ACF Investors
Venture capitalUK · Pre-Seed–Series A · 22 people tracked
Investment thesis
ACF Investors partners with sector-focused angel syndicates to align interests and share due diligence in early-stage investment rounds. The fund operates two vehicles: The Angel CoFund works with syndicates of at least three sector-experienced angels (lead investing £40,000+), while The Delta Fund accelerates investment where lead angels have deeper sector expertise and commit £70,000+. Both funds invest via aligned share classes alongside angels and focus on capital growth rather than income generation.
Source: firm website, verified Jul 21, 2026.
Team · 22 people
from the firm's websiteTim Mills has led ACF Investors since its inception in 2011 and previously served as Investment Director of the British Business Bank, bringing extensive experience in early-stage investment and fund management.
Venture Partner at Mobeus Equity Partners and former Chief Investment Officer at Mercia Fund Management. ACA-qualified accountant with prior experience as Chief Investment Officer at Nesta and Partner at 3i.
Founder Partner of private equity firm GHO Capital specializing in healthcare investment, with prior experience at 3i Group and Hermes GPE. Former chairman of the BVCA and its Responsible Investment Advisory Board, having served on advisory groups for the Wates Corporate Governance Principles. An angel investor since 2010.
Serial entrepreneur in the hospitality sector and board member of Seraphim Capital and Hotspur Capital. Chairs Steelite PLC and serves as Non-Executive Director at S.A. Brain Ltd. Awarded a CBE in 2006 for services to the regeneration of the North East of England.
CEO of Octopus Ventures since 2017, where he has backed over 120 entrepreneurs and grown the firm to become one of Europe's largest venture investors managing over £1.3 billion. Previously worked as a lawyer at Ashurst, NM Rothschild, and IBM in London.
Distinguished career in industry and investment including former CEO of FTSE 250 listed Oxford Instruments. Led creation of the Royal Society Enterprise Fund, a pioneering science and early-stage investment initiative. Currently chairs the UK Innovation and Science Seed Fund (£100m government-backed venture capital fund) and authored the 2021 Mackintosh Report for HM Treasury on technology transfer. Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and Institute of Physics, awarded CBE in 2024 for services to Science, Technology, and Enterprise Development.
Fellow and former Adjunct Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School who founded Sussex Place Ventures Ltd. Led the school's entrepreneurial initiatives managing approximately €50 million in pre-seed and seed venture capital funds. Currently chairs multiple early-stage companies and serves as board advisor to technology and service businesses.
Chief Investment Officer of Northern Gritstone as of January 2022, tasked with building a university spin-out investment business in northern England. Career includes roles at Barclays Bank, over six years at 3i Ventures, and founding and leading Newcastle-based Northstar Ventures from 2005-2011 overseeing investments in hundreds of early-stage businesses. Focused throughout career on funding fast-growing UK businesses.
Chartered Accountant and Chair of Firth Ventures. Serves as Special Projects Director for LINC Scotland and advises organizations including the World Bank on angel activity development. Awarded European Business Angel of the Year in 2008.
Director of The North East Fund and active private investor. Transitioned from corporate law at Clifford Chance to become UK Senior Partner of 3i's buyout business, then established and led an innovative Centre for Entrepreneurship at Cass Business School. Has chaired multiple organizations in entrepreneurial business and impact investing.
Founding partner of Apiary Capital, a UK-based private equity firm specializing in business, financial, technology, education, and healthcare services sectors. Former Chief Operating Officer at Bowmark Capital, Duke Street, and founding partner at Park Square Capital. Early career in banking at Rothschild & Co in Australia and JPMorgan in New York and London.
CoFounder of Wren Capital, an angel investment firm focused on science and engineering. Has backed over 80 businesses and served as non-executive or board observer across his portfolio. Named UK Business Angels Association Angel Investor of the Year in 2013 and serves on the board of Cambridge Angels.
Director of two Venture Capital Trusts managed by Triple Point and Chair of Powervault. Former Managing Director of Quester and Director of the British Business Angels' Association. Trustee of Plantlife conservation charity and published author.
Northern Ireland-based technology investor with the Halo – the Northern Ireland Business Angel Network. Executive Chairman of QuizFortune and Lead Angel Investor for the Volcano Syndicate. Mentor with Invest Northern Ireland's Propel Programme and first recipient of the Halo Angel Investor of the Year Award.
CEO of Stratagem Corporate Finance & Strategy and Non-Executive Director of Baronsmead VCT. Serves as Non-Executive Director of Fusion Lifestyle, Treasurer of the British Science Association, and former Chair of the University of Kent Council. Holds an Economics degree from Cambridge and MBA from London Business School.
Former Partner with KPMG's private equity group with career beginning as an accountant and auditor.
Investments · 7 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathFrequently asked questions
- What stage does ACF Investors invest at?
- ACF Investors invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A stages.
- What is ACF Investors's typical check size?
- ACF Investors typically writes checks of $125K – $1.3M.
- What sectors does ACF Investors focus on?
- ACF Investors focuses on Sector Agnostic.
- Where is ACF Investors located?
- ACF Investors is headquartered in UK, GB.
- Does ACF Investors lead rounds?
- ACF Investors typically participates in rounds rather than leading them.
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