The UK Innovation Seed Fund has today (29 May 2025) confirmed its first deployment of seed capital across an initial 8 companies, with 6 based in the North West of England, across Liverpool, Manchester, Cheshire and Wirral.
Launched in October 2024, the UK Innovation Seed Fund is a new Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme fund dedicated to fostering regional innovation and growth by providing crucial capital to early-stage companies. By leveraging SEIS investment from private investors, the fund aims to encourage co-funding and syndication, with the total capital syndicated around this first deployment exceeding £4.5 million.
Dr Andy Round, Investment Director, UK Innovation Seed Fund, said: “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,’ which are not just at the frontier of scientific discovery but are also pivotal in shaping the future of our economy and society.
“The reasons behind the UK’s pre-eminence in these sectors are many. We are home to world-renowned universities and research institutions that produce cutting-edge research and promote entrepreneurial spirit. We are delighted that the UK Innovation Seed Fund has been so well supported by private investors, and to have supported such an incredible portfolio of companies within this first tranche.”
Working with numerous strategic partners, including universities, incubators, accelerators and industry, the UK Innovation Seed Fund focuses on innovations classed as Catalyst Technologies, with the first tranche including investments in pioneering new approaches to eye health, personalised healthcare, advanced materials, treatments for dermatitis and skincare as well as new approaches to sterilisation.
North West companies within the UK Innovation Seed Fund Tranche I include BubblX, CareMixer, Haptiv8, Ocuwell, Plasma Fresh, and Quodria. Tranche II of the fund is expected to be deployed in the second half of 2025.
The UK Innovation Seed Fund is managed by leading venture capital investment manager Deepbridge Capital, with investors benefitting from the significant tax reliefs available under the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme.
Ian Warwick, Managing Partner, Deepbridge Capital, added: “We look forward to supporting the UK Innovation Seed Fund and for it to be a focal point of regional innovation hubs, supporting the development and growth of catalyst technologies.”