The East of England is full of brilliant ideas.

 

The region produces 15% of the UK's university spinouts, yet received just 9% of UK equity investment last year. The new £140 million East of England Investment Fund, launched by the British Business Bank in September 2026, is here to help close that gap.

 

About the fund

The fund supports small and medium-sized businesses across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex and Hertfordshire, in rural, coastal and urban communities. It offers two types of finance:

- Equity investment of up to £5 million, managed by Mercia Ventures

- Debt finance from £25,000 to £2 million, managed by Eastmeare, part of Beechbrook

 

The fund is designed to work alongside existing sources of investment in the region, increasing the supply of early stage finance and helping businesses that might otherwise struggle to raise.

 

Working with Mercia

We're delighted to be working with Mercia to bring great opportunities to the equity side of the fund. As a network of angel investors rooted in the East of England, we meet many of the region's most exciting founders, and we're well placed to introduce them to Mercia.

 

For founders, this means you could raise investment from our angels alongside backing from the fund. Our members bring more than capital. Many are experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders who can offer practical advice, contacts and support as you grow.

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For investors

Our partnership with Mercia means our members may have the chance to invest alongside the fund, and to see a wider range of well supported opportunities from across the region.

 

For founders

If you're building an innovative business in the East of England and would like to explore co-investment from Eastern Angels and the East of England Investment Fund, we'd love to hear from you.

 

Simply apply through our usual process and tell us you're interested in the fund.

 

Questions? Email hello@easternangels.co.uk.