If there’s one thing Northern tech companies say a lot, it’s that it’s hard to find good angel investors. Sure, there are a lot of people out there with money to put into the right business, but finding them is often more about who you know that what you do. Now, a new network aims to solve this problem.

Dow Schofield Watts Angels will help connect angel investors with tech companies looking for between £250,000 and £500,000. The aim is to help them scale to a point where institutional investors will want to get involved.

David Smith, who heads up on tech at advisory firm Dow Schofield Watts, will lead the network. He says there’s a hole in the middle, between the early stage capital of accelerators, and VC funds that can often put in upwards of a million. The company deals with lots of individuals interested in investing in early stage businesses, but finding the right ones can be tough. 

The right angel for the right founder

Smith points out that the right angel can bring market-specific expertise to the startups they invest in. Someone who made a fortune in retail can be a boon to an ecommerce platform, for example. Smith hopes to replicate the success of angel networks in cities like Edinburgh, Cambridge and London. He says its open to prospective angels and startups across the North of England. The network will happily co-invest with VC funds and other groups, too.

Tech North’s Head of Investment Strategy, James Bedford, says that this new initiative is a positive for the region. “Angel networks are a vital part of the investment ecosystem and we strongly support this initiative.”

Membership is open to new and existing angel investors, and requires no commitment or fees. If you’d like to learn more, either as an angel or an entrepreneur, head to the Dow Schofield Watts Angels website.