Northstar Ventures Limited

Since 2004 we have supported early stage technology companies with pre-Seed to Series A investments across many technology sectors and market verticals. Typically, we invest from £50k to £250k initially with multiple follow-on investments, based on delivery of milestones. Investments are in the form of minority equity stakes, quasi equity and occasionally loans. We seek co-investors wherever possible to build supportive syndicates for each investee company.

Our funds are focused on supporting businesses based in the North East and delivering impact locally. We have built a highly experienced team of investment professionals and are one of the UK’s leading regional VCs.

We are building on this platform with an ambitious strategy focusing on investments into companies addressing complex social and environmental problems at scale (‘society tech’). Within this we see enormous opportunities for innovation and value creation, particular in Net Zero, Healthy Ageing and Digital Solutions. We already have a number of portfolio companies who are active in these areas.

Crucially, we are raising a new fund, Venture North, which will be dedicated to investing in society tech. This new fund will focus on university spin-outs and ‘spin-ins’ i.e., companies working closely with universities and other research institutions sharing IP/tech/resources.

The SMEs that we will support via this programme must be undertaking innovative R&D projects, comprising feasibility studies, industrial research or experimental development. Projects must focus on one or more of the specific themes outlined in the Innovate UK Plan for Action, including Net Zero, Healthy Living & Agriculture, Digital & Technologies.

Grants sizes, intervention rates and project lengths depend on the research category. We will match grants with investment from our funds under management and from our wide network of co-investment partners.

Adding value to the portfolio:

We understand that the best investors provide considerably more than capital alone. All our team have experience of supporting multiple early stage technology businesses and wide experience and knowledge of the typical challenges that such companies face. We also have a wide network of advisors and NXDs whom we routinely introduce to our investees. We often introduce investees to other trusted service providers such as marketing agencies, recruiters, lawyers, corporate finance and other professional services, depending on needs. We have excellent networks with the innovation ecosystem including universities, technology parks and Catapults.