Led · Series A · Nov 2019

LUNAC Therapeutics is a Leeds‑based drug discovery company spun out of the University of Leeds to identify and develop next‑generation anticoagulants that target activated Factor XII. The company’s core program focuses on inhibiting Factor XII, which the team believes drives pathological clot formation without affecting hemostasis, and individuals lacking Factor XII do not exhibit bleeding symptoms. LUNAC was founded on IP generated by Prof Helen Philippou and Dr Richard Foster, building on a decade of academic research supported by the Wellcome Trust, the British Heart Foundation and the Medical Research Council. The company intends to advance Factor XII‑targeted therapeutics as differentiated anticoagulant options with reduced bleeding risk. Financially, LUNAC announced a first close of its Series A financing for £2.65M led by Epidarex Capital and the University of Leeds to progress its discovery programs.

Participated · Equity · Aug 2019

Optimus Vitrum is a University of Leeds spin-out developing a laser-based process to toughen glass for mobile phone and wearable device screens. The technology uses lasers instead of chemicals to produce more uniform toughening, enabling thinner, more flexible screens with improved resistance to cracking. The company intends to use the newly raised funds to create advanced prototypes and engage customers. Professor Gin Jose led development of the technology over seven years and attracted over £5m in government grants. He founded Optimus Vitrum with former PhD students Dr Matthew Murray and Dr Robert Mathieson and glass industry expert Dr Malcolm Glendening; the company has moved into new premises in Leeds and appointed Chris Brill as chair.

Participated · Seed · Jun 2018

SatSense is a satellite-data company that developed software to detect subsidence using satellite measurements. Its technology can precisely measure ground movement down to 1 mm per year and attribute causes such as tree roots, shallow landslides, or groundwater pumping. The company's results can be applied to continuous monitoring of critical infrastructure including bridges, railways, dams, and oil and gas production sites. Subsidence data is also used by home buyers, surveyors, mortgage lenders and insurers. SatSense plans to use new funding to bring the technology to market, recruit a managing director and expand the development team. The company is based in Leeds, UK and was co-founded by University of Leeds professors Tim Wright and Andy Hooper.

Participated · Equity · Jul 2017

Creavo Medical Technologies is a University of Leeds spin‑out and UK‑based med‑tech company that has developed a deployable diagnostic technology using magnetocardiography (MCG) to measure electromagnetic fluctuations caused by heart activity with extremely sensitive detectors. Its Vitalscan device can more accurately 'rule out' heart‑related problems at point of admission to emergency departments and is estimated to be able to save the NHS £200 million a year. Creavo's core technology has a range of potential applications beyond emergency detection, including helping to better understand and predict arrhythmias that can result in sudden cardiac death and supporting diagnostics in other organs. The company completed an oversubscribed £13.4 million fundraising that exceeded its funding target and was strongly supported by existing shareholders and new investors. Investors named in reports include Parkwalk Opportunities Fund (Parkwalk Advisors), IP Group plc, the University of Leeds and Puhua Capital Ltd, alongside other private and institutional investors from Europe, the USA and China. Proceeds will be used to progress toward a full commercial launch in Europe, conclude the UK clinical study, build a US operation and associated clinical study, and conduct further research to expand the technology's applications.

Participated · Series A · Feb 2016

Quantum Imaging is a medical device company commercializing imaging technology developed in the University of Leeds’ Quantum Information group. The company was spun out of the University of Leeds in 2014 and is led by CEO Steve Parker. It has completed two clinical studies that provide evidence and the basis for further product development. Quantum Imaging is initially focused on rapid triage of patients with chest pain. The company raised funding to support further development of its imaging technology. The reported financing and clinical progress position it to advance product development toward commercialization.