PraeSeed 2026 launches to back the North’s most ambitious early-stage founders

PraeSeed is back.

Now in its third year, the region’s first cohort-based investment programme is once again on the hunt for the most exciting pre-seed businesses across the North of England. Led by PXN Ventures, the programme combines hands-on investor-readiness support with the opportunity to secure significant early-stage funding.

The North of England-focused initiative includes six weeks of VC-led workshops designed to help founders refine their proposition, strengthen their investment case and accelerate growth. At the end of the programme, up to eight companies will receive a £200,000 equity investment through NPIF II, with up to 12 businesses joining the cohort overall.

All PraeSeed participants will also have the opportunity to pitch to the PXN co-investor network at a dedicated investor event in September, opening the door to further funding.

Since launching, PraeSeed has invested £3 million into more than 15 Northern companies, with 85% of the first cohort going on to secure additional investment. The programme is supported by the British Business Bank’s NPIF II, which can also provide follow-on funding of up to £5 million for successful, scaling businesses.

Applications for the 2026 cohort close on 10 April.

Founders can apply now at pxnventures.co.uk/praeseed.