🎙️ Investing in the Southwest: Ben Cooper on Building a Better Angel Network for Founders

 When it comes to startup investment in the UK, too many founders and investors still assume that the action only happens in London. Ben Cooper is here to change that.

In the latest episode of Investor Circle, we sat down with Ben—co-founder of Angel Investors Bristol and Director at Tech South West—to unpack what’s really going on across the Southwest’s tech ecosystem. With over 150 members and ten investments already under their belt since launching in late 2023, Angel Investors Bristol is proving there’s real traction, talent, and investor appetite outside the capital.

Ben’s background isn’t your average founder-to-investor journey. With over 25 years in financial services, including turning around and selling Rowan Dartington to St. James’s Place, Ben entered the startup scene almost by accident. Invited to join the Bristol Private Equity Club, he fell in love with the energy and innovation of early-stage tech and began advising spinouts from UWE on IP commercialisation. From there, he saw an opportunity: the Southwest needed more local angel capital and a louder voice.

“Eighty-five percent of angel investment from this region flows out of the region,” says Ben. “If we just turn the dial a little, we can make a huge difference for founders here.”

That vision sparked Angel Investors Bristol, created with the blessing of BPEC and quickly joined by 40 of their members. They’ve since grown the network and host monthly in-person pitch events, selecting just two startups from the 30–40 applications they receive each month. So far, they’ve invested over £1.5 million across ten deals—often co-investing with VCs and other funds.

But here’s the twist: while Angel Investors Bristol originally set out to back first-time SEIS-stage startups, the reality of the market has shifted. “We expected to mostly invest in £150K SEIS rounds. What we’re seeing instead are EIS rounds for later-stage companies with revenue traction. Startups are coming further down the funnel to fill gaps left by hesitant VCs.”

That shift is changing the game for founders. Ben’s group typically backs startups with valuations between £3M–£4M, and they’re seeking deals where founders understand the commercial challenge ahead. “A founder who says ‘I won’t be CEO in three years’—that’s refreshing,” says Ben. “Self-awareness, coachability, and a plan to build out a commercial team—those are green flags.”

So what’s his advice for first-time founders looking to raise? “Surround yourself with people who can fill your gaps. Recognise your own limitations. And get comfortable with the idea that your sales team may need to be the best-paid people in the business.”

Ben’s passion for the Southwest runs deep—he’s holidayed there since childhood and chose to build his life and career in the region. With new angel groups launching in North Devon, Torbay, Plymouth, and Cheltenham, he’s building an interconnected ecosystem designed to lift local founders and keep investment flowing where it’s most needed.

As part of Tech South West, Ben is helping shine a light on innovation across cleantech, food security, defence, and energy. “We want London-based investors to see what’s happening down here—and not miss the next big thing just because it’s not on their doorstep.”

If you’re a founder in the Southwest, now’s the time to pitch. Visit angelinvestorsbristol.co.uk and submit through the Founders page.

Watch the full interview back https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrMrateB2yVX5-hCIM9mPGjG0eUQELOA6&si=hjBkNmRoy35uwGS6 

Listen to the podcast (audio) episodes https://investorcircle.buzzsprout.com