Praetura Ventures and Par Equity, two leading investors in early-stage and scale-up businesses outside London, have agreed to merge, forming PXN Group, a new investment powerhouse with over £670 million in assets under management. The move, pending Financial Conduct Authority approval, brings together Manchester-based Praetura and Edinburgh-founded Par Equity, combining regional strengths across the North of England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
PXN Group positions itself as the UK’s fastest-growing venture and investment firm outside the South East, aiming to address the country’s geographic funding gap. The group plans to offer equity investments from £200,000 to £8 million across multiple sectors and stages of growth. Their combined 115-company portfolio spans high-growth ventures and technology-driven businesses, including AccessPay, Modern Milkman, QikServe, and ICS Learn.
The firm will operate from existing locations in Manchester, Edinburgh, Leeds, and London, while continuing to manage current funds and mandates. Both founding teams will remain in leadership, with Praetura’s Dave Foreman taking on the role of CEO and Par Equity’s Paul Munn appointed Executive Chair.
PXN Group will expand its offering to institutional and retail investors, financial advisers, and public sector partners. It also retains a focus on tax-efficient investment products, including EIS and inheritance tax planning services. Looking ahead, PXN plans to launch new initiatives aimed at scaling innovation in undercapitalised UK regions.
