- Science Angels fund aims to boost deep tech investment in the UK by focusing on early-stage deep science startups
- Deep science startups, working in fields like AI, quantum computing, and biotech, struggle to secure early-stage investment due to the complexity of their technologies and lack of understanding from traditional investors
- Empirical Ventures, led by Dr. Jonathan Matlock and Dr. Ben Miles, launches an £8 million fund with support from angel investors and British Business Investments to support deep-science businesses
- The Regional Angels Fund, part of the British Business Investments program, aims to level the investment playing field in the UK by channeling equity finance to regions outside of London and the south-east
- The investment strategy focuses on businesses with interdisciplinary research creating protected IP, requiring a proof of concept and a clear forward-looking plan for investment
Boosting Deep Tech Investment with Science Angels
Deep tech investment is crucial for driving innovation and economic growth, especially in fields like AI, quantum computing, and biotech. However, securing early-stage funding for deep science startups can be challenging due to the complexity of the technologies involved and the perceived risks. This is where initiatives like the Regional Angels Fund in the United Kingdom come into play, aiming to encourage angel investment in cutting-edge science ventures.
Addressing the Challenges of Deep Science Investment
Investing in deep science startups requires a unique approach, as these companies often operate in highly specialized areas that may be difficult for traditional investors to evaluate. Angel investors, in particular, face the challenge of assessing the opportunities and risks associated with deep tech ventures. Dr. Jonathan Matlock and Dr. Ben Miles, both with backgrounds in scientific research, recognized this gap and set out to bridge it with the launch of Empirical Ventures.
Empowering Early-Stage Deep Science Businesses
Empirical Ventures, in partnership with the Regional Angels Fund and British Business Investments, aims to provide much-needed support to early-stage deep-science businesses. By combining scientific expertise with capital from angel investors and government-backed programs, the fund seeks to fund solutions to pressing scientific problems and drive innovation in the UK.
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Investing in Impactful Science Startups
One of the key criteria for investment by Empirical Ventures is a clear path to impact. Startups like EnsilicaTech, which developed a technology to transport and store biological materials without refrigeration, exemplify the type of innovative solutions that investors are looking for. By focusing on companies with a proven concept and a forward-looking plan, Empirical Ventures aims to make strategic investments that not only generate returns but also drive positive change in society.
Initiatives like the Regional Angels Fund and partnerships with organizations like Empirical Ventures are essential for boosting deep tech investment and supporting the growth of science startups. By bringing together expertise, capital, and a shared vision for impact, these initiatives are paving the way for a brighter future powered by innovation and technology.
Links to additional Resources: 1. https://www.britishbusinessbank.co.uk/ 2. https://www.ukbusinessangelsassociation.org.uk/ 3. https://www.seedrs.com/