UK businesses raised £14.4 billion in equity investment during the first half of 2026, a 26 percent increase compared with the second half of 2025.
Companies operating in the eight Industrial Strategy sectors accounted for £13.4 billion, representing 93.2 percent of total fundraising.
The Digital and Technologies sector led with £11.6 billion, or 80.8 percent of all UK equity investment in the period, while London contributed £9.03 billion of that amount. The number of digital and technology firms grew in every UK region.
Professional and Business Services raised £4.57 billion, followed by Life Sciences with £2.76 billion. Overlap exists because firms may operate across multiple sectors.
More than 1.3 million businesses were active across the eight sectors, and the total number of active companies reached approximately 5.51 million, a 1.33 percent rise since the fourth quarter of 2025, with growth recorded in every region.
London attracted £10.1 billion, or 70 percent of total UK equity investment, marking a 48.5 percent increase over the previous half‑year.
The North West recorded £1.19 billion, up 89.4 percent, driven in part by an £814 million financing round for an artificial‑intelligence company.
Wales experienced the largest percentage increase, with investment rising 530 percent to £159 million, linked to an £81 million round for a semiconductor company and regional innovation funding of up to £20 million.
Northern Ireland saw investment grow 63.4 percent to £72.2 million, supported by a £53.5 million round for a software firm. The East Midlands reported £57.9 million, up 88.2 percent, and the East of England £728 million, up 19.6 percent.
A survey of UK businesses across multiple sectors found that 40 percent intend to increase involvement in defence over the next year; 48 percent expect the Defence Investment Plan to benefit their region, and 38 percent anticipate a positive impact on their own operations.
Officials emphasized that aligning business with the Industrial Strategy can drive economic growth and job creation, and highlighted the ambition to provide investors with long‑term stability and confidence across all postcodes.
Industry leaders noted sustained momentum in technology‑driven sectors such as artificial intelligence, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and defence, reflecting investor confidence in innovative British firms with global ambitions.
Growth in the North West, Wales, the East Midlands and Northern Ireland underscores the strength of local innovation ecosystems and specialist expertise throughout the country.
Ensuring that businesses have access to finance, support and networks is identified as essential for maintaining the current investment momentum.
Separate data show UK start‑ups raised a record $17 billion in the first half of 2026, with domestic investors participating in only 16 percent of large rounds. A commitment of £4 billion of growth capital was made under the Industrial Strategy.
Lending capacity of £22 billion is available to Business Banking and Corporate Banking clients in 2026, subject to assessment. The figures are published in unlocking growth reports.
