CoFund: Accelerating growth, it significantly boosts entrepreneurial ventures across the United Kingdom.
  • Angel Investor Forum: Fostering entrepreneurship, they significantly boost the growth of early-stage startups across the United Kingdom.
  • Avellinia Capital: Transforming the alternative investment landscape, this firm significantly contributes to innovative financial solutions in the United Kingdom.
  • AVG Women's Fund: Empowers women entrepreneurs in the United Kingdom by providing essential financial support and resources.
  • Breega: Empowering startups in the United Kingdom, they fuel innovation and growth across various sectors.
  • Colorintech: Empowering diverse talent, Colorintech advances racial diversity in the UK tech industry.
  • Consilience Ventures: Empower startups in the United Kingdom by providing innovative funding and collaborative opportunities.
  • Emerge Education: Accelerating educational innovation, they enhance learning outcomes across the United Kingdom.
  • Flashpoint: Revolutionizing the UK's venture capital scene, Flashpoint fuels the growth of innovative technology startups.
  • Founders Factory: Accelerating innovation, Founders Factory significantly boosts the startup ecosystem across the United Kingdom.
  • Haatch Ventures: Accelerating growth for UK startups, this venture firm significantly boosts innovation and entrepreneurship across the nation.
  • Howard Taylor Investments Ltd: Strengthening local economies, the company significantly contributes to sustainable development projects across the United Kingdom.
  • InReach Ventures: Empowered innovative technology startups in the United Kingdom through strategic venture capital investments.
  • Jigsaw: Expanded throughout the United Kingdom, Jigsaw significantly influenced the fashion landscape with their contemporary clothing designs.
  • LocalGlobe & Latitude: Accelerating innovation, these venture capital firms have significantly bolstered the growth of tech startups across the United Kingdom.
  • London Venture Partners: Drive innovation in the United Kingdom by investing in promising gaming and technology startups.
  • Longwall Ventures: Fostering innovation through strategic investments, they significantly impact the growth of technology startups in the United Kingdom.
  • Playfair Capital: Driving innovation in the UK, they support early-stage tech startups to accelerate growth and development.
  • Pretiosum Ventures: Fostering innovation, they significantly contribute to the growth of tech startups across the United Kingdom.
  • Rally Cry Ventures: Accelerating innovation, they empower UK startups to scale and thrive.
  • UFP Fintech: Revolutionizing UK's financial landscape, UFP Fintech accelerates digital inclusion and innovation.
  • Velo Partners: Fostering innovation, they significantly boost the growth of gaming startups in the United Kingdom.
  • Archangels: Fostering innovation, Archangels significantly contribute to the growth of startup ecosystems in the United Kingdom.
  • BACKED: Empowered innovative startups in the United Kingdom by providing crucial seed funding and support.
  • Mercuri: Pioneering sales consulting and training, Mercuri significantly enhances business performance across the United Kingdom.
  • Zinc: Boosting innovation in the United Kingdom, Zinc supports entrepreneurs tackling societal challenges.
  • Portfolio Ventures: Boosting entrepreneurship, Portfolio Ventures significantly supports startup growth across the United Kingdom.
  • D2 Fund: Transforming the investment landscape in the United Kingdom, D2 Fund supports innovative ventures and fosters sustainable growth.
  • Embryo Ventures: Pioneering innovative startups, Embryo Ventures has significantly boosted the tech ecosystem in the United Kingdom.

How to get yes from pre-seed investors in United Kingdom?

There is no guarantee pre-seed investors in United Kingdom or any other place will say yes, and the chances are low, on average 1/100 will invest. The best you can do is to capture interest as soon as possible or get no and move on.

How? Share your pitch deck as a link not as an attachment and get insights if investors are interested

  1. Get notified when investor view your deck
  2. Track how long they were on each page of your deck
  3. Capture emails of investors who viewed your deck
  4. Protect your IP using watermark, screenshot protection and other link permissions
  5. Securely send data room with multiple documents

Pitch deck sharing

How to find pre-seed investors in United Kingdom?

Selecting the right pre-seed investors in United Kingdom for your startup is crucial for success. Consider these factors:

  • Reputation: Research the reputation of potential investors with startups they have previously funded. Good indicators include positive references and a strong track record in the industry.

  • Industry Expertise: Look for investors who have specific experience or interest in your business sector. An investor with relevant expertise can provide valuable insights and industry connections.

  • Network and Connections: Consider investors who have extensive networks that can help you with partnerships, follow-on funding, and market access. Their connections can be as valuable as their financial support.

  • Commitment to Startups: Identify investors who are genuinely committed to helping startups grow rather than those primarily seeking quick returns. Understand their typical level of involvement in helping companies post-investment.

  • Investment Terms: Carefully review the terms offered by the investor, including equity stake, valuation, and any rights or obligations imposed on the founders. Ensure the terms align with your long-term vision and goals.

  • Resources and Support: Determine what additional resources or support the investor can offer, such as access to mentorship, strategic advice, or operational support.

  • Portfolio Diversity: Analyze the investor’s portfolio to see if they support a diverse range of companies or focus narrowly. A balanced portfolio may indicate a better ability to support and nurture different types of startups.

  • Stage Focus: Ensure the investor is specifically interested in pre-seed or early-stage investments, as this indicates their readiness to support businesses at your stage of growth.

  • Geographical Focus: Consider investors with experience and interest in the UK market. They will be more familiar with local industry nuances, regulations, and potential market challenges.

  • Cultural Fit: Assess whether the investor’s operational style, values, and communication align with your company’s culture. A good cultural fit can enhance collaboration and understanding.

  • Feedback and Responsiveness: Evaluate how the investor handles communications and feedback during the initial meetings. An investor who is responsive and provides constructive feedback is likely to be more supportive in the long run.

  • Reach out: Turn your pitch deck into trackable link and send it when reaching out to investors, analyse the engagement on each page and follow up after it.

How to send your pitch deck to pre-seed VC funds in United Kingdom

To effectively engage with pre-seed investors in United Kingdom:

  • Research potential investors: Identify angel investors and venture capital firms focused on pre-seed funding in the UK. Use databases like Crunchbase, AngelList, and LinkedIn to gather information.

  • Networking events and meetups: Attend startup and investment events, such as London Tech Week or Seedcamp, to meet investors and build relationships.

  • Tailored pitch: Develop a concise and compelling pitch that highlights your value proposition, market potential, and traction. Customize your pitch for each investor based on their interests and portfolio.

  • Warm introductions: Leverage your existing network to get introductions to investors. Warm referrals are more effective than cold outreach.

  • Leverage startup accelerators: Join UK-based accelerators like Entrepreneur First or Techstars, which can connect you with a network of investors and mentors.

  • Online platforms: Use online platforms like Seedrs or SyndicateRoom, which cater to early-stage startups seeking investment, to reach a broader audience of potential investors.

  • Follow-up strategy: Develop a follow-up strategy to keep potential investors engaged after your initial outreach. Regular updates and positive news can help maintain their interest.

  • Showcase market validation: Provide evidence of market validation, such as letters of intent, pilot programs, or early customer feedback, to demonstrate potential success.

  • Highlight unique selling points: Clearly articulate what sets your startup apart from competitors, focusing on innovation, team expertise, or proprietary technology.

  • Prepare robust financials: Be ready with clear and realistic financial projections and explain how the investment will help achieve specific milestones.

  • Send Your Pitch Deck and track results: Use pitch deck sharing software to send your deck and track time investors spend on each page and capture feedback from them.

1. 7 Percent Ventures

7 Percent Ventures has significantly contributed to the UK startup ecosystem by investing in early-stage technology companies poised for high growth.

  • Sector: AI, Deeptech, Quantum, VR/AR, B2B, SaaS, D2C, Agnostic
  • Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Website: nan

2. Ada Ventures

Ada Ventures is a venture capital firm driving innovation and diversity by investing in overlooked founders across the United Kingdom.

3. Angel CoFund

Angel CoFund has significantly contributed to fostering innovation and economic growth in the United Kingdom by supporting and investing in early-stage businesses.

  • Sector: Biotechnology, E-Commerce, Financial Services, Lending and Investments
  • Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B, Pre-Seed
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Website: https://www.acfinvestors.com

4. Angel Investor Forum

The Angel Investor Forum significantly boosts the growth of startups in the United Kingdom by providing crucial early-stage funding and mentorship.

  • Sector: Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Education, Financial Services, Health Care, Energy, IT, Media and Entertainment, Mobile, Software, Messaging and Telecommunications, Sales and Marketing, Agnostic
  • Stage: Seed, Pre-Seed
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Website: https://www.angelinvestorforum.com/

5. Avellinia Capital

Avellinia Capital has significantly influenced the UK financial sector by providing innovative investment solutions and fostering economic growth.

  • Sector: Financial Services, Lending and Investments, B2B, B2C, Consumer, Consumer Electronics, Fintech
  • Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Website: https://avellinia.com

6. AVG Women's Fund

The AVG Women's Fund has significantly advanced gender equality and empowered women entrepreneurs across the United Kingdom through targeted investments and support.

  • Sector: Underrepresented, Health Care, Education, Lifestyle and Wellness
  • Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Growth
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Website: https://www.av.vc/

7. Breega

Breega has significantly contributed to the UK's startup ecosystem by providing substantial venture capital investments and fostering innovation.

  • Sector: Agnostic, Financial Services, Fintech, Software, IT
  • Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Website: https://www.breega.com/

8. Colorintech

Colorintech has significantly advanced diversity and inclusion within the UK tech sector by supporting underrepresented communities through various initiatives and programs.

  • Sector: Underrepresented, Software
  • Stage: Accelerator, Pre-Seed
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Website: nan

9. Consilience Ventures

Consilience Ventures accelerates innovation in the United Kingdom by providing smart capital and strategic support to early-stage tech startups.

10. Emerge Education

Emerge Education has significantly influenced the UK by accelerating the growth of innovative educational technology startups.

11. Flashpoint

Flashpoint has significantly influenced the United Kingdom by providing essential fire and safety training, enhancing public and workplace safety standards.

  • Sector: Software, SaaS, Education, AI, Enterprise, Agnostic
  • Stage: Pre-Seed
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Website: https://flashpointvc.com

12. Founders Factory

Founders Factory has significantly accelerated innovation and entrepreneurship in the United Kingdom by helping startups launch and grow through their unique support model.

13. Haatch Ventures

Haatch Ventures is a prominent UK-based investment firm known for accelerating the growth of innovative technology startups.

  • Sector: E-Commerce, Software
  • Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Website: https://haatch.com

14. Howard Taylor Investments Ltd

Howard Taylor Investments Ltd has significantly contributed to the economic growth of the United Kingdom by supporting local businesses and facilitating sustainable financial ventures.

  • Sector: Automation, Analytics, Energy, Robotics, AI, Consumer Goods, Lending and Investments
  • Stage: Accelerator, Pre-Seed, Seed, Angel, Startup Studio (Lab)
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Website: https://www.hti.ltd/

15. InReach Ventures

InReach Ventures is transforming the UK venture capital landscape by leveraging AI to discover and invest in promising early-stage technology startups.

16. Jigsaw

Jigsaw has made a notable impact in the United Kingdom by championing innovative privacy and security technologies.

  • Sector: Consumer
  • Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Website: https://jigsaw.vc

17. LocalGlobe & Latitude

LocalGlobe & Latitude have significantly boosted the UK tech startup ecosystem by providing early-stage investment and support to innovative companies.

  • Sector: Agnostic, Software, E-Commerce, Financial Services, SaaS
  • Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Website: https://localglobe.vc

18. London Venture Partners

London Venture Partners has significantly boosted the UK gaming industry by investing in and nurturing early-stage gaming startups.

  • Sector: Gaming, ESports
  • Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Website: https://londonvp.com

19. Longwall Ventures

Longwall Ventures significantly contributes to innovation in the United Kingdom by investing in early-stage science and technology companies.

20. Playfair Capital

Playfair Capital has had a significant impact on the United Kingdom by supporting innovation and entrepreneurship through early-stage investments in technology startups.

21. Pretiosum Ventures

Pretiosum Ventures has significantly contributed to the growth of innovative startups in the United Kingdom through strategic investments and support.

  • Sector: AI, B2B, Fintech, SaaS
  • Stage: Seed, Pre-Seed
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Website: https://Pretiosum.vc

22. Rally Cry Ventures

Rally Cry Ventures significantly boosts the UK entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing crucial venture capital and expert guidance to early-stage startups.

  • Sector: B2C, Software
  • Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Website: https://rallycry.vc

23. UFP Fintech

UFP Fintech significantly enhances financial innovation and accessibility in the United Kingdom through cutting-edge technology solutions.

  • Sector: Financial Services, Fintech, Legal Tech
  • Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Website: nan

24. Velo Partners

Velo Partners is significantly enhancing the United Kingdom's gaming industry landscape through strategic investments and support for innovative startups.

25. Archangels

Archangels, as leaders of celestial armies and symbols of divine protection, have significantly influenced the art, literature, and cultural heritage of the United Kingdom.

26. BACKED

BACKED has significantly influenced the UK startup ecosystem by providing essential capital and mentorship to early-stage tech companies.

  • Sector: Blockchain, Biotechnology, Food and Beverage
  • Stage: Seed, Series A, Pre-Seed
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Website: https://www.backed.vc

27. Mercuri

Mercuri has significantly enhanced sales training and performance strategies for businesses across the United Kingdom.

  • Sector: AI, Media and Entertainment, Entertainment & Media, Digital Media
  • Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Website: https://www.mercuri.vc

28. Zinc

Zinc is essential for numerous industries in the United Kingdom, notably bolstering the nation's manufacturing and healthcare sectors through its versatile applications in galvanization and dietary supplements.

  • Sector: Financial Services, Health Care, Applications
  • Stage: Pre-Seed
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Website: https://www.zinc.vc/

29. Portfolio Ventures

Portfolio Ventures has significantly contributed to the growth of startups in the United Kingdom by providing crucial funding and mentorship.

  • Sector: Fintech, Insurtech, SaaS, B2B, B2B SaaS
  • Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Website: https://portfolio.ventures

30. D2 Fund

D2 Fund positively impacts the United Kingdom by investing in innovative startups and fostering economic growth.

  • Sector: AI, Analytics, API, Automation, B2B, Climate, Computing, Deep Tech, Energy, Privacy and Security, Climate Tech, B2B Software, Data Infrastructure, Data Science
  • Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Website: https://www.d2.fund

31. Embryo Ventures

Embryo Ventures has significantly driven innovation in the United Kingdom by fostering startups that address pressing societal challenges.

  • Sector: Health, Health and Wellness, Consumer Health, Digital Health, Women's Health, AI, Automation, Climate, Consumer, Consumer Goods, Health Care, Lifestyle and Wellness, SaaS, Deeptech, Supply Chain, Nutrition, Consumer tech, Mobility, New Retail, Sustainability, Cleantech, web3, Food and Beverage
  • Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Website: https://www.embryoventures.com

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Conclusion: pre-seed VC firms in United Kingdom actively investing in 2024

The landscape of pre-seed investment in the United Kingdom is both diverse and dynamic, as evidenced by the standout contributions of key investors outlined in this article. Each investor brings unique strengths to the table, whether it's fostering diversity through Ada Ventures, revolutionizing the financial tech scene with UFP Fintech, or empowering female entrepreneurs via AVG Women's Fund. In 2024 alone, £1.5 billion in pre-seed funding has been pivotal in catalyzing the growth of countless startups across the nation. These investors provide much more than mere capital; they offer mentorship, industry expertise, and vital network connections that are integral to transforming nascent ideas into industry-shifting innovations.

As the UK continues to hold its reputation as a hotspot for entrepreneurial activity, the role of these pre-seed investors cannot be overstated. They are not only igniting initial spark lights in the startup ecosystem but also helping companies navigate early challenges, ensuring sustained growth and long-term success. For aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make their mark, understanding the landscape of UK pre-seed investment—and the bespoke strategies each investor brings—stands as a critical step in the journey from inception to impact. The rich ecosystem offered by these investors promises a vibrant future for innovation and entrepreneurship in the UK.

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