New South West angel investor group launched to stimulate tech investment

 A new wave of investment opportunities is coming to North Devon & Torridge with the launch of North Devon Angels, an investment group dedicated to supporting high-potential startups and early-stage businesses in the region. The group officially launched on 31st January 2025, providing an essential funding and mentorship platform for entrepreneurs seeking to scale their ventures.

Formed from a partnership between Tech South West, North Devon Council, Torridge District Council and established angel investment group Angel Investors Bristol, North Devon Angels aims to help bridge the funding gap for local businesses while fostering innovation and economic growth. By connecting ambitious founders with angel investors from across the region, who bring both capital and strategic guidance, the group seeks to create a thriving ecosystem for business success in North Devon and beyond.

“Our vision is to empower innovative startups and growth-stage businesses in the region by providing the financial support and expertise they need to flourish,” said Ben Cooper, director of Tech South West and co-founder of Angel Investors Bristol. “We recognise the untapped potential within North Devon and are committed to helping local entrepreneurs turn their ideas into scalable enterprises.”

“By using the infrastructure of our established group in Bristol, we are able to launch in North Devon and grow a local group. With the help of local councils and the local ecosystem, we hope to be able to replicate this model and to launch Angel groups across the South West in the coming months and years.”

North Devon Angels will focus on key sectors including technology, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. The investment group is open to early-stage companies with strong business models, scalable potential, and a commitment to making a positive impact.

As part of its launch, Tech South West hosted an event at Saunton Sands Hotel, bringing together key stakeholders, business leaders, and investment professionals to discuss future opportunities. Supported by the British Business Bank and UK Business Angels Association, the event will feature keynote speakers plus pitches from businesses from across North Devon and Torridge, representing a wide range of sectors.

Edward Tellwright, Senior Manager UK Network at the British Business Bank, was among those speaking at the event and welcomed the new angel network. He said: “The launch of North Devon Angels will create exciting opportunities for local entrepreneurs to access the funding and expertise they need to grow and succeed. We’re proud to support this network as part of our commitment to making finance markets work better for smaller businesses, and we know that angel investors have a vital role to play in that.”

“I’m delighted to see a new Angel Group being formed in North Devon,” added Roderick Beer, Managing Director of the UK Business Angels Association. “Angel Groups create a fantastic environment for new and experienced angels to back exciting young businesses. Having a visible, accessible group of Angels in a region can be transformative for the local startup ecosystem.”

Businesses seeking investment and investors interested in joining the group can learn more by emailing Ben Cooper at ben.cooper@techsouthwest.co.uk