Lancashire County Council Launches Ambitious Angel Investment Network

Lancashire County Council has announced the launch of Fhunded Angels, an angel investment program aimed at elevating startups in the Lancashire area. This groundbreaking initiative brings successful entrepreneurs and experienced sector specialists together to provide early-stage investments ranging from £50,000 to £150,000, though larger joint investments are also facilitated. Developed as part of the council's broader economic strategy, the program seeks to remedy regional imbalances in startup funding, which have historically favored London. Aidy Riggott, the council's cabinet member for economic development and growth, highlighted the importance of such localized investment opportunities, especially in a climate where national funding rounds have dwindled. The program also aims to nurture local talent by offering mentorship alongside financial capital. Jeremy Gidlow, a tech entrepreneur and participant in the Fhunded Angels initiative, expressed enthusiasm for being part of a project with the potential to uncover disruptive startups in Lancashire's growing tech sector. Ultimately, the initiative seeks not only to provide financial backing but also to serve as a catalyst for economic growth and inclusion across the region.