Our co-founders
Lifted Ventures was founded by Jordan Dargue and Helen Oldham in 2024.
Known for being the joint leaders of the award-winning NorthInvest angel network and co-founders of the industry-leading Fund Her North and Women Angels of the North, they bring extensive experience from across the early-stage investment ecosystem.
They have a strong track record in building inclusive investment capacity, angel networks, education programmes, and thriving communities.
Helen Oldham
Jordan Dargue
Helen Oldham is a seasoned investor, leader, and advocate for women in business. As Co‑Founder of Lifted Ventures, she works to unlock early‑stage capital for female founders and champion the clear business benefits of backing women.
Helen is a board member of the UK Business Angels Association, a NED, and a consultant with deep experience across investment, leadership and strategy.
Before co‑founding Lifted Ventures, she helped launch the award‑winning NorthInvest and in 2020 founded Fund Her North — bringing together women in VCs and angel investing to give female founders equal access to finance.
Prior to her work in the investment ecosystem, Helen was Managing Director of both The Yorkshire Post and The Scotsman, leading major media businesses.
Known for her strategic insight, commitment to inclusive investment and support for regional SMEs, Helen’s work helps founders grow, scale and secure funding with confidence.
Jordan Dargue is one of the UK’s most passionate and respected advocates for female founders and diversity in the investment ecosystem.
As Co-Founder of Lifted Ventures, she works to increase the flow of early-stage capital to female founders and highlight the significant business benefits of backing women.
Jordan is a C-Suite senior leader, angel investor, and experienced NED. She previously co-led and served as Board Director of the multi-award-winning NorthInvest, and in 2020 co-founded Fund Her North and Women Angels of the North — a collective of women in VC and angel investing supporting female founders to access finance equally.
Her transformative influence is evident in orchestrating multi-million equity-based investment rounds, cultivating award-winning investor networks, and providing unwavering support to thousands of SMEs on their journey toward expansion and investment.
Jordan is widely recognised as a change-maker and leader, championing inclusive investment across the UK’s regions.
Speaking & Events
Jordan and Helen are experienced speakers and are available to deliver keynote talks, host panels, and join expert discussions at events across the UK and internationally.
With deep expertise in angel investing, early-stage funding, and building inclusive investment ecosystems, they bring practical insight and real-world experience to every stage.
Drawing on their work with Lifted Ventures, Fund Her North, and Women Angels of the North, as well as their personal investment experiences, they share informed perspectives on the future of investment, supporting female founders, and strengthening regional startup communities.