Angel Funding
Where ambition meets investment
If you’re a founder building in the South West or South Wales, Angel Investors Bristol could be the partner to help you take your startup to the next stage.
Innovation. Team. Defensibility.
Who are we looking for at AIB?
Competition is strong – each month, 30–40 companies apply through our website, but our network typically backs just one or two.
What do our members look for?
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Tax-advantaged
SEIS/EIS approved, so our investors can benefit from key tax reliefs.
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Strong founders
Resilient, ambitious teams with the drive to scale fast-growth opportunities.
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Defensible advantage
Products or services with IP, partnerships, or market position that protect your moat.
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Matched funding
Startups with grant funding or co-investment opportunities alongside other backers.
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Sector focus
We’re especially drawn to deep/med/health-tech, SaaS, ESG, and inclusivity-driven businesses.
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Proven traction
Revenue-generating companies showing clear signs of commercial momentum
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Tax-advantaged
SEIS/EIS approved, so our investors can benefit from key tax reliefs.
-
Strong founders
Resilient, ambitious teams with the drive to scale fast-growth opportunities.
-
Defensible advantage
Products or services with IP, partnerships, or market position that protect your moat.
-
Matched funding
Startups with grant funding or co-investment opportunities alongside other backers.
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Sector focus
We’re especially drawn to deep/med/health-tech, SaaS, ESG, and inclusivity-driven businesses.
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Proven traction
Revenue-generating companies showing clear signs of commercial momentum
What don’t we invest in?
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Early ideas without proof
We look for evidence of customer demand – traction, letters of intent, or similar validation
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No retail
Consumer retail businesses rarely align with our investors’ interests.
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Non UK-focussed
We invest in businesses rooted in the UK (usually South West / South Wales), not overseas ventures.
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Early ideas without proof
We look for evidence of customer demand – traction, letters of intent, or similar validation
-
No retail
Consumer retail businesses rarely align with our investors’ interests.
-
Non UK-focussed
We invest in businesses rooted in the UK (usually South West / South Wales), not overseas ventures.
Adding value
Why choose AIB?
We don’t just provide capital – we give you the tools, connections, and expertise to grow.
Investment expertise
Many of our members are experienced investors with a strong track record in the startup ecosystem. We provide not only funding, but also strategic guidance, industry knowledge, and mentorship to help your business scale.
S/EIS support
We specialise in S/EIS-qualifying startups, offering founders a smoother path through the process. S/EIS provides valuable tax benefits to investors, making your business more attractive for funding. We’ll guide you or connect you with trusted partners to handle the admin.
Network & connections
Joining Angel Investors Bristol opens doors to a powerful network of investors, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs. These connections can accelerate customer growth, unlock partnerships, and support future fundraising rounds.
Regional focus
Based in Bristol, we’re committed to startups in the South West and South Wales. We believe regional ventures drive innovation and growth, and we’re here to connect you with resources, mentorship, and capital tailored to the local ecosystem.
Applying to AIB?
If you reach the appropriate level of the assessment, you will be asked to submit your application (on the final page). This can be don’t anytime once you have the link.
You can take the assessment as many times as you want.
Anyone taking the assessment will receive a personalised report at the end summarising where your application is strong, and where there may be areas to improve.
The assessment ask questions on:
Finance
Market Validation
Defensibility
Team
Growth
Business (general)
Upcoming opportunities
Pitch dates
Our pitch events are monthly (not July, August, December, January). We invite just two companies to pitch who get 45 minutes each.
The next planned pitch dates are:
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12th March 26
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16th April 26
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14th May 26
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11th June 2026
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12th March 26
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16th April 26
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14th May 26
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11th June 2026
“Thanks to this next investment, we’ll be able to develop our team and infrastructure. This will support our plans to achieve major milestones going to market”.
Dan Hardy | CEO & Founder – Microsol
Success in numbers
From pitch to partnership
We keep our investment process simple and transparent, so founders know exactly what to expect at each step. Our goal is to give you the best chance to showcase your business and secure the right support to grow.
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Step 1
Your application
This is your first step. Tell us about your business, your vision, and your funding needs by completing our assessment. If you pass the initial assessment, you'll be invited to submit your application.
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Step 2
Your evaluation
We review your application to assess potential, traction, and fit with our network, gathering key details to understand your opportunity. We select a few companies to have a 'get to know you call'.
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Step 3
Pitch presentation
If selected, you’ll present your pitch to our investor group. This is your chance to share your story, demonstrate traction, and outline your growth plan. We have one event each month (not Jan, Jul, Aug, Dec) where two companies present.
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Step 4
Funding decision
Following your pitch, our investors discuss and decide on next steps. You’ll receive clear feedback and, where applicable, offers of investment and support.
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Step 5
Cost
There is a straightforward fee structure to cover administration and running costs. We’ll make this transparent upfront – no surprises. Investment is placed through a single SPV to keep the cap table light.
Success in numbers
Meet the founders
Hear directly from the entrepreneurs we’ve supported across the South West and South Wales. These founders share their journeys, lessons, and how working with AIB helped accelerate their growth.
Or a look through our case studies / investments.
Microsol Science
“Thanks to this next investment, we'll be able to develop our team and infrastructure. This will support our plans to achieve major milestones going to market”.
Dan Hardy | CEO & Founder
Anya
“Hugely privileged to be backed by the amazing Angel Investors Bristol as Anya is a South West based start-up, scaling in this vibrant start-up eco-system! The investment and support will enable Anya to expand our impact to broader women's health and private sectors in the UK and beyond!”.
Dr Chen Mao Davies | CEO & Founder
Canned Wine
“This investment ensures we're able to continue accelerated growth of cans whilst investing in our cask opportunities”.
Simon Rollings | CEO & C0-Founder
Powered by collaboration
Our founders benefit from…
Funding, mentoring, support and access the wider South West business support ecosystem for fast growth busineses.
Ready to shape the future together?
Back the South West and South Wales’ most ambitious founders and grow your portfolio with us. Whether you’re new or experienced, Angel Investors Bristol gives you the network, insight, and opportunities to make real impact.
The content on this website is provided for general information purposes only. It does not constitute professional, legal, financial, [medical] or other advice. No responsibility is accepted for any loss arising from reliance on information contained on this site. Users should seek independent professional advice appropriate to their specific situation.