Leeds, 15 April 2025 – Lifted Ventures is proud to announce its selection as an investor partner for Innovate UK’s Investor Partnership Programme, a ground-breaking initiative designed to provide essential funding to high-growth, innovative UK companies. This programme supports micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are pioneering cutting-edge technologies in key sectors, including:
- Net Zero
- Healthy Living and Agriculture
- Digital and Technologies
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
By partnering with Innovate UK, Lifted Ventures will play a vital role in fuelling the success of ambitious UK businesses, helping them access the investment they need to scale and make a lasting impact.
Empowering Innovation with Strategic Investment
The Investor Partnership Programme is a unique opportunity for SMEs to receive both grant funding and aligned equity investment. Since its inception, Innovate UK has collaborated with a diverse range of investor partners – including venture capital funds, corporate investors, business angel groups, and social impact investors – to support companies developing breakthrough innovations.
Since 2017, the programme has already demonstrated significant impact:
- £153m in grant funding awarded to SMEs
- £415 million in aligned equity investment
- £1 billion in follow-on investment
A Commitment to Driving Growth and Innovation
Lifted Ventures joins a distinguished network of investors dedicated to supporting high-potential businesses in the UK’s future economy. By providing both financial backing and strategic guidance, Lifted Ventures aims to accelerate the growth of SMEs working on transformative solutions that will shape the industries of tomorrow.
“Innovate UK’s Investor Partnership Programme is a game-changer for innovative UK businesses,” said Jordan Dargue, co-founder at Lifted Ventures. “We are thrilled to be part of this initiative and look forward to supporting ground-breaking companies as they scale, secure funding, and achieve their full potential.”
“This programme will also support the Lifted Ventures angel network. Angel investors can benefit from investing alongside Innovate UK grants by spreading risk and leveraging non-dilutive funding, allowing their money to go further and potentially accelerating the growth of promising businesses.”
Helen Oldham, Co-founder of Lifted Ventures, added: “At Lifted Ventures, we are passionate about supporting diverse and innovative female entrepreneurs who are driving real change in their industries. Partnering with Innovate UK allows us to empower businesses with the funding and resources they need to thrive, and we are excited to play a role in their success.”