Want to get more information on Nations and Regions Investment Funds?
Register for our newsletter and get the latest updates on our Nations and Regions Investment funds.
Register for our newsletterOpen for applications
Equity Finance up to £5 million
Equity finance is widely accepted as an important ingredient for businesses with potential for high growth.
Equity finance can be particularly important for new and innovative companies with high growth potential as it can provide long-term backing to fund business growth through to revenue and profit. In simple terms, equity finance is raising capital through the sale of shares in a business.
The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II has particular interest in supporting equity investments, helping the North of England to become a vibrant and sustainable venture capital market. An equity-based investment could be right if you run an established business with ambitious plans, or a large start up with high growth potential.
How to apply
- Go to the fund manager’s website by clicking the box below.
- Make an enquiry directly to the fund manager.
- The fund manager will contact you to talk through your funding requirement.
- The fund manager may ask for more information and a formal application or pitch deck.
- The fund manager will evaluate your application and make the investment decision.
Have a question? Read our Frequently Asked Questions.
Funds Available
Equity Finance, Up to £5 million (North West)
Praetura Ventures Website Equity Finance, Up to £5 million (Yorkshire & the Humber)
Mercia Website Equity Finance, Up to £5 million (North East)
Maven WebsiteLatest News from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II
Press release
Blog post
Press release
Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II in the news
Sustainable flooring company lands £80k NPIF II boost
04 March 2026
Uplyfted Services Ltd has secured £80k from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II. The company collects used carpet tiles from office refurbishments, professionally cleans them, and redistributes them for installation in social housing. The funding will support Uplyfted’s expansion into the commercial office and school markets:
Learn more Sustainable flooring company lands £80k NPIF II boostPXN Ventures launches PraeSeed programme for startups
27 February 2026
PXN Ventures has reopened applications for its PraeSeed investment programme, recruiting a third cohort and targeting founders across the North of England with a six-week package of funding and support. The programme, which aims to help pre-seed startups become investor-ready, will culminate in an Investor Showcase in September, offering direct exposure to the region’s investment community. Up to eight of these will receive £200,000 each from NPIF II Equity Finance, which is managed by PXN Ventures.
Learn more PXN Ventures launches PraeSeed programme for startupsUK tech firm pioneering ‘Moneyball’ approach raises £2.4m
18 February 2026
Liverpool-based eCommerce solution provider Made With Intent is looking to expand globally after raising £2.4m in an investment round led by the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II. The company has developed an AI-powered model that, when added to eCommerce websites, provides real-time customer insights by analysing over 800 onsite signals.
Learn more UK tech firm pioneering ‘Moneyball’ approach raises £2.4mNorthern Powerhouse Investment Fund II Case Studies
Freeklime
Yorkshire indoor climbing operator, Freeklime, secured a £150,000 loan from NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia Debt and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), to expand its business with the launch of a third venue.
Troo
Business energy consultants Troo, based in Sunderland, secured a seven-figure investment from NPIF II – NEL Debt Finance, which is managed by NEL Fund Managers as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II). The funding will enable the next phase of growth through cutting-edge technology and talent development.
Sanco
Sanco, a Newcastle-based Neapolitan pizza dining experience, has secured a five-figure investment from NPIF II – NEL Smaller Loans, which is managed by NEL Fund Managers as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).
Related articles
The importance of an effective communications strategy
Read article The importance of an effective communications strategy
What is Foreign Exchange risk?
Read article What is Foreign Exchange risk?
Help with the Apprenticeship Levy and Employment Allowance
Read article Help with the Apprenticeship Levy and Employment Allowance
Sign up for our newsletter
Just add your details to receive updates and news from the British Business Bank
Sign up to our newsletter