Angel Funding & Support
Where ambition meets investment
If you’re a founder building in the South West or South Wales, Angel Investors Bristol could be a key partner to help you take your startup to the next stage.
Not only do we support funding, we actively look to support our portfolio companies through an AIB Founder Community, advisory support and a Board Observer role (where appropriate).
Innovation. Team. Defensibility.
A welcoming route to investment
We know that not every founder has the same access to investor networks, experience or introductions.
You don’t need to have an existing relationship with an AIB member to apply. We assess opportunities against our investment criteria, including whether the business is based in, or has significant operations in, the South West, and aim to make our process clear, consistent and accessible to founders from all backgrounds.
Eligibility
Please only apply if you have (or about to have) significant operational presence in the South West and South Wales counties (including Gloucestershire and Wiltshire).
If your business does not have a meaningful connection to these regions, it is not currently eligible to apply to Angel Investors Bristol.
What do our members look for?
Competition is strong – each month, 30–40 companies apply through our website, but our network typically backs just one or two.
This is what we’re looking 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.
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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
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 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
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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 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.
If you’re looking at funding options in the South West / UK, check out our information page here.
Applying to AIB?
1. Take the initial assessment
This helps us both understand where you are in your development and if you’re ready to apply to AIB yet.
The assessment ask questions on:
Finance
Market Validation
Defensibility
Team
Growth
Business (general)
2. Read the report
This will provide useful information about your ‘readiness’ to apply to AIB.
If you’re not ready the assessment won’t provide a link to apply but you’ll receive a useful report indicating which areas need working on before re-applying. We absolutely encourage tenacity. If you’re not the right fit now, you may be in the future, we always encourage you to keep in touch and apply again when you’re ready.
3. If ‘Ready’ – Apply
If the assessment indicates you’re ready to apply, the report page will give you a link saying ‘Click HERE to Apply to AIB‘. Click on the link in the report and follow the instruction to tell us all about your business.
4. Submission
Once submitted your application is shared with our ‘Investment Committee’ members. They review your opportunity against our investment criteria and geographical focus.
5. Screening
If our IC team doesn’t think the opportunity suits our investment ethos, you will receive an email detailing why. If we think there is potential alignment, we will email you to arrange a ‘get to know each other’ video call.
6. Pitch Selection
After the video call, we will let you know if we think you’re a good fit (or not) for pitching at one of our monthly events (only 2 pitch slots are available).
7. Pitch Event
If you’re invited to one of our monthly pitch events, you will have around 45 minutes to pitch, including Q&A. We will also give you some pre-pitch coaching to help you prepare.
8. Investment Decision
After the event, we share a video of the pitch to members who couldn’t attend and ask all members to submit their interest. If we attract enough interest, we will then engage in due diligence.
9. Post Event
Once we have completed due diligence and collated enough investment interest, we use ‘Join Odin‘ as a platform to administer our SPV (special purpose vehicle), collect funds, arrange legals and make payment. This also means one entry on your cap table, rather than lots of investors.
10. Post Investment
Once you receive your investment, we will invoice the company an introducers fee of 5% (or an agreed percentage/amount). As founders, you will then be invited into the AIB Founders Forum where we introduce you to other founders in the portfolio and provide advisorial support where we can. We also provide a Board Observer (where appropriate).
Upcoming opportunities
Pitch dates
Our pitch events are monthly (not July, August, January). We invite just two companies to pitch who get 45 minutes each.
THE NEXT PITCH IS THURSDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER 2026
WE TAKE JULY & AUGUST OFF AS MANY INVESTORS TAKE HOLIDAY
The next planned pitch dates are:
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Thursday 10th September 26
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Thursday 8th October 2026
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Thursday 12th November 26
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Thursday 3rd December 2026
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Thursday 10th September 26
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Thursday 8th October 2026
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Thursday 12th November 26
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Thursday 3rd December 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.
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
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
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.