Processing...
Thank you!
Your subscription has been confirmed.
You'll hear from us soon.
At Baltic Ventures, we’re passionate about building a stronger, more inclusive startup ecosystem in the North West. To spotlight the incredible work being done to support diverse founders and investors, we sat down with Katie Nicolson, Director at Gateway Angels, to talk about their mission, upcoming event with UKBAA and the British Business Bank, and why diversity in early-stage investment is crucial for driving innovation and better portfolio outcomes.
Absolutely. I’m the Director at Gateway Angels, a growing network of angel investors committed to supporting early-stage ventures across the Liverpool City Region and the wider North West. Our mission is to increase the number of active angels, connect investors with promising founders, and foster valuable partnerships.
We also collaborate with key ecosystem partners to promote entrepreneurial success by ensuring founders have access to both capital and mentorship. Ultimately, we want to create a more vibrant, well-connected investment landscape that fuels long-term growth for both startups and investors.
Yes! We’re excited to be one of the angel groups partnering with the UK Business Angels Association (UKBAA) and the British Business Bank on their national roadshow series.
The event, taking place in Liverpool on 2nd April, aims to bring together both experienced angel investors and those who are curious about getting involved for the first time. It’s a fantastic opportunity for attendees to learn more about angel investing, connect with peers, and discover how to identify and support high-potential startups.
Importantly, the roadshow has a particular focus on encouraging involvement from investors across diverse backgrounds. Through this event and future workshops, we want to ensure that angels—whether first-time or seasoned—are equipped with the knowledge, networks, and confidence they need to invest in the next generation of innovative companies.
Encouraging diversity among investors is essential because different perspectives lead to better decision-making and stronger deal flow. When investors come from a range of backgrounds—whether in terms of ethnicity, gender, geography, or industry expertise—they’re more likely to spot innovative solutions and connect with a wider pool of founders.
This is especially valuable in early-stage investing, where startups often need mentors and funders who genuinely understand their market, culture, or customer base. Diverse investors are also more likely to back underrepresented founders, helping capital flow toward companies that may otherwise struggle to secure funding.
A more inclusive investor community means more capital flows to underrepresented founders, and research consistently shows that diverse teams deliver better performance and more innovative outcomes.
Diverse teams tend to excel at problem-solving and innovation because they bring complementary skill sets and varied viewpoints to the table. In fact, research has consistently shown that diverse teams outperform financially.
By investing in founders who bring fresh perspectives, investors gain access to untapped markets, novel customer segments, and innovative products or services. This not only generates stronger returns over time but also contributes to a healthier, more inclusive local economy where success stories can inspire others to pursue entrepreneurship.
Ultimately, investing in diverse teams isn’t just about doing the right thing—it’s a smart business decision that can deliver significant value over time.
If you’re an investor interested in expanding your portfolio or simply want to learn more about angel investing, Katie and the Gateway Angels team would love to meet you at their upcoming event on 2nd April in Liverpool.
Register here to reserve your spot and be part of the conversation shaping the future of angel investing in the North West.
At Baltic Ventures, we’re proud to support initiatives like this that connect founders with investors, drive greater inclusivity, and strengthen the region’s startup ecosystem.