The Capital Catalysts – Who’s Backing South Yorkshire’s Growth?
In every successful growth story, there are quiet forces working behind the scenes, people who spot potential early, take risks, and back the people, not just the plans. In South Yorkshire, they’re unlocking a new wave of opportunity.
The Capital Catalysts – Who’s Backing South Yorkshire’s Growth?
In every successful growth story, there are quiet forces working behind the scenes, people who spot potential early, take risks, and back the people, not just the plans. In South Yorkshire, they’re unlocking a new wave of opportunity.
PICKING UP THE PACE
Regional Director, South Yorkshire
Between 2022 and 2024, over £1.2 billion of public and private investment poured into South Yorkshire. But behind the numbers are networks of investors, fund managers, business support teams, angel syndicates and family offices who are choosing to put their money and their belief into local entrepreneurs, technologies and ideas.
From pre-seed to scale-up, South Yorkshire is now building an investment ecosystem with real depth. Institutions like Northern Gritstone, British Business Bank, and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) are playing critical roles, alongside a growing network of early-stage funds and university-linked accelerators.
Among the key players shaping this landscape are Mercia Ventures and Foresight Group, both of which have backed dozens of the region’s most exciting SMEs in recent years. Their involvement helping build scalable, resilient businesses with strong local roots and national potential.
Investment Director at Mercia Ventures
“We invest in talented and ambitious founders who are changing the world. With exceptional educational institutions and a rich culture of innovation, South Yorkshire represents a critical focus for us. We have backed many of the region's most exciting companies and continue to spend considerable time getting to know local founders as early as possible. We also love to see outside capital coming into the region, whether this is facilitated through our involvement or others. A rising tide of exciting businesses is a good thing for everyone.”
- Chris Borrett, Investment Director at Mercia Ventures
A NEW GENERATION OF INVESTMENT
Alongside established names like Mercia and Foresight, a new wave of investor networks is reshaping early-stage funding in the region. One example is Venture Community, a founder-led angel group building a more open and inclusive startup ecosystem across the North.
Entrepreneur-led and community-owned, Venture Community connects first-time founders with experienced operators who offer not just capital, but hands-on support and real-world insight. Its model also enables peer investment, wider access through SEIS and EIS, and early signals for VCs seeking promising opportunities.
Founder at Venture.Community
As Pete Hopton, the initiative’s founder, explains:
“We aim to build structures that let experienced entrepreneurs stay immersed in their sectors, share what they know, and support the next generation while building a stronger, more resilient early-stage ecosystem in the North.”
BACKING AMBITION IN UNEXPECTED PLACES
In Doncaster, a female-founded medtech company recently secured angel investment to expand into overseas markets. In Barnsley, the Enterprising Barnsley initiative continues to be a standout example of local government backing innovation on the ground with over 1,400 jobs created since 2017 through its business growth programmes.
And across Sheffield, new co-investment models are bringing together universities, investors, and civic partners to support spinouts and social enterprises with serious potential.
Chief Executive at Northern Powerhouse Partnership
“South Yorkshire is showing how long-term, patient investment can unlock the potential of our cities and towns. From Northern Gritstone’s backing for breakthrough research to NPIF 2 supporting ambitious entrepreneurs, these funds are helping to build a stronger, more resilient economy. At Northern Powerhouse Partnership, we’re focused on making sure this model of collaborative, regionally driven investment becomes a foundation for future growth across the North.”
- Henri Murison, Chief Executive at Northern Powerhouse Partnership
WHAT'S NEXT?
As we look ahead, the opportunity is not just to attract more capital but to grow our own. That means backing fund managers from diverse backgrounds, supporting local angel networks, and ensuring that capital flows into communities, not just companies.
Because when investment stays local, it builds more than businesses, it builds confidence, capability, and a sense of shared purpose.
For more details on any of the details discussed, or to find out how we can help your business with their Executive Search needs, please contact:
EMMA PANARIELLO
07512 318 768
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