Northern-focused venture capital firm PXN Ventures has reopened applications for PraeSeed, its cohort-based investment programme designed to bridge the funding gap for preseed founders across the North of England.

Applications are now open with PXN Ventures recruiting a third cohort of 10-12 startups who will secure places on the six-week programme. Up to eight will receive £200,000 each from NPIF II – PXN Equity Finance, which is managed by PXN Ventures as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II.

Since launching in 2024, PraeSeed has already invested a total of £3m into 15 startups across Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire, Cumbria, Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle, Durham and Sheffield.

85% of businesses funded in the 2024 cohort have since raised additional funding.