NorthInvest and HSBC UK announce partnership

SBC UK has been announced as the latest partner of NorthInvest, the not-for-profit ‘angel’ investor community facilitating equity investment into the North of England’s early stage tech and digital start-ups.

Leeds-based NorthInvest creates investment connections and provides support to digital and tech start-up businesses across the North – from Blackpool to Bradford, and Newcastle to Northwich. As well as investor-readiness support and deal facilitation, NorthInvest offers Non Executive Director placements, and free mentoring through its Tech Mentors: Yorkshire programme with RSM UK.

In 2019, NorthInvest continued to expand its presence in the North when it was awarded the co-management of an Innovate UK fund with UKBAA, Innovation SuperNetwork and the North East Business Innovation Centre, as part of the Regional Angel Investment Accelerator Programme.

As part of the new partnership, and alongside HSBC UK’s existing lending into established tech corporates, HSBC UK will use its connectivity and expertise both domestically and internationally to add value to NorthInvest start-ups, including how to sell into larger corporate businesses and on international trade.

Jamie McCullough, Corporate Relationship Director for HSBC UK, West & North Yorkshire, said:

“In recent years, the North has made significant steps in realising its ambition to lead as a digital and tech hub. We have seen clearly in both Leeds and Manchester that supporting innovative start-ups can benefit regional economies and create exciting solutions. NorthInvest provides a supportive network so that new businesses can fulfil their maximum potential and we’re pleased to be part of this equation.”

Helen Oldham, Founding Board Director of NorthInvest, added:

“We’re delighted to partner with HSBC UK and increase the expertise and business support available to our start-up community. With its global outlook, HSBC UK can offer a timely insight into opportunities for tech and digital start-ups in overseas markets and how best to access these, as well as offering valuable connections and advice for young companies.”

NorthInvest has already supported £2m of investments into start-ups since 2018, with over 100 angel investors seeing the completion of 10 deals. Examples include pioneering EdTech start-up, GoBubble, which offers children a safe social media experience; and synthetic diamond manufacturer, Dyman Advanced Materials, who were also awarded Innovate UK funding as part of the Regional Angel Investment, Accelerator (RAIA) programme, co-managed by NorthInvest.