INSIGHTS / News

In a vibrant display of entrepreneurial spirit, SETsquared highlighted the investment potential of university start-ups and spinouts at a high-profile event in London.

Investment Futures attracted a dynamic crowd of over 300 attendees, bringing together university researchers, innovators, industry experts and investors interested in capitalising on the groundbreaking companies emerging from academic research.

With a wealth of deep science and technology projects situated in university clusters, the path to identifying and funding high-potential ventures has never been more accessible, sparking enthusiasm among investors and fostering a dynamic ecosystem of growth and collaboration.

The partnership between innovators and investors is vital to solve real-world problems and secure a prosperous and more sustainable future.

“Science and deep tech companies are critical to our economy,” said Marty Reid, Executive Director, SETsquared Partnership said: “This is because they bring high-value jobs and growth to our regions and are essential to facing many challenges, such as healthcare, security, and energy, while in digital transformation. The opportunities to make a difference and enhance our future are readily available.”

Investment Futures explored the forthcoming investment landscape and featured in-depth panels and roundtable discussions that delved into pressing opportunities and challenges within the investment ecosystem. Key topics included disruptive technologies, artificial intelligence, and the funding landscape for Net Zero technologies.

The event also showcased 20 innovative deep-tech and science-based start-ups and spin-outs that were competitively chosen to pitch out of 400 companies from SETsquared’s portfolio. Each had just 60 seconds to present their value proposition to investors to secure funds. They also took part in an exhibition for investors.

Jenny Bailey Cooper, Co-Founder and CEO of Ferryx, which develops next-generation probiotics to improve gut health, said Investment Futures was hugely beneficial: “This event has put us in front of the right investors and allowed us to have relevant conversations. We have also made helpful connections with people who can offer valuable advice.

“The support we received from SETsquared on the run-up to this event helped us polish our pitch, understand what to expect and hone what we want so we could make the most of the opportunity to attract investment.”

Increasing collaboration between universities and investors and breaking down obstacles to working together has been a critical initiative for SETsquared. Two initiatives were featured at the event.

IMPACT-IP has been gathering pace and is set to launch next year. This programme aims to increase the pace of university commercialisation and spinout creation by developing new toolkits and standards for universities and investors to use to streamline the process.

In addition, investors were introduced to an exciting new initiative, a £300m spin-out investment vehicle in partnership with QantX. This initiative seeks to create co-investment opportunities, reduce risks in early-stage deep tech ventures, and increase capital for innovative projects.

Peter Henry, Investor, Act 5 Ventures UK, said: “Investment Futures is a great event because it brings together key players from the early-stage investment ecosystem, so not just founders and investors but also everyone in between who provide the mentorship, the connections and access to markets. I invest in ventures that have purpose, and the real value of an investment can’t just be measured in pounds and pence. Angels, Venture Capitalists and Corporate Venturers have a social commitment to improve the environments we operate in. I’ve seen some promising start-ups at the event today, specifically one that is improving the safety of the key food production with pulse oxidation, and one that is developing reusable, small satellites.”

During the event, investors were invited to vote for the Most Investible Proposition – The Sam Mickleburgh Award, as part of SETsquared’s Community Awards. This award was won by Austsera, a health tech start-up helping neurodiverse and special needs children develop their social communication skills and unlock their full potential through smart, personalised mobile games.

Inas Ismail, Co-Founder of Autsera and winner of Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation Award 2022/23, said her support from SETsquared has been exceptional. “From the start, SETsquared has supported and guided us through shaping our business strategy and investment readiness.

“Today, we had promising conversations with the right investors and received valuable advice about getting into the healthcare sector. The event also enabled us to network and connect with individuals who can further support us on our journey.”

Investors can learn more about the companies that pitched at this event and others on SETsquared’s Online Investment Platform

Investors interested in getting involved with IMPACT-IP can register their interest by visiting the IMPACT-IP webpages

Investors interested in the new investment vehicle in partnership with QantX can contact [email protected]

SETsquared Community Award winners

The event concluded with the ceremony for SETsquared’s Community Awards. Here is the full list of winners.

Clean Superpower: Net Zero Award
For businesses pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for the future of environmental sustainability.
Winner: Wild Hydrogen

Fit for the Future: Health Innovation Award
For organisations committed to driving innovation in a medical field, whether through cutting-edge technology, revolutionary digital solutions, or transformative biotechnologies.
Winner: Capri Healthcare

Transforming Tomorrow: Deep Tech Award
For those committed to this vision, working tirelessly to bring the next wave of technological breakthroughs to life.
Winner: Qujit

Champion of Change: Impact Award
For businesses that have demonstrated a strong commitment to making a difference, with initiatives that reach beyond the bottom line and make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
Winner: Laika

Most Investible Proposition: The Sam Mickleburgh Award
As voted for at the event for the pitching company with the most investment potential.
Winner: Autsera