Angel investing is going mainstream. The question is who gets in.
The UK angel investor population grew 54% between 2022 and 2025. As angel investing expands, the opportunity is not simply to grow the number of investors, but to broaden who participates, where capital comes from and where it flows.
THE STAKE exists to turn that opportunity into informed, connected investment; unlocking wealth in the regions and putting it to work funding the future.
Regional By Design
Local Capital, Local Impact
Wealth built within a region should have the opportunity to back the businesses growing there. THE STAKE connects local investors with local innovation.
Deep-tech by focus
Back the future.
DeepTech requires investors who understand more than a financial model. THE STAKE builds the knowledge needed to assess technology, IP, commercialisation and scale.
Open By Intent
Built to widen the gate
THE STAKE is designed for people with the capacity and ambition to invest, not only those who already call themselves investors. We actively welcome those who have been underrepresented in angel investing.
FROM BUILDING WEALTH TO BACKING THE FUTURE
What makes THE STAKE different?
Open by design. Regional by delivery. DeepTech by focus.
THE STAKE removes the traditional barriers to angel investing without lowering the bar; combining accessible entry, small cohorts, regional delivery and specialist DeepTech learning.
Open to all
Built for people with capital, expertise and curiosity; whether or not they have invested before.
Small Cohorts
Small groups create space for deeper learning, stronger relationships and meaningful discussion around live opportunities.
Regional By Delivery
THE STAKE is delivered region by region, connecting investors with the founders, companies and opportunities growing around them.
DeepTech & IP-rich
Specialist, not generalist.
Develop the confidence to assess IP-rich, technically complex businesses where informed investors can add real value.
Programme Content
Two tracks, one journey to your first cheque
THE STAKE takes participants from understanding how angel investing works to evaluating opportunities, conducting diligence and building an investment strategy of their own.
Foundations
Learn to think like an angel investor.
1
Introduction
Angel investing and the UK startup ecosystem.
2
SEIS & EIS
How the tax framework around angel investing works.
3
Evaluations
Assessing founders, teams and early-stage businesses.
4
Deal mechanics
Term sheets, syndication and the basics of an angel board seat.
5
Understanding DeepTech and IP-rich ventures.
DeepTech & IP
First Cheque
Put the learning into practice.
1
Deal flow
Sourcing through a curated, proprietary network of startups.
2
Due diligence
Hands-on group DD sessions.
3
Closing the deal
Negotiating terms and valuation, syndicating alongside other angels.
4
First investment
Making your first investment, backed by the cohort and guided by experienced investors.
5
Your thesis
Building your own investment thesis — portfolio construction, follow-on and pacing for the long term.
And beyond the programme: THE STAKE Community; a peer network of angels at the same stage, with ongoing support and deal flow.
Local capital, deployed locally.
Leave ready to make your first cheque count.
THE STAKE is designed to give you the knowledge, confidence, network and practical experience to evaluate opportunities and become an active angel investor.
By the end, you'll know how to source, assess and diligence an opportunity and make an informed decision about when to write your first cheque.
Confidence
Evaluate & commit
The confidence to assess a deal and write a cheque.
Strategy
Your own thesis
A personal investment thesis you can apply well beyond the programme.
Network
Co-investors
A community of co-investors for ongoing, shared deal flow.
Outcome
First investment made
Your first angel investment; actually done, not hypothetical.
How to apply:
Claim your STAKE
Apply online through our application form. Every application is assessed against clear criteria by an independent panel.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST
Tell us a little about your background and why angel investing interests you.
APPLY
Choose the appropriate programme route and complete your application.
ASSESSMENT
JOIN THE COHORT
Applications are reviewed to create a committed, complementary cohort.
Successful applicants begin their journey from learning about angel investing to putting that knowledge into practice.
Two ways to take part
Start with Foundations to build the groundwork, or find your way to your first investment with First Cheque. Applicants must be available for all programme dates;
No finance background or prior investing experience is required, and the programme is open to all.
THE STAKE culminates in real-world experience. Participants make a personal commitment to deploy £10,000 into a DeepTech venture of their choice during the programme, putting their learning into practice alongside experienced investors.**