Niki McKenzie, David Ovens, Dan McKiddie, Sarah Hardy and Shaolei McKie | Photography © Jamie Williamson
Archangels, Scotland’s longest-established angel investment syndicate, has been crowned Angel Group of the Year at the UK Business Angels Awards.
Archangels has been recognised as the most active and impactful angel group in the UK at the annual industry awards hosted by the UK Business Angels Association (UKBAA).
Archangels was presented with the Angel Group of the Year award at the UKBAA Angel Investment Awards ceremony in London on 9 July, recognised for the volume and quality of its investments over the past year and for the hands-on support it provides to portfolio companies beyond investment.
The award recognises the angel group making not only a significant number of investments but bringing strong added value to support the growth and success of their portfolio, a model that has defined Archangels’ approach since its founding more than 30 years ago.
The recognition comes during a strong period of investment activity for Archangels. In the first half of 2026 alone, the syndicate mobilised £17.9 million across a number of high-growth Scottish technology and life science companies, including University of Edinburgh spin-outs Biocaptiva and Bioliberty. The H1 total comprises £7.2 million invested directly by Archangels’ members alongside £10.7 million of co-investment from partner investors.
UKBAA’s recognition extended beyond the headline award. Archangels-backed Reactec, an Edinburgh-based workplace safety technology company, was also shortlisted for Exit of the Year following its acquisition by global software company Ideagen, a further reflection of the syndicate’s track record in backing Scottish companies through to successful exits.
David Ovens, Joint Managing Director at Archangels, said: “To be named Angel Group of the Year by our industry peers is a huge accolade and is testament to the strength of our board, team and syndicate members, who consistently invest £10m-£15m of their own money each year into Scotland’s most promising technology and life sciences companies, while also providing access to their networks and experience.
“The first half of 2026 has been another active period for Archangels, with the syndicate backing some genuinely exceptional companies. Biocaptiva and Bioliberty are each addressing significant global challenges, and the quality of co-investment we have been able to attract alongside our members reflects just how compelling these opportunities are to the wider investor community.
“Scotland’s early-stage ecosystem continues to punch well above its weight, and while the macroeconomic backdrop remains uncertain, the pipeline of innovative companies coming through gives us real confidence going into the second half of the year. Archangels has been backing Scotland’s best founders for over 30 years, and the ambition and quality we are seeing today is as strong as it has ever been.”
