SFC Capital

When Stephen Page founded SFC Capital in 2012, seed investing in the UK was dominated by a handful of traditional venture firms and scattered angel groups. More than a decade later, Page’s hybrid approach—combining a structured SEIS fund with an expansive angel investor network—has made SFC the UK’s most active early-stage investor, having backed over 500 startups and transformed the landscape for UK founders seeking their first institutional cheque.

Based in London but operating nationwide, SFC specialises in identifying ambitious startups that have moved beyond ideas to early traction—whether it's initial revenue, a prototype, or proof of market interest. Entrepreneurs approaching SFC should expect a rigorous assessment of their ability to execute and the distinctiveness of their offering. Yet, unlike many funds, SFC is sector-agnostic, investing broadly across fintech, biotech, consumer products, SaaS, and sustainability. Their portfolio notably includes successes like Onfido, the digital identity unicorn, and Cognism, the fast-growing B2B sales intelligence platform.

Crucially, SFC leverages the UK’s SEIS and EIS tax-relief schemes, making them particularly attractive to early-stage startups. Typically leading initial rounds between £100,000 and £300,000 for 10–20% equity, SFC often positions itself as the first professional investor a founder encounters. This early support is pivotal, but what truly sets them apart is their ongoing commitment. Through dedicated follow-on funds, such as their EIS “All-Star” fund, SFC continues to back promising companies as they scale, helping bridge the notorious funding gap between seed and Series A.

Founders speak warmly of SFC’s active involvement. James Isilay, CEO of Cognism, credits them with critical guidance and follow-up capital at pivotal moments. He said: “SFC were one of the first ones to spot Cognism’s potential and have backed us from the beginning of our journey.” Similarly, Laura McInerney, co-founder of edtech app Teacher Tapp, praised SFC’s approachability, responsiveness, and the genuine operational expertise they provided beyond the cheque-writing. She commented: “Working with SFC has been brilliant from start to finish.”

Recent developments have further solidified SFC’s standing. In early 2025, the British Business Bank increased its commitment to SFC by an additional £10 million through the Regional Angels Programme, earmarked explicitly to support startups outside the capital. This additional capital, matched by SFC’s extensive angel network, is expected to unlock a further £100 million in early-stage funding across the UK over the next few years.

For founders considering SFC Capital, the firm presents a blend of swift decision-making and hands-on support, offering the kind of mentorship and connections that first-time entrepreneurs often lack. While the process is competitive—founders must demonstrate clear traction and ambition—the payoff, according to alumni, is a partnership rooted in genuine engagement rather than mere transaction. SFC might not guarantee unicorn status, but for hundreds of UK startups, it has proven an indispensable first step on the path to growth.