Majority of angel investors based in South, says report
A LARGE disparity in terms of where angel investors are both based and investing is laid bare in a new report from the British Business Bank.
The UK Business Angels Market report found that 57 per cent of business angels are based in London and the South East, with 35 per cent in London and 22 per cent in the South East.
Furthermore, nearly a third of business angels’ investments are made in London.
In England, the South West has the largest number of business angels outside of London followed by the North West and the East of England.
Data from the survey indicates that the business angel market is very mature, with 21 per cent aged over 65 years and 75 per cent aged over 45 years.
The four sectors most-favoured by business angels are healthcare, life sciences, fintech and software.
Keith Morgan, British Business Bank chief executive, said: “Angel investors play a vital role in the economy, bringing patient capital, business experience, and skills to support the growth of smaller businesses. Their funding and expertise can be the key to unlocking rapid growth for companies wanting to expand, diversify, or enter new markets.”
The report revealed that the median initial investment by a business angel is £25,000.
Small Business Minister Andrew Griffiths said: “The findings from today’s report provide encouraging news to small businesses who are looking to grow, in a market where there is often a shortage of funding.”