Lifted Ventures, a female-focused investment network, is on a mission to position Northern England as the premier investment capital for women in the UK. With a commitment to economic growth and gender equality, the organization is dedicated to empowering female entrepreneurs and investors in the region.
Lifted Ventures offers essential support to women-led startups through funding, mentorship, and resources. The organization is breaking down barriers that have historically limited women’s access to capital through strategic partnerships, national events, and educational programs. By concentrating on the North, Lifted Ventures ensures that female entrepreneurs receive the necessary support to scale their businesses and drive innovation.
In addition to supporting startups, Lifted Ventures is actively growing a network of women investors to address the gender investment gap and promote financial independence among women. A key event supporting this mission is the upcoming Lifted Women’s Angels Conference, scheduled to take place at The Old Swan Hotel in Harrogate on September 26, 2024. This event will be the largest female angel investor conference in England outside London and is supported by The British Business Bank, UK Business Angels Association, and the Women Backing Women Campaign.
Co-founders Jordan Dargue and Helen Oldham, who launched Women Angels of the North in 2021, conceived the conference to demystify angel investing for women. The event will address misconceptions, such as the belief that angel investing is only for the ultra-wealthy, and feature stories from women who have successfully navigated the investment landscape.
Dargue emphasized the importance of increasing the participation of women in angel investing to ensure more capital reaches female founders. Oldham added that the conference is a critical step toward building a more inclusive and diverse investment community. Currently, only 14% of the UK’s angel investors are women, with over half based in London, highlighting the need for regional initiatives like Lifted Ventures.
