NPIF – Mercia Equity Finance

NPIF – Mercia Equity Finance is a venture capital fund dedicated to supporting innovative businesses across various growth stages in Northern England. As part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF), it focuses on early-stage and growth-stage companies, providing equity finance ranging from £100,000 to £2 million. The fund primarily targets businesses located in Yorkshire, the Humber, and Tees Valley regions, aiming to fuel their expansion, product development, and market reach.

The fund's investment strategy is sector-agnostic, considering a wide array of businesses, including those in technology, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and digital industries. It seeks to partner with ambitious entrepreneurs and established management teams who have innovative ideas and clear market pathways. By leveraging its sector knowledge and extensive network, NPIF – Mercia Equity Finance identifies promising investment opportunities aligned with strategic growth sectors in the North of England.

Since its launch, the fund has been instrumental in nurturing a new generation of home-grown technology businesses, contributing to job creation and economic development in the region. Success stories include companies like Faradion, which pioneered sodium-ion battery technology and was acquired by Reliance New Energy Solar for £100 million, and Nova Pangaea, which uses non-food biomass to create biofuels and is working on developing 'green' aviation fuel. These investments highlight the fund's commitment to fostering innovation and supporting businesses that address key challenges such as climate change and sustainable energy solutions.