Cranfield University
College Road, Cranfield, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL, United Kingdom
Overview
Cranfield University is a postgraduate university that specializes in education and transformational research in various technologies, development, and designs. The university’s schools and departments include Cranfield College of Aeronautics, Cranfield Postgraduate Medical School, and Cranfield University at Kitakyushu, Japan. The institute offers research degrees such as doctor of philosophy, doctor of business administration, engineering doctorate, master of philosophy, and master of science. Cranfield University is a U.K.-based institute that was founded in 1946.
- Total investments
- 2
- Lead investments
- 0
- Investments · 12mo
- 2
- Active investors
- 8
Sector focus
- EdTech
- Education
- Higher Education
Investment portfolio
- A&B Smart Materials
Participated · Seed · Dec 2025
A&B Smart Materials is an Oxford-based materials science startup engineering fully biodegradable superabsorbent polymers that can slot into existing manufacturing processes for products such as nappies, menstrual pads, and agricultural soil additives. Its technology modifies biopolymers derived from widely available, low-cost natural feedstocks to deliver absorbency performance comparable to synthetic SAPs while eliminating microplastic pollution. The company’s R&D focuses on balancing high absorbency, competitive cost, and industrial-scale validation so that large hygiene and agricultural players can adopt the material without retooling. Management sees a sizeable opportunity in a SAP market expected to reach about $17 billion by 2035 and aims to “completely replace” persistent fossil-based SAPs in high-volume single-use products. The fresh capital strengthens its runway to accelerate lab work, pilot production, and partnership development for commercial trials. To date, the company has raised £1.5 million in external funding, with no operating revenue disclosed yet.
- ZERØTEC
Participated · Seed · Oct 2025
Founded earlier this year by sustainability consultant Nicholas Betts, ZERØTEC deploys patented AI technology that re-engineers pattern design and fabric cutting to eliminate waste at the very start of garment production. Its cloud platform can reduce material usage by up to 15%, addressing the 60 billion metres of fabric—worth more than $300 billion—traditionally discarded before clothes reach stores. More than 250 brands, including Fortune 500 apparel companies, have already piloted the solution, validating its commercial potential. The company’s edge lies in algorithmic pattern optimisation, distinguishing it from incumbents such as LECTRA and Gerber Technologies that focus downstream. With fresh capital in hand, ZERØTEC plans to accelerate R&D, grow its team, expand manufacturer integrations and scale pilots with global names like H&M and Nike. Longer-term goals include international expansion across the EEA and MENA regions, capturing 500 million kilograms of carbon and onboarding 50,000 users. The recent pre-seed raise brings its total external funding to £642,000.