---
title: "UK business equity investment rises by more than a quarter in H1 as innovation-led sectors lead fundraising"
description: "Barclays' latest Regional Investment Map shows that UK businesses attracted £14.4 billion in equity investment in H1 2026, up 26 percent from H2 2025. Northern Ireland investment rose 63.4 percent to £72.2 million, led by a £53.5 million round for Cloudsmith. Cloudsmith's raise was one of the standout deals driving Northern Ireland's growth."
canonical_url: "https://cloudsmith.com/company/press/uk-business-equity-investment-rises-by-more-than-a-quarter-in-h1-as-innovation-led-sectors-lead-fundraising"
last_updated: "2026-07-30"
---
# UK business equity investment rises by more than a quarter in H1 as innovation-led sectors lead fundraising