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PXN Ventures, formed from the merger of Praetura Ventures and Par Equity in 2025, is a prominent venture capital firm based in the North of England. Founded in 2011, Praetura Ventures initially focused on early-stage businesses across various sectors, including AI, gaming, healthtech, and life sciences. The merger created a significant investment entity with approximately £670M (around $850M) in assets under management (AUM) and a combined portfolio of 115 companies.
Headquartered in Manchester, PXN Ventures also has offices in Leeds and Edinburgh, emphasizing its commitment to enhancing the investment ecosystem in Northern England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. The firm aims to provide comprehensive support to founders, advisers, investors, and institutions, going beyond mere financial investment to foster regional growth and innovation.
PXN Ventures invests across a diverse range of sectors, including deep tech, life sciences, software, healthtech, AI, gaming, and climate tech. The firm targets early-stage companies, particularly those in the pre-seed to Series B+ stages, with equity investments ranging from £200,000 to £8 million. Their investment strategy is centered on supporting startups from seed to scale, particularly in the North of England and Scotland.
The firm emphasizes a supportive approach, providing not only capital but also active post-investment assistance to help portfolio companies navigate challenges and achieve growth. PXN Ventures is particularly focused on addressing the pre-seed funding gap in the region through its dedicated PraeSeed program, which invests in Northern startups.
PXN Ventures has a diverse portfolio of notable companies, including:
David Foreman: Managing Partner with extensive experience in venture capital and startup growth.
Andy Barrow: Partner (Tech) specializing in technology investments and scaling tech startups.
Louise Chapman: NPIF II Fund Principal with a focus on fund management and investment strategy.
Pete Carway: Investment Director with a background in financial analysis and venture investments.
Sim Singh Landa: Investment Director experienced in supporting early-stage companies.
Jess Jackson: Investment Manager focused on identifying and nurturing promising startups.
Laurence Tan: Investment Associate with expertise in market analysis and investment evaluation.
Stefano Smith: Investment Associate involved in deal sourcing and portfolio management.
Harry Manley: Investment Associate contributing to investment research and analysis.
To pitch to PXN Ventures, startups should use the online form available on their Pitch to Us page. The pitch deck should include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and how the startup plans to utilize the investment. Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back regarding their pitch status.
PXN Ventures runs the PraeSeed program, an annual six-week cohort investment initiative designed for pre-seed founders. This program offers workshops, hands-on support, and the opportunity to pitch to a co-investment network. Each year, PraeSeed invests up to £200,000 in up to eight businesses selected from a cohort of 10-12 companies.
In June 2025, Praetura Ventures merged with Par Equity to form PXN Ventures, significantly increasing their AUM to £670M. This merger aims to enhance the investment ecosystem in the North of England and Scotland, focusing on supporting regional startups.
PXN Ventures is actively working on its PraeSeed program, which aims to invest in 35 Northern startups by 2028, with a commitment of £6M. The program has already seen an 85% follow-on funding rate from its 2024 cohort.
Q?
What are PXN Ventures' investment criteria?
PXN Ventures focuses on early-stage companies in sectors such as deep tech, life sciences, software, healthtech, AI, gaming, and climate tech, primarily in the North of England and Scotland.
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How can startups apply or pitch to PXN Ventures?
Startups can pitch to PXN Ventures by visiting their Pitch to Us page or by emailing ventures@pxngroup.co.uk.
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What makes PXN Ventures different from other VCs?
PXN Ventures emphasizes active post-investment support, providing resources and expertise to help founders grow their businesses, rather than just offering capital.
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What is the geographic scope of PXN Ventures?
PXN Ventures primarily invests in the North of England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.
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What is the typical check size for investments?
PXN Ventures typically invests between £200,000 and £8 million in equity.
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