An £8 million early-stage angel investment fund has been launched to support startups in the East Midlands. The fund, announced by D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership chair Elizabeth Fagan at the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds, is aimed at fostering growth within the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire startup ecosystems. The fund targets companies that have been trading for six to 24 months and are based in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, or Nottinghamshire. D2N2 LEP is contributing £4 million, which will be matched by investment fund manager Haatch. The goal is to re-invest these funds over the longer term to continue stimulating early-stage company growth. Notable companies in Haatch’s portfolio include Aerocloud, Native Teams, Made With Intent, and Bunch. The partnership will also benefit from co-investment by British Business Investments, which committed £10 million to Haatch in 2022. As part of a structural transition, D2N2 LEP will integrate into the East Midlands Combined County Authority in 2024.
Private Equity, Startups and Venture Capital, Regional Economic Development,United Kingdom, East Midlands