Praetura Ventures Amplifies Support for Northern Startups with PraeSeed's Return
Deal News | Mar 04, 2025 | praetura ventures
Praetura Ventures is reintroducing PraeSeed, a program aimed at bolstering pre-seed and pre-revenue businesses in Northern England. Now in its second year, the program seeks to bridge early-stage funding gaps with equity investments and support from NPIF II Praetura Equity Finance, under the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II. Following the successful funding of seven companies last year, the initiative looks to invest up to £1.4 million in the coming cohort, selecting up to 12 businesses. Participants will engage in a six-week investor-readiness program featuring workshops and networking opportunities with experienced industry figures. The longer-term goal is to invest over £6 million in 35 startups in the North, promoting innovative growth and economic development.
Sectors
- Venture Capital
- Equity Investment
- Investment Management
Geography
- United Kingdom – The program is based in the UK, specifically targeting the North of England.
- Northern England – The initiative specifically aims to support businesses in Northern England, showcasing regional focus.
Industry
- Venture Capital – PraeSeed is a venture capital initiative providing early-stage funding to pre-seed startups in Northern England.
- Equity Investment – The program offers equity investments to startups, demonstrating its role in the equity investment sector.
- Investment Management – The management role of Praetura Ventures in the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II highlights its involvement in investment management.
Financials
- £200,000 – Investment amount per selected business from the NPIF II Praetura Equity Finance.
- £1.4 million – Total investment deployed into the first cohort of seven companies.
- £6 million – Target investment over five years into 35 Northern startups by the PraeSeed program.
- £660 million – Total size of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Praetura Ventures | Program Manager | Company | A venture capital firm managing the PraeSeed program and NPIF II Praetura Equity Finance. |
| NPIF II Praetura Equity Finance | Funding Source | Company | Equity finance fund facilitated by Praetura Ventures under the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II. |
| British Business Bank | Partner | Government | The bank partners with Praetura Ventures to manage equity deals in Northern England. |
| Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II | Investment Fund | Company | A fund aimed at economic growth through investment across Northern England. |
| Jess Jackson | PraeSeed Lead | Person | The lead of the PraeSeed program at Praetura Ventures. |
| Sue Barnard | Senior Investment Manager | Person | Senior Investment Manager at British Business Bank, highlighting the bank's role in the PraeSeed program. |