The UK is home to some of the world’s leading universities and research institutions, spinning out IP-rich companies that are at the forefront of technological and scientific advancements. 

With a fast growing, well-developed ecosystem that includes more than 200 accelerators and incubators, and a strong network of venture capital firms, this is an opportunity to invest in some of tomorrow’s global success stories today.

Spin-out companies from the top UK universities offer a unique investment class.

How do we know?

Cambridge Innovation Capital, Northern Gritstone and Oxford Science Enterprises are major investors in UK university spin-out companies, and since 2014, investment in this high growth sector has increased five-fold from £1 billion to £5 billion (in 2021), second only to the US in total spin-out investment.

We would like to welcome you to our first combined investor event, showcasing the best innovation from across UK universities.

Join us to hear

  • An opening address from Lord Jim O’Neill, Chair of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership
  • A keynote address from Alderman Sir Nicholas Lyons, past Lord Mayor of the City of London and Chair of Phoenix Group
  • A panel presentation on the growth of the UK innovation economy, featuring Louis Taylor, Chief Executive Officer, British Business Bank, and Scott O’Brien, Chief Investment Officer, Innovate UK
  • A panel presentation on the scale of the investment opportunity across UK universities, featuring spin-out investment firms Cambridge Innovation Capital, Northern Gritstone and Oxford Science Enterprises
  • Presentations from the CEOs and Founders of some of the most exciting spin-out companies in the Life Sciences, Health Tech and Deep Tech sectors

In addition to networking opportunities with fellow investors, spin-out founders and key stakeholders across the UK’s university ecosystem.

Ben Luckett, Managing Director Venture & Strategic Capital, Aviva Investors and Chair of Aviva Capital Partners reflects on the event: 

To find out more about the agenda , speakers, hosts and sponsors, and to watch more highlight videos from the event – click the link below.