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Welcome to the UK Innovation Seed Fund - Where Innovation Meets Opportunity

The UK Innovation Seed Fund provides UK investors access to a portfolio of high-growth-focused companies across the UK. Supporting the development of early-stage catalyst technologies, the UK Innovation Seed Fund seeks to support technology and life sciences entrepreneurs spinning out of some of the UK’s most revered universities and incubators.

The United Kingdom has long been a home to scientific innovation, a place that attracts and nurtures some of the most inspiring entrepreneurs. Our country boasts a legacy of groundbreaking ‘Catalyst Technologies,’ including specialisms such as life sciences, biopharma, biotech, DeepTech, advanced manufacturing, energy innovation and MedTech. These fields are not just at the frontier of scientific discovery but are also pivotal in shaping the future of our economy and society.

As well as seeking to support economic growth, technological innovation, and scientific success, the UK Innovation Seed Fund also allows appropriate UK investors to benefit from the considerable tax advantages under the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme, including income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax relief, and Share Loss Relief.

Learn more about the potential generous tax relief benefits here

Investments in unquoted companies carry high risks, and investors could lose all of the funds invested. Investors should not invest if capital is required in the near term. No established market exists for the trading of shares in private companies, making it difficult to sell shares. The value of tax reliefs depends on personal circumstances and may be subject to change in the future. The availability of tax reliefs depends on the Company's investment in maintaining its qualifying status. Past performance is not a guide to the future performance of an investment, and investors are encouraged to take independent legal, tax and financial advice before considering an investment.

Unlocking Potential Across the UK

The UK Innovation Seed Fund is more than just a financial opportunity; it's a commitment to driving innovation and growth nationwide. With a mission to support start-ups in every corner of the country and boost early-stage venture capital across all nations and regions of the UK, we're paving the way for the next generation of game-changing technologies that benefit the entire UK economy.

By supporting start-ups from all regions, we're fostering a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem and ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of global innovation. Backed by Deepbridge's nationwide experience, the UK Innovation Seed Fund intends to significantly impact the identification and nurturing of talent and innovation throughout the UK.

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Unlocking Potential Across the UK

Investment Strategy for Success

Our investment strategy targets catalyst technologies across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, leveraging partnerships with academia, incubators, and industry professionals. Focusing on key sectors such as MedTech, AI, robotics, and green technologies, we’re targeting technologies that cultivate scientific advancements, disrupt traditional methods, and create new opportunities for growth, thereby maximising investor opportunities.

Building on Deepbridge's extensive investing experience nationwide, the UK Innovation Seed Fund is designed to make a significant impact. To date, Deepbridge has supported spin-outs from 17 universities and made nearly 90% of its investments outside of London since 2020, demonstrating a clear commitment to identifying and nurturing talent and innovation wherever it may be found in the UK. Outcomes and accessibility. Similarly, advancements in quantum computing can unlock new efficiencies and capabilities in numerous fields, fostering sustainable growth and development.

Don't miss out on the chance to be part of the UK's innovation revolution! With a proven track record and a commitment to supporting start-ups across various sectors, the UK Innovation Seed Fund is your gateway to a vibrant and flourishing entrepreneurial landscape.

Key Features

Minimum Investment

£25,000

Compliance Status

Alternative Investment Fund

Sector

Catalyst Technologies

Offer Size

Uncapped

HMRC Advance Assurance

Received before deployment into companies

Deployment

Within 18 months

Target Return

300p for every 100p invested

Target Timescale

5 – 10  years minimum

The Investment Team

Our UK Innovation Seed Fund investment team is dedicated to providing expert guidance and mentoring to our portfolio companies. At least one member of Deepbridge will take a board position in all our investee companies, ensuring they have an active and hands-on role in the development of the company. Further to this, our investment team is responsible for the extensive vetting and due diligence of prospective investee companies that are seeking funding.

Ian Warwick

Managing Partner

Dr. Savvas Neophytou

Partner & Chief Investment Officer

Kieran O'Gorman

Technical Partner

Dr. Andrew Round

Investment Director

Ben Carter

Investment Director, Head of Life Sciences

Anjali Roberts

Strategic Partnerships' Director

David Blake

Investment Director

Deepbridge Charges

Initial Fee: an initial investor fee of 3.5%, taken at the point of investment.

Performance fee: an incentive fee of 20% of cash returned, in excess of 120% of the funds invested. For clarification, once the Investor has received in cash the first 120 pence per 100 pence invested (ignoring any tax relief and representing a 20% Hurdle Rate on funds invested), any additional distributable cash will be paid as to 80% to the Investor and 20% to Deepbridge.

Our Products

An opportunity to participate in a range of diverse portfolios, proactively managed by our sector experienced team. Tax advantages are potentially available via the Enterprise Investment Scheme and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme. Please view our specific product pages for more information. Financial Advice is recommended.

An opportunity for investors to participate in a portfolio of seed-stage technology innovation companies, whilst taking advantage of the potential tax benefits available under the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme.

An opportunity for investors participate in a portfolio of growth-focused technology companies, whilst taking advantage of the potential tax benefits available under the Enterprise Investment Scheme.

An opportunity for investors to participate in a portfolio of growth-focused healthcare innovation companies, whilst taking advantage of the potential tax benefits available under the Enterprise Investment Scheme.

An asset-backed opportunity for investors to target long-term capital growth by investing in renewable energy generating trading assets.

The Private Investor Network of Deepbridge Capital, enabling experienced investors to define their own portfolio of innovative Life Sciences and Technology companies.

Deepbridge Protect is an IHT mitigation service that seeks to help businesses obtain full IHT relief, through their membership of a trading Partnership participating in a qualifying trade, so as to qualify for Business Relief.