
Northstar Ventures
Description
Northstar Ventures is a prominent early-stage venture capital firm based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom. Established with a clear mission, the firm focuses on supporting founders who are dedicated to solving societal challenges through innovative business models. They primarily target companies within the North East of England, leveraging regional funds to foster economic growth and social impact. Their investment philosophy aligns with mission-driven entrepreneurs, aiming to provide not just capital but also strategic guidance to help these nascent businesses scale.
The firm manages several key funds, including the North East Venture Fund (NEVF) and the North East Social Investment Fund (NESIF). The NEVF, backed by the European Regional Development Fund, is designed to support high-growth potential businesses across various sectors, offering investments typically ranging from £50,000 up to £1 million. This fund aims to stimulate innovation and job creation within the region. Complementing this, the NESIF specifically targets social enterprises, providing capital to organizations that prioritize social or environmental returns alongside financial sustainability, with similar investment sizes. This dual approach underscores Northstar's commitment to both commercial viability and positive societal outcomes.
Since its inception in 2004, Northstar Ventures has demonstrated a significant commitment to the North East's entrepreneurial ecosystem. The firm has invested over £100 million into more than 350 businesses, showcasing a robust track record of supporting early-stage companies. Their long-standing presence and extensive portfolio highlight their expertise in identifying and nurturing promising ventures that address critical societal needs. By providing crucial early-stage capital and ongoing support, Northstar Ventures plays a vital role in developing a vibrant and impactful startup landscape in the region.
Investor Profile
Northstar Ventures has backed more than 538 startups, with 12 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 70 rounds, about 13% of its total and boasts 26 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Seed, Series Unknown, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in United Kingdom, United States, Ireland.
- Strong thematic focus on Software, SaaS, Enterprise Software.
- Led 7 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $62.5K – $1.3M.
Stage Focus
- Seed (79%)
- Series Unknown (12%)
- Series A (4%)
- Pre Seed (2%)
- Series B (1%)
- Convertible Note (1%)
Country Focus
- United Kingdom (88%)
- United States (6%)
- Ireland (1%)
- Singapore (1%)
- India (1%)
- Australia (1%)
Industry Focus
- Software
- Saas
- Enterprise Software
- Information Technology
- Mobile
- Internet
- E-commerce
- Health Care
- Apps
- Social Media
Frequently Asked Questions
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