New academy aims to unlock angel investors

A new South Yorkshire investment initiative is aiming to increase the number of women backing high-growth businesses through a fully funded angel investor education programme.

The TECH SY x Lifted Angels Academy launches in June 2026 and will support up to 20 women from across the region in learning the fundamentals of angel investing.

Delivered by Lifted Ventures in partnership with TECH SY, the programme is backed by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the British Business Bank and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.

The initiative is designed for women professionals, founders, senior leaders and aspiring investors interested in supporting innovation-led businesses across South Yorkshire.

Participants will take part in expert-led workshops, networking events and practical learning sessions covering areas including early-stage finance, due diligence, portfolio investing and supporting founders beyond investment.

Tracey Johnson, director of TECH SY, said: “South Yorkshire has huge ambition, innovation and entrepreneurial talent, and we know that diverse investment communities are essential to unlocking the region’s full potential.  

“This programme is an important step in creating more opportunities, strengthening the ecosystem that supports ambitious businesses to start and scale here, and for women to actively shape the future of investment, innovation and business growth across South Yorkshire.”

The programme forms part of wider efforts to improve diversity within angel investing and increase access to finance for underrepresented founders. 

It will also help strengthen South Yorkshire’s wider innovation ecosystem by connecting participants with founders, investors and regional business leaders while encouraging more local investment into emerging technology and high-growth businesses.

Jordan Dargue, co-founder of Lifted Ventures, added: “Supporting more women to engage with angel investment is vital to building a stronger and more inclusive economy across South Yorkshire.  

“We know there is significant untapped potential amongst women who are interested in investing but have never had access to the networks, knowledge or opportunities to get started. 

“The Next Wave of Women Angels in South Yorkshire is about changing that by creating a supportive environment where women can build confidence, learn together and become active participants in shaping the future economy of the region.”

Helen Oldham, co-founder of Lifted Ventures, added: “Increasing the number of women angel investors has the power to transform access to finance for founders and strengthen regional economies. 

“South Yorkshire already has incredible momentum across tech, innovation and entrepreneurship, and this programme is about ensuring more women are part of that growth story from an investment perspective.”

Applications for the programme are now open, with places limited to 20 participants. For more information, see here.

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