Lifted Ventures unveils 2025–2027 manifesto to unlock women’s wealth and entrepreneurship across UK regions
Ambitious 5-point plan to back female founders, grow women investors, and catalyse innovation outside London
Lifted Ventures announces the launch of its 2025–2027 5-Point Manifesto, a powerful new roadmap for systemic change that will accelerate women’s wealth, confidence and opportunity across the UK regions.
The announcement being made by Co-Founders Jordan Dargue and Helen Oldham, at today’s Athena Festival in Leeds (the largest female founder event outside of London) on Lifted Ventures’ two-year anniversary, cements the organisation’s role as a driving force in reshaping the investment landscape for women.
The Lifted Ventures 5-Point Manifesto (2025 – 2027) sets out ambitious commitments:
Backing 30 regional female founders with capital and hands-on support to scale bold ideas.
Activating 75 new women angel investors by lowering barriers and normalising investing as a wealth-building strategy.
Growing a community of 500 women in VC and co-investment, amplifying the visibility and power of women investors.
Educating 500 female founders to be investment-ready, building financial mastery and investor confidence.
Uniting 1,000 people at investment events including the Athena Festival, Athena VC and Lifted Women Angels Conference
This manifesto is more than a pledge – it is a call to action. By mobilising investors, founders and ecosystem partners, Lifted Ventures aims to fuel innovation outside London, unlock wealth creation for women and multiply the economic influence of female-led teams.
“We envision a future where women across every UK region lead with innovation, powered by capital and collaboration,” said Jordan Dargue, Co-Founder of Lifted Ventures. “This manifesto isn’t just about numbers, it’s about changing the system. We’re backing women where they are underfunded, underrepresented and undervalued, and we’re doing it with a clear commitment to scale impact regionally.”
Lifted Ventures was founded with a mission to re-balance the scales of investment. With the majority of capital still concentrated in London, female founders in the UK regions remain underfunded and overlooked. Jordan and Helen are determined to ignite female entrepreneurship across the North, Midlands, Scotland, Wales and beyond, spotlighting untapped talent and building ecosystems where women can thrive on their own terms.
By focusing investment and education efforts outside the capital, Lifted Ventures is catalysing growth in communities that have long been excluded from mainstream funding conversations.
“Women across the UK are brimming with talent and ambition, yet too often locked out of the investment conversation,” added Helen Oldham, Co-Founder of Lifted Ventures. “Through our five commitments, we’re building a movement of women investors and founders who will not just participate, but lead. This is about legacy, leadership and unlocking economic power for the next generation.”
Lifted Ventures commits to investing with transparency and intentionality, educating women founders to become savvy and investable leaders and catalysing lasting wealth and equity across UK regions, beyond London.
The launch of the manifesto underscores Lifted Ventures’ belief in the transformative power of women’s leadership and investment and its determination to ensure women are at the forefront of regional growth and innovation.
