What Baltic Ventures does

Baltic Ventures is a Liverpool City Region-based tech accelerator and angel investment platform incorporated as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. Established in August 2022 with a £4.1m grant from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, the organisation delivers a four-part product suite: a three-month Accelerator offering up to £100k per company (£25k initial plus up to £75k from the Angel Syndicate), an eight-week Launchpad pre-accelerator with equity-free prizes of up to £25k, an Angel Syndicate investing £10k–£50k per angel annually via a Special Purpose Vehicle managed through Odin with ASA structuring via SeedLegals, and a Community layer of events, bootcamps, and Demo Days.

The organisation's primary customer segments are pre-seed to seed-stage tech founders across Applied AI, Creative Tech, Digital Health, Net Zero, and AI for Good verticals, alongside certified HNWI/Sophisticated Investors seeking curated regional deal flow. As of January 2026, Baltic Ventures had supported 54 companies through its programmes, deployed £1.32m via its 33-strong Angel Syndicate into 30 portfolio companies, and seen alumni raise £12.14m in follow-on funding. Core technology is operational rather than product-oriented: deal-flow assessment methodologies accumulated over ~1,200 business evaluations, plus third-party platforms SeedLegals and Odin for investment structuring and SPV administration.

Revenue mechanics are grant- and sponsorship-led rather than commercial: the £4.1m LCRCA mandate funds five-year programme delivery, supplemented by £1.44m in corporate sponsorship over three years from partners including Google Cloud, AWS, Microsoft, HubSpot, Brabners, and Arup. Portfolio returns flow indirectly via ASA conversions at a 20% discount to next-round pricing or a £970k pre-money backstop. Founder acquisition occurs through competitive direct applications (750+ annually for Accelerator; ~4% acceptance). In March 2026, LivingLens co-founders Carl Wong and David Woods assumed CEO and CCOO roles respectively, succeeding Claire Lewis and reorienting the organisation toward commercial sustainability ahead of grant maturity.

Name

Baltic Ventures

Legal name

Baltic Ventures Ltd

Website

https://balticventures.uk/

Company type

Private

Founded year

2023

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Baltic Ventures is a Liverpool City Region-based not-for-profit tech accelerator and angel syndicate that runs a three-month Accelerator (up to £100k investment), an eight-week Launchpad pre-accelerator with equity-free prizes, and a 33-investor Angel Syndicate backing pre-seed and seed-stage tech founders across AI, healthtech, cleantech, and creative tech sectors in the UK.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Startup Accelerator & Angel Investment Platform

NAICS

Portfolio Management and Investment Advice (52394), Other Investment Pools and Funds (5259), Other Financial Investment Activities (5239)

SIC

Investment Advice (6282), Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

Accelerators & Incubators (Investor-Operated) (FSANAAAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Venture Capital Fundraising Placement (FSAEALAC), Emerging Manager / Seeding Platforms (Multi-Manager) (FSANAGAF)

Keywords

• Tech accelerator programmes
• Angel investment syndicate
• Startup pre-accelerator
• Early-stage venture funding
• Founder coaching services

Headquarters

HQ city

Liverpool

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Grant funding (primary): Baltic Ventures is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee established with a £4.1m investment from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority in August 2022. This grant funds the delivery of accelerator programmes over five years, covering operational costs, investment deployment, and ecosystem development activities.
2. Angel Syndicate management: Baltic Ventures operates an angel syndicate where 33 angel investors (HNWI/Sophisticated Investors) contribute £10k-£50k each annually into a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) that deploys equal allocations across 8-12 cohort companies per year. The organisation facilitates these investments and charges no explicit fees disclosed in public materials.
3. Corporate sponsorship & partnership funding: Baltic Ventures generates £1.44m in corporate funding and sponsorship over three years from partners including Google Cloud, AWS, Microsoft, HubSpot, Brabners, DTM Legal, Potter Clarkson, Cortus Advisory, and Arup. These partners provide cloud credits, legal advice, and direct sponsorship in exchange for ecosystem access and founder pipeline.
4. Portfolio company equity (indirect): Baltic Ventures Angel Syndicate invests via Advanced Subscription Agreements (ASAs) into cohort companies, with the ASA converting at 6 months either at a discounted valuation (20% below pre-money) if the company raises £200k+, or at a pre-agreed backstop valuation of £970k pre-money. This creates indirect equity returns for the syndicate network.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Baltic Ventures operates a three-month flagship Accelerator programme offering up to £100k of equity investment (£25k initial plus up to £75k follow-on from its Angel Syndicate) combined with coaching, masterclasses, investor introductions, and office space, alongside an eight-week Launchpad pre-accelerator providing equity-free prizes of up to £25k for earlier-stage founders. The organisation also runs a 33-member Angel Syndicate that co-invests via an annual Special Purpose Vehicle into 8–12 cohort companies per year, supported by a community layer of events, workshops, and Demo Days.

Product overview

Baltic Ventures is a Liverpool-based early-stage tech accelerator and angel investment platform offering a unified four-part product suite: (1) the Accelerator — a three-month in-person programme with up to £100k investment, coaching, masterclasses, and investor access; (2) Launchpad — an eight-week earlier-stage pre-accelerator with equity-free prize funding of up to £25k; (3) an Angel Syndicate enabling certified investors to co-invest in cohort companies through annual SPVs; and (4) a Community layer delivering events, workshops, and ecosystem networking. Founded in 2023 following a £4.1m investment from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Baltic Ventures has supported 54 companies and deployed £1.32m through its angel syndicate, with portfolio companies raising over £12m in follow-on funding.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Accelerator Three-month in-person flagship accelerator programme offering £25k initial investment with the opportunity to secure an additional £75k from the Baltic Ventures Angel Syndicate (up to £100k total), alongside dedicated coaching from exited founders, interactive masterclasses, investor introductions, office space in Liverpool's Baltic Triangle for up to 9 months, subsidised Slush Helsinki trip, and over £100k in tech perks via Google Cloud, AWS, HubSpot, Microsoft, Notion, and Miro. Investment is structured via Advanced Subscription Agreements (ASA) converting at 20% discount to next round (if company raises £200k+ within 6 months) or at £970k pre-money backstop valuation.
• Launchpad Eight-week pre-accelerator cohort programme for early-stage digital tech businesses in the Liverpool City Region, offering workshops, group and 1-2-1 coaching, drop-in mentoring, ecosystem networking events, peer-to-peer community, and the opportunity to pitch for an equity-free cash prize of up to £25k contributed by an angel investor. The programme does not require equity from founders. Launchpad 2025 cohort included 14 startups; Launchpad 2026 includes 10 companies.
• Angel Syndicate Baltic Ventures Angel Syndicate is a group of 33 individual accredited investors (HNWI/Sophisticated Investors) who co-invest annually through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) into 8–12 early-stage tech companies per cohort. Typical angel investment ranges from £10k to £50k per year across the portfolio, with equal allocation across accepted companies. Investments are structured via Advanced Subscription Agreements (ASA) through SeedLegals, with SPV management via the Odin platform. No multi-year commitment is required. The syndicate has grown from 9 investments in 2023 to 30 investments by early 2026, deploying £1.32m+ into portfolio companies.
• Community Baltic Ventures Community connects founders, operators, and investors through year-round events, workshops, bootcamps (including a Game Tech Bootcamp in partnership with The Growth Platform), Demo Days, networking dinners, and ecosystem programming. The community has engaged 7,500+ ecosystem participants across 100+ events since May 2023 and supports 300+ founders via bootcamps and workshops.

Quantifiable outcome

• 54 companies supported with £1.32m invested; £12.14m follow-on funding raised by alumni
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Google for StartupscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGoogle for Startups provides cloud credits, Demo Day sponsorship, and hosted the Accelerator 2025 cohort at Google Cloud Kings Cross HQ for a founder day in October 2025. The partnership delivers £100k+ in tech perks per Accelerator company alongside brand credibility.
• AWS (Amazon Web Services)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerAWS provides cloud credits and technical support to Accelerator cohort companies as part of the £100k+ tech perks package available to each portfolio company.
• MicrosoftcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMicrosoft provides cloud credits and technical support to Accelerator cohort companies as part of the tech perks package.
• HubSpotcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerHubSpot provides CRM credits to Accelerator cohort companies as part of the tech perks package offered to each portfolio company.
• SeedLegalscoreTechnology or IntegrationSeedLegals is the legal platform used to structure all Baltic Ventures Angel Syndicate investments via Advanced Subscription Agreements (ASAs). The partnership provides standardised investment structuring for every cohort company investment. SeedLegals co-founder and CEO Anthony Rose delivers exclusive Q&A sessions for cohort founders.
• OdincoreTechnology or IntegrationOdin is the FCA-authorised tech fund admin platform that manages the Baltic Ventures Angel Syndicate SPV and deployment of capital. Odin handles the operational infrastructure for angel investor management and fund deployment.
• UKBAA (UK Business Angels Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUKBAA is the national trade body for angel and early-stage investment. Baltic Ventures is both a member and partner, participating in national angel investing advocacy and ecosystem development. UKBAA provides credibility alignment and access to national investor networks.
• Brabners LLPcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBrabners provides legal advice to Baltic Ventures and cohort companies through Tuesday Sessions — open office hours for founders. Mark Rathbone, a partner in Brabners' corporate department, is also a Non-Executive Director and Co-Founder of Baltic Ventures, creating a direct governance link.
• DTM LegalminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerDTM Legal provides legal advice and support to Baltic Ventures and portfolio companies as part of the partner ecosystem.
• Potter ClarksonminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPotter Clarkson provides IP and legal advice to Baltic Ventures portfolio companies as part of the partner support ecosystem.
• Cortus Advisory GroupminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCortus Advisory provides commercial advisory support to Baltic Ventures and portfolio companies.
• University of LiverpoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Liverpool is a key ecosystem partner, providing academic credibility, talent pipeline access, and founder referral pathways into Baltic Ventures programmes. The university is listed as a key stakeholder in the LCR innovation ecosystem map.
• Liverpool John Moores UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLiverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is an ecosystem partner providing talent pipeline access and founder referral pathways into Baltic Ventures programmes.
• Tech NationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTech Nation is a founding partner that previously played a key role in launching Tech North (which Baltic Ventures' Programme Director Mo Aldalou led). The partnership provides access to national startup ecosystem networks, credibility endorsement, and talent pipeline development.
• Barclays Eagle LabsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBarclays Eagle Labs provides ecosystem support and co-marketing with Baltic Ventures as part of the Liverpool tech ecosystem infrastructure.
• OneTechcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOneTech partners with Baltic Ventures on the Startup Bootcamp, providing pre-accelerator support focused on underrepresented founders in the Liverpool City Region. The partnership includes free 1-2-1 support, office hours, founder weekends, and business bootcamps.
• GC AngelscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGC Angels (formerly GC Business Finance) is a regional investment partner that has invested in Baltic Ventures portfolio companies including Financielle (£125k in December 2022). The partnership facilitates cross-referral of founders and co-investment opportunities in Northern England startups.
• The Growth PlatformcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Growth Platform (delivered by Form) is a key ecosystem partner providing co-delivery of events and the Game Tech Bootcamp (30 founders in 2025). It is listed on the LCR innovation ecosystem map as a steering board member and provides strategic alignment with LCRCA priorities.
• ArupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArup partners with Baltic Ventures on a clean tech pitch programme, providing sector expertise and investor perspective for climate-focused portfolio companies.
• Gateway AngelscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGateway Angels is a Liverpool-based angel network (evolved from LCR Angels) focused on expanding angel investment capacity in the region. Baltic Ventures' Mark Rathbone sits on the steering board of the LCR Angel Network. Both organisations cross-refer investors and founders.
• Female Founders RisecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFemale Founders Rise is a partner organisation supporting female entrepreneurship. Baltic Ventures is a signatory of the Investing in Women Code and has 53.4% female-led portfolio companies, actively supporting underrepresented founders.
• Baltic Creative CICcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBaltic Creative CIC is the landlord and ecosystem neighbour of Baltic Ventures at Digital House in the Baltic Triangle. The partnership provides physical workspace infrastructure and community alignment within Liverpool's creative tech district.
• Hartree CentreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHartree Centre (STFC) provides HPC infrastructure and technical expertise supporting Baltic Ventures portfolio companies in computational and data-intensive applications.
• Sci-Tech DaresburyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSci-Tech Daresbury is a science and technology campus in the Liverpool City Region, part of the LCR innovation ecosystem map and potential pipeline/source of tech founders for Baltic Ventures.
• SlushcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSlush is the Helsinki-based startup conference where Baltic Ventures subsidises annual trips for cohort founders and co-founders for investor engagement. Baltic Ventures also hosts Slush'D Liverpool events, creating a bidirectional partnership for ecosystem activation.
• Capital EnterprisecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCapital Enterprise is the national trade body for early-stage tech ecosystem organisations. Baltic Ventures participates in its network, contributing to national accelerator ecosystem development and best practice sharing.
• Startup CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStartup Coalition is a partner organisation engaged with Baltic Ventures on policy advocacy and ecosystem development for UK startups.

Scale indicators17 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Antler: Global early-stage accelerator with active UK operations that provides pre-seed investment, founder residency, and structured coaching to early-stage tech founders. Directly comparable GTM with similar investment sizes and cohort-based delivery model.
• SFC Capital: UK-active early-stage angel syndicate and seed investor that deploys capital into pre-seed and seed-stage startups. Comparable business model in deploying individual angel capital into cohort-style portfolios with structured due diligence.
• Founders Factory: London-headquartered accelerator and venture builder that runs cohort programmes for early-stage startups with corporate-backed models. Comparable in deploying structured capital, coaching, and corporate perks — though at greater scale and with stronger corporate backing than Baltic Ventures.
• Collider: London-based tech accelerator that supported Baltic Ventures' founders Carl Wong and David Woods at LivingLens. Direct comparable as a founder-focused accelerator with structured capital and coaching — though London-based and earlier-stage in the cycle.
• GC Angels: North West England angel network (formerly GC Business Finance) that co-invests with Baltic Ventures (e.g., Financielle £125k round). Directly comparable as a regional angel syndicate serving similar founder segments and participating in similar funding rounds.
• Barclays Eagle Labs: UK-wide accelerator and co-working platform with multiple regional sites including Liverpool. Operates cohort programmes, founder support, and investor introductions that directly overlap with Baltic Ventures' Accelerator and Community offerings, targeting similar pre-seed to seed-stage tech founders.
• Praetura Ventures: Manchester-based early-stage VC that backs Northern England founders, engages with Baltic Ventures investor events, and provides follow-on capital pathways. Closest regional peer in geography and stage focus, with overlapping portfolio company interest.

Broad incumbents

• Wayra UK: Telefónica's global corporate accelerator with UK operations, offering investment, mentoring, and corporate access to early-stage tech startups. Comparable in combining corporate partner perks with cohort-based acceleration, though backed by a single corporate parent rather than a regional authority.
• Capital Enterprise: National trade body for early-stage tech ecosystem organisations, of which Baltic Ventures is a member. Operates at a broader portfolio level across the UK accelerator ecosystem rather than running direct cohort programmes itself.
• Tech Nation (legacy): Former UK national accelerator network that previously ran Tech North (led by Baltic Ventures' Programme Director Mo Aldalou) and Upscale. Although wound down as an operating entity, historically a direct comparator in scale, mandate, and founder pipeline role.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments38 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Baltic Ventures