About us

The Viking Fund has been set up to invest in early-stage, technology-based businesses in Yorkshire. Established in 2004, the £5 million fund provides early-stage risk capital to match - on the same terms - that invested by business angels or other private sector investors. Our significant figures include:

300 applications for funding
22 companies financed
£3.1m invested

Background

Small, growing companies often need risk capital to get established and later to fuel their expansion. Traditionally it’s been difficult to raise finance, as high street banks are wary of the risks of investing in new technology and venture capital funds generally make larger investments in more established businesses.

In Yorkshire, technology start-ups have traditionally resorted to using their own savings, or securing backing from family and friends. The Viking Fund not only offers a source of early growth capital, it also encourages more business angel investment.

The Early Growth Fund Initiative

The Viking Fund was set up with funding from the DBERR/Small Business Service’s “Early Growth Fund”. The project supports a small number of risk capital funds in England designed to help early-stage businesses reach their potential.

Over the next decade, the Viking Fund aims to increase the number and size of investments in early-growth firms in Yorkshire, especially those with a technology bias.

Interested in investment?

We offer attractive benefits for companies and for investors. To find out about the companies we support, visit our Portfolio.

Meet the Viking Fund Team >