In Partnership with TECH SY, Barnsley Council, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (through the Tech Town status awarded to Barnsley) and The British Business Bank, delivered by Lifted Ventures.
The TECH SY x Lifted Angels Academy Programme is a fully funded, intensive education programme designed to support aspiring and early-stage women angel investors across South Yorkshire is launching this new initiative designed to equip women with the knowledge, confidence and networks needed to begin investing in high potential businesses across the region.
Delivered by Lifted Ventures signature ‘Lifted Angel Academy’ the programme will equip up to 20 participants with the knowledge, confidence and networks needed to begin investing in innovative early-stage businesses and support the growth of the regional entrepreneurial tech ecosystem.
The programme is aimed at professionals, senior leaders, founders, exited entrepreneurs and individuals who are interested in understanding angel investing and exploring how to back high-potential businesses across South Yorkshire.
Participants will benefit from a structured series of workshops, expert-led sessions and peer learning opportunities covering the fundamentals of angel investment and early stage finance. Topics will include:
Introduction to angel investing
Understanding the investment landscape
Evaluating early-stage businesses
Due diligence and risk assessment
Term sheets and deal structures
Portfolio strategy and syndicate investing
Supporting founders post-investment
Accessing regional investment opportunities
The Programme will combine virtual learning with in-person sessions and networking opportunities, creating a collaborative cohort experience for up to 20 participants. Through this initiative, partners aim to increase diverse regional investment activity, strengthen the pipeline of local angel investors and support the growth of ambitious businesses across South Yorkshire.
Who Should Apply?
This programme is suitable for individuals who are:
Curious about becoming an angel investor
Looking to better understand early-stage investing
Interested in supporting tech, innovation and entrepreneurship in the region
Exploring ways to diversify their investment knowledge
Keen to connect with like-minded professionals and investors
No previous angel investment experience is required.
Programme outcomes
By the end of the programme, participants will:
Understand the fundamentals of angel investing
Gain confidence assessing investment opportunities
Build relationships with regional investors and founders
Learn how angel investment can support regional economic growth
Become part of a growing investment community across South Yorkshire
Programme Overview
Cohort Programme for up to 20 members
Aimed specifically at women looking to learn and understand more about angel investing, for their own personal investment journey.
Supported by professional partners, such a legal and wealth management
Programme Dates
Applications Open 20th May 2026
Applications Close 15th June 2026
Programme Commences 26th June 2026
Tech Week London – 8th and 9th June (for 2x Angels from the programme)
Programme Launch & Workshop 1 – 26th June 11am – 3pm
Workshop 2 & 3 – 3rd July 2026 – 11am until 12.30pm
Workshop 4 – 10th July 2026 2026 11am until 12.00pm
Workshop 5 – 17th July 2026 11am until 12.00pm
Workshop 6 – 4th September 2026
Workshop 7 – 11th September 2026 11am until 12.00pm
Workshop 8 – 18th September 2026 11am until 12.00pm
Workshop 9 & 10 – 25th September 2026 11am – 12.30pm
End of Programme Event & Lunch – 2nd October 2026 11.30am until 2.30pm
Coverage
The programme will launch with an in-person event and workshop and will complete with an in-person celebration event, with workshops between delivered virtually.
Impact and Legacy
To create a network of well educated and informed women angel investors who can make better informed decisions when supporting and investing in founders, specifically female founders in York and North Yorkshire.
Create further women angel investing capacity to invest across the region, fulfilling a huge need, given positive economic balances to gender investing.
Increase capital into female founders across the region.
Increase knowledge and understanding of the angel investment landscape, creating a regional legacy for continued growth to support investor ready businesses.
Complete the form linked above and we’ll get back to you with further information/confirmation of your place.
