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AI VCs and Angel Investors UK: Fueling Innovation with Financial Backing

Curated directory of UK VCs and angel investors backing AI-driven ventures, a vital resource for aspiring entrepreneurs in the tech space

By:

We Are Founders Staff

Securing the right AI-focused VC or angel investor in the UK can be the pivotal moment that turns an idea into a breakthrough success.

These investors don’t just bring capital—they offer a wealth of expertise, insight, and a powerful network of industry contacts that money alone can’t buy. For founders, partnering with seasoned AI investors means gaining access to decades of hard-earned knowledge, shaped by both triumphs and failures.

More than just funding, AI VCs and angels can open doors to mentorship, strategic advice, and connections that are crucial for scaling in the highly competitive tech landscape. In an industry where innovation moves fast, having the right support from investors who truly understand AI can be the difference between a business that fizzles and one that flourishes.

Ready to take the leap and find the right backers for your AI venture? Sign up below for exclusive access to the UK's top AI-focused VCs and angels—your next step to making your business dreams a reality.

Octopus Ventures

Octopus Ventures backs founders who are committed to changing the world for the better, focusing their investments where they can make the greatest positive impact. The team at Octopus Ventures consists of sector experts across seven key areas: B2B Software, Bio, Climate, Consumer, Deep Tech, Fintech, and Health.

Fuel Ventures

Fuel Ventures was founded by Mark Pearson who built his own company and scaled it to a £55m exit. We know how hard building fast growth companies is and we use all our operational expertise and experienced network to help companies grow.

Concept Ventures

Concept Ventures are the largest dedicated UK pre-seed fund, helping founders reshape how we work, play and learn. As first-cheque investors, they write up to £750k initially- supporting to Series-A and beyond.

Andrew Webster

Andrew embarked on the journey of founding DesignMyNight in 2010. He spearheaded the creation of three SAAS platforms and a successful discovery brand, amassing 2 million unique users. His leadership led to a team expansion to 70 members before ultimately selling to the Access Group in 2019. Presently, Andrew thrives as an engaged angel investor, partnering with visionary founders across London, Africa, and the US.

Anton Wellenreiter

Anton is a dedicated investor and advisor in early-stage tech ventures. Co-Founder of Charlotte Street Capital, you can also explore pre-seed funding opportunities for your tech startup at charlottestreetcapital.com.

Roberta AKA Betta Lucca

Roberta Lucca, also known as Beta Lucca, is a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Bossa Games, a highly successful and innovative British video game studio in Europe. She is recognized as one of Forbes' Top 50 Women in Tech and has been featured in prominent media outlets such as the Financial Times, BBC News, WIRED, CNBC, Guardian, and Sky News.

Chantal Noble Haldorsen

Charles Wigoder, an English telecommunications entrepreneur, is known for his pivotal role in transforming Peoples Phone and Telecom Plus into thriving and prosperous ventures.

Charles Delingpole

ComplyAdvantage - The leader in AI-driven financial crime risk and detection technology powered by Complydata, the world's hyperscale source of financial risk insights.

Charles Wigoder

Charles Wigoder, an English telecommunications entrepreneur, is known for his pivotal role in transforming Peoples Phone and Telecom Plus into thriving and prosperous ventures.

Dalia Aga-Shaw

Dalia, a senior investor at British International Investment plc (BII), a prominent global impact investment firm, boasts a remarkable history of achieving both financial and impact-driven results through direct and LP investments across various regions. Her expertise extends to crafting impact and ESG investment strategies, fostering ESG value, and gauging impact performance.

Damien Lane

Damien Lane, a founding partner and Venture Partner at Episode 1 Ventures, is an accomplished Angel Investor. He holds positions as a Board Member at PerchPeek and Triptease, as well as at Riskbook. Additionally, he currently serves as a Board Member at Huboo and Sapien Health. Prior to his involvement with Episode 1, Damien was a member of the Ventures team at Octopus Investments. With 18 years of experience in the private equity industry, including roles at Electra Partners and Cognetas, he brings a wealth of expertise.

Sir David Verey, CBE

Sir David Verey, CBE, currently serves as a Senior Advisor to Freshminds. After completing his English degree at Cambridge University, he embarked on his career in investment banking at Lazard Brothers, where he spent nearly three decades and eventually held the position of Chairman until 2001. He has held board positions at Pearson plc, Cazenove, Blackstone UK, the Daily Mail & General Trust, LMS Capital plc, Sofina SA, and the Supervisory Board of Bank Gutmann.

David Pearce

David Pearce, an accomplished entrepreneur, technologist, and distinguished member of the Top 100 UK Angel Investors, brings strategic vision and extensive expertise to the realm of startup investments.

Dinika Mahtani

Investor @ Cherry Ventures | ex-Uber

Dr. Jamil Shah Foridi

Doctor; Digital Health Clinician and CEO; Blockchain; Finance; Academia: MB BChir MBA MA(Cantab) BA (Neuroscience) PG Dip (Digital Health Leadership)

Dr Jonathan Milner

Dr. Jonathan Milner, Founder of Abcam plc and a seasoned entrepreneur and investor, is dedicated to supporting UK life science startups. He established Abcam in 1998, a leading research reagent provider. With a background in Molecular Genetics, he's mentored over 80 companies and continues to work with HealX,

Dr Pamela Walker

Dr. Pamela Walker, a healthcare investment and strategic growth specialist, boasts a PhD from the University of Oxford's Medical Sciences division and holds an Executive MBA from the same institution, with the prestigious Forté Foundation scholarship for women. Her career focuses on strategy consulting and investment in MedTech and Life Sciences, excelling in IP, due diligence, market assessments, value creation, asset commercialization, clinical trials, digital transformations, expansion strategy, acquisition advisory, and market insight.

Eamon Jubbawy

Founder and CEO of Isometric, The carbon removal registry and science platform.

Ellie Asgari

Interested in artificial intelligence and machine learning in healthcare, kidney disease, transplantation and governance. Excited to see how AI can transform the way we practice medicine and love to be part of the transformation.

Get Access to the Full AI-Investor List

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Why Should Founders Seek Help from Angel or VCs?

What makes AI-focused angels and VCs different from general investors?

AI-focused angels and VCs specialise in investing in artificial intelligence ventures. They bring specific expertise, understanding of AI technologies, and a network tailored to the AI industry. This specialised focus helps them better evaluate AI innovations and support startups with targeted advice and resources.

How can I find the right AI angel or VC for my startup?

To find the right AI angel or VC, research their investment history and areas of focus to ensure they align with your startup's goals. The We Are Founders newsletter provides curated lists and insights on top UK-based AI investors, helping you connect with those who have a proven track record in supporting AI-driven ventures.

What types of support do AI angels and VCs typically offer beyond funding?

Many AI angels and VCs are willing to invest at early stages, including pre-seed or seed rounds. They understand the potential of early-stage AI technologies and are often interested in funding startups that are still in the idea phase or have a prototype, as long as there is a clear vision and potential for growth.

How early in a startup’s development will AI angels and VCs invest?

Many AI angels and VCs are willing to invest at early stages, including pre-seed or seed rounds. They understand the potential of early-stage AI technologies and are often interested in funding startups that are still in the idea phase or have a prototype, as long as there is a clear vision and potential for growth.

What should I include in my pitch to attract AI-focused investors?

When pitching to AI-focused investors, emphasise your technology’s uniqueness, market potential, and the problem it solves. Clearly outline your team’s expertise in AI, your business model, and any traction or milestones achieved. Highlight how your solution stands out in the AI landscape and its potential impact on the industry.

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