Diverse Angel Syndicate

Building a more inclusive angel investment ecosystem across the UK

We’re developing a new initiative to support diverse angel syndicates, groups of investors working together to back early-stage businesses. Research shows that investors often fund founders who share similar backgrounds. As a result, women and ethnic minority entrepreneurs are underrepresented in angel-backed deals.

By helping syndicates become more diverse and making angel investing more accessible, we aim to ensure a wider range of founders are seen, supported, and funded.

Why this matters

Diverse angel syndicates bring fresh perspectives and unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth. By making investing more inclusive, we can increase the flow of capital to underrepresented founders, those who are often overlooked despite their potential. A more representative angel investment ecosystem benefits everyone by driving equity, expanding access, and strengthening the UK's entrepreneurial landscape.

What we’ve done so far

In 2023, we launched a pilot supporting four female-led syndicates, Mint Ventures, Awaken Angels, Women Angels of Wales and Lifted Ventures. By Q4 2024/25, they had:

• Engaged 185 new angel investors, of which:
  • 146 are novice investors and 39 are experienced investors
  • 176 are female and nine are male
• Completed 29 investment deals worth £18.4 million (£1.2 million directly from the syndicates)

Goals

Diverse Angel Syndicate will:

• Grow the number of diverse angel investors
• Increase investment in businesses led by underrepresented founders
• Support syndicates to recruit, train, and invest inclusively

What support will be available

The initiative will offer both financial and non-financial support to syndicates to:

• Understand and implement the key considerations and infrastructure requirements that apply when establishing / growing a syndicate
• Raise awareness of angel investing as an asset class to attract and onboard new diverse angel investors
• Provide adequate training for new / novice investors
• Establish a business model that is based on building a self-sustaining syndicate in the longer-term
• Connect and build relationships with other like-minded syndicates, early stage investors and co-investment partners

What’s next

We’re currently developing the initiative and application process. Applications will open in early 2026, with the Diverse Angel Syndicate launching later that year.

If you’re involved in a diverse angel syndicate and are interested in applying, please register your interest below to receive updates.

Register your interest

Stay informed about the Diverse Angel Syndicate. This is not an application, just a way to receive updates and announcements.