The British Business Bank has partnered with the UK Business Angels Association to launch the Diverse Angel Syndicate programme.

This initiative aims to increase participation in angel investing and boost capital flow to underrepresented business founders.

The programme offers up to £400,000 in grant funding per syndicate over four years to support operational growth and development. Funds will help diversity-focused syndicates recruit, train and activate investors, strengthen operations, and build sustainable models.

It targets underrepresentation among women and ethnic minority angel investors. Women make up around 14 per cent of UK angel investors, while 11 per cent are from black and ethnic minority backgrounds.

Susan Nightingale, senior director, local growth team at the British Business Bank

placeholder image — Susan Nightingale, senior director, local growth team at the British Business Bank

Investors tend to back founders with similar backgrounds, affecting access to early-stage capital.

The programme supports syndicates in raising awareness, onboarding novice and experienced investors, providing education, improving infrastructure, and connecting with peers and partners.

UKBAA will offer strategic support, and Public IO will provide Train-the-Trainer education. The programme builds on a 2023 pilot supporting five female-led syndicates that recruited 277 investors and completed 74 deals worth £58.7 million by June 2026.

Nearly half of new investors made their first angel investment through the pilot, with 59 per cent making repeat investments. Susan Nightingale of the British Business Bank said the programme aims to create commercially viable, self-sustaining syndicates.

Jenny Tooth OBE of UKBAA highlighted the goal of mobilising diverse investors and strengthening syndicates’ capacity. Applications open 11th November with a webinar on 4th November. Registration and details are on the British Business Bank website.