How to find angel networks in the UK

Roderick Beer

Read • 3 min

Pre-Seed
Seed

What is an angel network?

An angel network is a group of individual angel investors, who come together to pool their resources and invest in early-stage companies, typically startups.

These investors are usually experienced entrepreneurs, business executives, or individuals with substantial wealth who provide capital in exchange for equity or convertible debt.

What is the advantage of an Angel network?🔗

An angel network can provide startups with access to funding when other funding options, such as venture capital or bank loans, are not available. The network shares the risks of investing and together they will vet potential investment opportunities by conducting due diligence to ensure the startup has potential for growth and success. Alongside financial support, an angel network can also offer mentorship for a founder and help make crucial connections.

Where can you find angel networks?

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The UKBAA Member Directory🔗

Our member directory is the UK’s single largest source of early-stage investors, advisors and intermediaries. We represent thousands of investors via our member organisations and you can approach any of the angel networks that you feel would be a good fit for your business. Before you make an approach, do your research on them first and tailor your approach based on your findings. If you just send a cold blanket email out to all the angel networks in the directory, you are unlikely to get a meaningful response.

Top Tip

You can browse the UKBAA member directory completely free of charge!

By conducting research on the angel network beforehand and gaining a better understanding of what type of business really interests them, you can make a more targeted and tailored approach which makes them more likely to respond. Look at their website if they have one, many seed VCs and angel groups have online application processes to help them better triage potential investments.

How to get involved

Attend events and conferences

There are hundreds of relevant events around the country, whether it is industry events or indeed investor events, it is hard not to find one worth going to in any given week. Sign up to the UKBAA newsletter to find out about events our members are holding, or visit the events section of our website, but also do your research on sector-focused events that you could attend, too. Remember to be prepared for that chance encounter with a potential investor!

Referrals and Introductions

Many investors only invest in businesses that have come through a personal referral. Ask other entrepreneurs or advisors in the startup ecosystem and in your sector, if they can connect you to relevant angel investors or networks. UKBAA members can request an introduction to angel groups as one of the benefits of their membership.

Utilise Social Media

Leverage social media to build your network. LinkedIn is an excellent tool to find and connect with angel investors and local networks. You can search for angel groups, investors, and regional business hubs or join local startup groups. On X you will find that many angel investors and networks post about upcoming events or new investment opportunities, which could also lead to introductions.

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How to approach an angel network🔗

Before approaching an angel network, make sure that you’ve thoroughly researched them to understand their key focus areas and any geographical preferences they may have. Some angel networks invest in specific regions, but others invest across the whole of the UK. Identify the right person within the angel group to approach. This could be the investment manager, director, or a member of the network responsible for deal flow. If you’re unsure, you can usually find contact details on the network’s website or through LinkedIn.

When reaching out, make sure that your email is professional, brief and clear about what you’re looking for. Whenever possible, try to get introduced to an angel investor or the network through a mutual connection. Warm introductions increase your credibility and are often more effective than cold outreach.