Newcastle is the commercial heart of North East England and is supported by a diverse network of fund managers providing a range of solutions including, venture capital, private equity, debt finance and business grants.
Investment Zones
The new North East Mayoral Combined Authority is designated as one of 12 UK Investment Zones to enable the creation of comprehensive incentives for attracting investment in the local economy around strategic sectors such as green industries and advanced manufacturing.
North of Tyne Inward Investment Fund
£10m is available through the North of Tyne Combined Authority (NTCA) to support businesses looking to invest and create jobs in Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland. The NTCA Inward Investment Fund can contribute up to 10% of capital costs, with grants of between £100,000 up to a maximum of £1m.
North East Commercial Property Investment Fund
£35 million is available via this commercial property fund to support developers in the North East. Providing loans of up to £7 million, the fund can support speculative developments for new or refurbished commercial projects, including industrial units, distribution facilities or office schemes.
North East Development Capital Fund
North East Development Capital Fund can invest from £400,000 to £2m to support established businesses via debt finance, mezzanine loans or equity investment to help fulfil their growth potential.
Northstar Ventures
Northstar Ventures is a UK-based venture capital firm dedicated to supporting innovative businesses. With a focus on social and economic impact, they provide funding and expertise to help startups and entrepreneurs thrive, contributing to the growth and success of North East England and beyond.
NEL Fund Managers
NEL Fund Managers is a prominent investment firm specialising in fund management and finance solutions. NEL manages the Growth Capital Fund, providing between £100,000 and £500,000 of unsecured investment to ambitious companies which need additional finance to boost growth or to consolidate their market position.
Maven Capital Partners
Maven Capital Partners is a leading private equity and alternative asset manager with a focus on supporting entrepreneurial businesses. Operating across the UK, they provide strategic investments and expertise in North East England, fostering growth and contributing to the success of a diverse range of enterprises in various sectors.
Mercia Asset Management
Mercia Asset Management is a leading fund manager that provides equity and debt to UK businesses with growth ambition. A key investor in North East England, Mercia is dedicated to cultivating the success of dynamic businesses.
BGF
Business Growth Fund is a £3.5m programme of investment funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund that supports business growth across the areas of Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council, North Of Tyne Combined Authority, Sunderland City Council.
Northern Accelerator
Northern Accelerator is an exciting collaboration between the North East’s universities, creating real-world impact from world-leading research, commercialising innovation and boosting the region’s economy.
OakNorth Bank
OakNorth provides a range of debt finance solutions to businesses and has lent £10bn to ambitious entrepreneurs up and down the UK since its launch. The tech-enabled bank offers flexible funding from £250,000 and is looking to change the definition of lending for its customers.
Ignite Accelerator
Ignite is an early-stage accelerator programme for start-ups with high-scaling potential (usually tech). Established in 2011 it’s supported more than 500 founders, who between them have raised hundreds of millions in investment and created hundreds of jobs.
