Lifted Women Angels Conference 2026

The Lifted Women Angels Conference is back for 2026 – and it’s set to be bigger and bolder than ever.

As the largest female angel investor conference in England outside of London, this flagship event from Lifted Ventures is on a mission to empower more women across the regions to invest in women. Together, we’re unlocking capital, confidence and opportunity for female founders and the wider UK economy. The Lifted Women Angels Conference is supported by British Business Bank, Gordons, Brewin Dolphin, Co4ch, and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Whether you’re a seasoned angel investor or curious about making your first investment, this day is designed for you.

Join a growing movement of women who are:✨ Upskilling to become confident, capable angel investors✨ Championing female founders and women-led innovation✨ Investing in the future of Northern enterprise.

You’ll gain:

• Practical tools for starting your angel investing journey
• A clear framework for evaluating and backing early-stage businesses
• Real-world insights from investors, founders, and ecosystem leaders
• A powerful network of like-minded women ready to collaborate and invest

• Angel celebratory lunch and awards
• Keynote: Women Investing in Women – data, trends, and opportunities in the UK angel landscape
• Investor Panels featuring experienced angels sharing success stories and lessons learned
• Sector Spotlights: Growth opportunities in technology, health, sustainability, and more
• Interactive Workshops: How to assess deals, understand valuations, and build your portfolio
• Founder Pitches: Meet innovative female-led businesses seeking investment
• Networking Sessions: Build relationships with likeminded women investors

This event is open to:

• Active angel investors (from any network)
• Potential angel investors exploring their first investment
• Ecosystem partners supporting entrepreneurs and investors
• Professional services leaders (law, accountancy, finance, consultancy)
• Women in leadership looking to expand their influence and network

Info: Leandros Kalisperas (Chief Investment Officer at British Business Bank) and Henry Whorwood (Managing Director of Beuhurst) present key insights from The Invest in Women Task Force and the UKBAA report on women angel investing, in partnership with Beauhurst. The session highlights additional funding initiatives designed to strengthen the UK’s investment ecosystem.

Info: Chaired by Jordan Dargue, Jenny Tooth (UKBAA), Susan Nightengale (British Business Bank), Marion Bernard (Northern Gritstone) and Debbie Doughty (investor) share their expertise and insights on why now is the time for women to invest, highlighting opportunities and strategies to drive investment in female startups in the regions.

Info: Chris Black, Divisional Director at RBC Brewin Dolphin will discuss why enabling more women to take an active role in investing is essential to building a stronger, more resilient financial ecosystem, and a more innovative economy.

Info: Mel Ellyard (Investment Ecosystems Lead) and Toni Thorne (Knowledge Transfer Manager) will share key insights from Innovate UK’s Purse Strings Report, highlighting its latest findings and the opportunities they reveal for the innovation ecosystem.

Info: Sponsored by Gordons LLP, celebrating excellence in angel investing! Winners will be revealed for Angel of the Year, Deal of the Year, New Angel of the Year, Co-Investment Round of the Year and Angel Ambassador of the Year.

Info: Tracy will update on the regional start up and investment landscape and how West Yorkshire Combined Authority is helping drive start-up investment.

Info: A fireside chat with founders from Grace and Green, Mutha Cuva, and Future Greens, highlighting their journeys and experiences. Co-chaired by Jordan Dargue and Helen Oldham, this session explores the impact and opportunities of investing in female-led businesses.

Info: Panel Discussion: How Mission-Led Investing Aligns with Your Values
Chaired by Innovate UK, this panel features Anica Alvarez Nishio, Suzanne Donovan, and Sandra Patel, exploring how mission-driven investments can reflect personal and organisational values.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Aspire, 2 Infirmary Street, Leeds, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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