Unlocking the Next Big Startup Hub: Martin Sutton on Why Investors Should Look North

Everyone talks about “levelling up” investment in the UK, but when it comes to startups, too much money still flows south to London. Meanwhile, the North is buzzing with untapped talent, ambitious founders, and a tech ecosystem ready to explode.In this episode, Tanya and Gordon sit down with seasoned investor Martin Sutton to unpack what’s really happening on the ground in the North of England and why smart investors should be paying attention.From leaving corporate life behind to backing ambitious founders outside the capital, Martin shares candid insights on what investors actually value, the myths holding northern startups back, and how trust, networks, and cultural attitudes shape the journey to success.In this episode, you’ll discover:· What really convinces an investor beyond the pitch deck· The biggest hurdles Northern founders face - and how to overcome them· Why gut instinct still plays a role in smart investment decisions· How to spot the difference between good and bad advice· Why the North could be the UK’s next breakout startup hotspotIf you’ve ever wondered where the next wave of UK startup success stories will come from - this conversation makes the case for looking North.LINKS https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-sutton-7a7809/ https://rivercapitaluk.com/ https://www.climb-uk.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/clim...Instagram: @Climb__UKX: @Climb_UK Bluesky: @climb-uk.bsky.social