New Platform Links Angel Investors to Promising Deals

Gateway Angels has unveiled a new online platform designed to bring angel investors and early-stage businesses together, streamlining the way investment opportunities are shared and assessed.

The angel investment network, which operates as part of Liverpool-based SME funder MSIF, has been connecting investors with high-growth companies since it was established in 2018 under the name LCR Angel Network.

Angel investors — typically high-net-worth individuals — provide funding to start-ups and early-stage firms in return for equity or convertible debt. Many are experienced entrepreneurs themselves, drawn to angel investing as a way to diversify their portfolios while supporting emerging businesses.

According to Gateway Angels investment director Katie Nicholson, angels are playing an increasingly significant role in small business finance, and the launch of the new portal marks a key milestone in the organisation’s development.

She said the platform has been created to help founders and investors connect more efficiently, giving investors secure access to a curated pipeline of opportunities, including pitch decks and essential business information.

While the focus is on companies from the Liverpool City Region, the portal will also feature ventures from aligned innovation ecosystems further afield, providing a single, trusted digital space for investors to explore opportunities and invest alongside their peers.

Nicholson added that the platform is equally important for founders, increasing their visibility to active investors, while offering angels a clearer and more structured route into early-stage funding.

“The portal supports our broader aim of raising awareness of angel investing, encouraging new participants into the market and unlocking more capital for ambitious start-ups,” she said.

“It also helps professionalise and scale our activity, working alongside our in-person investor dinners, pitch events and education programmes to strengthen a connected, member-led investment community.”

Alongside the platform launch, Gateway Angels has confirmed the appointment of Gaby Holden as marketing and operations executive. Holden joins from Manchester-based consultancy Wavemaker, where she worked as an SEO executive.

With experience spanning multiple sectors — including running her own handmade accessories business — Holden brings a blend of marketing, operational and relationship management expertise.

She said she was excited to join the organisation during a period of growth and looked forward to supporting its long-term ambitions.