Par Equity Investor Network

Founded in Edinburgh in 2008, Par Equity’s investor network has quietly become one of the UK's most significant early-stage investor syndicates. Marrying the deep pockets of a venture fund with the flexibility and hands-on expertise of angel investors, the firm has carved out a distinctive niche—particularly for tech startups based outside London's well-trodden paths.

Par Equity operates through a hybrid model: its professional team sources deals, undertakes rigorous due diligence, and leads investments, while its extensive network of around 200 angels—seasoned entrepreneurs, executives, and industry specialists—co-invest alongside, offering deep domain expertise. This model enables Par Equity to punch above its weight in sectors that require specialist knowledge, particularly health tech, enterprise SaaS, climate solutions, and deep tech.

This combination of regional focus, rigorous diligence, and sector-specific knowledge means founders approaching Par Equity must come prepared. Paul Atkinson, Chairman of the Par Investor Network and himself a seasoned entrepreneur, emphasizes that startups should already have a clear path to revenue: “We don’t want to invest in companies burning cash, we want to invest in companies making cash.” Beyond financial projections, Par Equity expects founding teams to demonstrate a realistic understanding of their market, competition, and a willingness to embrace mentorship.

Par Equity’s track record speaks for itself, with 29 successful exits including Edinburgh-based Current Health, which achieved a notable exit to US retail giant Best Buy in 2021. Other successes like deltaDNA (sold to Unity Technologies), and Aircraft Medical (acquired by Medtronic), underscore its ability to shepherd regional innovations onto the global stage.

Founders working with Par Equity describe the firm as deeply engaged, though not intrusive—a relationship of partnership rather than passive investment. Rich Wilson, CEO of portfolio company Gigged.AI, praises Par’s hands-on approach: "Most investors say they will help you scale but Par Equity backs it up." The firm regularly embeds industry experts directly into portfolio companies as advisors, mentors, or even interim executives, providing tangible support well beyond the initial funding round.

Par Equity’s regional strategy also attracts support from major institutions like the British Business Bank, allowing it to offer substantial follow-on capital—an essential lifeline as startups mature into scale-ups. Though strongly rooted in northern cities, the investor network's ambitions are unmistakably global, keen to back technology that can genuinely disrupt global markets.

For UK founders, especially those beyond the London bubble and with technology that requires specialist insight to unlock value, Par Equity is worthy of note. It brings deep pockets, seasoned mentorship, and strategic advice—wrapped in a distinctly hands-on culture. Just make sure you're ready for the scrutiny: Par Equity’s thorough diligence process ensures they're all-in once they commit, but you'll need to come ready to demonstrate you are too.