Angels@Essex enjoys record-breaking year

Angels@Essex, the University of Essex's early stage investment platform, has enjoyed a record year of growth with total equity raised by supported businesses increasing by more than 50% to £159 million.

The latest figures show total equity raised increased from £105.5 million to £159 million, representing a 51% year on year rise. In the 12-month period to December 2025, the number of businesses successfully raising investment also rose from 154 to 187, a 21% increase, while overall deal activity accelerated, with total deals growing from 251 at the start of the year to 313 by December, a 25% uplift.

These achievements underline Angels@Essex's growing influence within the regional and national early stage investment ecosystem. Angels@Essex is now looking to go further and strengthen its regional impact through new collaborations with Essex County Council, alongside initiatives aligned to the University's expertise in deep tech and life sciences and key pillars of the UK Government's Industrial Strategy. To support this ambitious vision, Angels@Essex has just appointed Richa Daniel as Investment Ecosystem Manager.

Enterprise Officer Simon Lister said: "Reaching £159 million in equity raised is a powerful milestone for Angels@Essex. It reflects the ambition of our founders, the confidence of our investors, and the University's commitment to turning bold ideas into businesses that deliver real impact for people and places. Welcome Richa to the team will increase our capacity to connect founders and investors in the East of England."

Established in May 2020 as part of a government backed University Enterprise Zone initiative, Angels@Essex has continued to prosper well beyond the lifespan of the original programme. Today, it plays a pivotal role in supporting founders across Essex and the East of England through investment readiness support, expert consultation and access to angel investors and syndicates.

This structured approach helps founders refine their propositions and pitch decks before introducing them to investors at a critical stage in their growth journey, where securing capital can unlock scaling, job creation and long term impact.

There are currently 19 businesses live on the Angels@Essex platform, spanning multiple high growth sectors, with climate, medtech and agritech leading the way. These areas reflect both investor demand and the University of Essex's strengths in supporting innovation that delivers economic and societal benefit.

Simon said: "With momentum building and equity raised continuing to grow, Angels@Essex continues to demonstrate the power of universities to connect ideas, investment and innovation to drive lasting regional growth."