You have an idea, a proper business that could genuinely change how something works. You have been building it in your spare time, maybe with a co-founder, maybe alone. You have early customers. A bit of traction. But no real money behind it. You live in Manchester, Leeds, or Newcastle. And every time you look at who is getting funded, it is someone in London.
Starting a business in the North of England has always meant fighting for attention. Over 80% of UK venture capital still flows to London and the South East. For most Northern founders, getting that first cheque is the hardest part. PraeSeed was built for exactly that.
For the past 2 years, PXN Group (formerly Praetura) have had an investment programme for early-stage startups across the North of England, funded by the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), backed by the British Business Bank.
Every year, up to 12 businesses are accepted onto the programme, with 8 receiving an investment of £200,000 each. PraeSeed has already invested £3 million into 15 startups across Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, and beyond, with more than 85% of first-cohort companies going on to raise further funding.
If you are based in the North of England, you have a pre-seed, early-stage, real idea and some traction; you have generated no more than £250,000 in revenue so far; you are the right kind of profile PXN wants.
Sector does not matter. What PraeSeed looks for is the founder and the quality of your thinking, the scale of your ambition, and your willingness to be challenged and grow.
Key Dates
| Applications open | Now |
| Applications close | 10 April 2026 |
| Programme starts | 8 June 2026 |
| Investment per business | Up to £200,000 |
| Businesses accepted | Up to 12 on programme, up to 8 funded |
How to Apply
Apply directly through PXN Ventures.
This article is for informational purposes only. Investment is subject to eligibility. Your capital is at risk.
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