Northern Gritstone: Fueling the Future of Life Sciences and DeepTech in the North of England
April 15, 2025, 10:01 am
Location: United States, California, Emeryville
Employees: 51-200
Founded date: 2015
Total raised: $194.7M
In the heart of the North of England, a financial powerhouse is emerging. Northern Gritstone, an investment firm rooted in the rich soil of academia, has just secured a significant £50 million in funding. This is not just a number; it’s a beacon of hope for innovation and growth in life sciences and DeepTech.
Founded with the backing of the Universities of Sheffield, Leeds, and Manchester, Northern Gritstone is on a mission. Its goal? To transform scientific discoveries into world-class businesses. With this latest funding round, the firm’s total capital swells to £362 million. It’s a strong foundation for building the future.
The funding comes primarily from Northern LGPS, a collective asset pool for pension funds across Greater Manchester, Merseyside, and West Yorkshire. They contributed about £35 million. The remaining £15 million comes from new investors, including Fulcrum Asset Management and Aviva. This diverse backing illustrates a growing confidence in the North’s potential.
Northern Gritstone has already made waves. With 32 investments in early-stage businesses, it’s clear that the firm is not just talk. It’s action. The firm has expanded its investment team and created NG Innovation Services. This venture-building toolkit is a treasure chest for startups, offering talent management, growth advice, and business services. The accelerator program, NG Studios, is a launchpad for new ideas.
The North of England is often overlooked. Yet, it’s a goldmine of innovation. Northern Gritstone is digging deep, unearthing gems in sectors like semiconductor design, AI, HealthTech, and gene therapies. These areas are not just buzzwords; they represent the future of technology and healthcare.
The firm’s strategy is clear. It aims to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem of science and technology businesses. This vision is supported by its founding university partners, who provide a steady stream of talent and ideas. The collaboration between academia and industry is like a symbiotic relationship, each feeding off the other’s strengths.
Investors are taking notice. Fulcrum Asset Management sees immense potential in Northern Gritstone’s approach. Their focus on university spin-outs aligns perfectly with their venture capital strategy. It’s a match made in innovation heaven. Similarly, Aviva recognizes the importance of supporting growth investments within the region. They understand that university spin-outs are not just businesses; they are the lifeblood of future innovation.
Northern Gritstone’s impact goes beyond numbers. It’s about creating jobs and driving economic growth. The firm is committed to fostering high-value activities that will boost productivity in the North. This is not just a local initiative; it’s a national imperative. The UK needs to harness its intellectual capital to remain competitive on the global stage.
The firm’s leadership is equally impressive. With experienced individuals at the helm, including the newly appointed Non-Executive Director from the Greater Manchester Pension Fund, Northern Gritstone is poised for success. Their expertise will guide the firm as it navigates the complex landscape of investment and innovation.
But what does this mean for the future? The North of England is on the brink of a transformation. With Northern Gritstone leading the charge, we can expect to see a surge in groundbreaking companies. These businesses will not only create jobs but also contribute to the UK’s reputation as a hub for innovation.
The journey is just beginning. Northern Gritstone is committed to building a dynamic community of science and technology businesses. This vision is ambitious, but with the right support, it’s achievable. The firm’s focus on early-stage companies ensures that the next generation of innovators will have the resources they need to thrive.
In conclusion, Northern Gritstone is more than an investment firm. It’s a catalyst for change. With its recent funding, the firm is set to unlock the potential of the North of England. The future is bright, and the possibilities are endless. As the firm continues to invest in life sciences and DeepTech, it will pave the way for a new era of innovation. The North is ready to rise, and Northern Gritstone is leading the way.
Founded with the backing of the Universities of Sheffield, Leeds, and Manchester, Northern Gritstone is on a mission. Its goal? To transform scientific discoveries into world-class businesses. With this latest funding round, the firm’s total capital swells to £362 million. It’s a strong foundation for building the future.
The funding comes primarily from Northern LGPS, a collective asset pool for pension funds across Greater Manchester, Merseyside, and West Yorkshire. They contributed about £35 million. The remaining £15 million comes from new investors, including Fulcrum Asset Management and Aviva. This diverse backing illustrates a growing confidence in the North’s potential.
Northern Gritstone has already made waves. With 32 investments in early-stage businesses, it’s clear that the firm is not just talk. It’s action. The firm has expanded its investment team and created NG Innovation Services. This venture-building toolkit is a treasure chest for startups, offering talent management, growth advice, and business services. The accelerator program, NG Studios, is a launchpad for new ideas.
The North of England is often overlooked. Yet, it’s a goldmine of innovation. Northern Gritstone is digging deep, unearthing gems in sectors like semiconductor design, AI, HealthTech, and gene therapies. These areas are not just buzzwords; they represent the future of technology and healthcare.
The firm’s strategy is clear. It aims to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem of science and technology businesses. This vision is supported by its founding university partners, who provide a steady stream of talent and ideas. The collaboration between academia and industry is like a symbiotic relationship, each feeding off the other’s strengths.
Investors are taking notice. Fulcrum Asset Management sees immense potential in Northern Gritstone’s approach. Their focus on university spin-outs aligns perfectly with their venture capital strategy. It’s a match made in innovation heaven. Similarly, Aviva recognizes the importance of supporting growth investments within the region. They understand that university spin-outs are not just businesses; they are the lifeblood of future innovation.
Northern Gritstone’s impact goes beyond numbers. It’s about creating jobs and driving economic growth. The firm is committed to fostering high-value activities that will boost productivity in the North. This is not just a local initiative; it’s a national imperative. The UK needs to harness its intellectual capital to remain competitive on the global stage.
The firm’s leadership is equally impressive. With experienced individuals at the helm, including the newly appointed Non-Executive Director from the Greater Manchester Pension Fund, Northern Gritstone is poised for success. Their expertise will guide the firm as it navigates the complex landscape of investment and innovation.
But what does this mean for the future? The North of England is on the brink of a transformation. With Northern Gritstone leading the charge, we can expect to see a surge in groundbreaking companies. These businesses will not only create jobs but also contribute to the UK’s reputation as a hub for innovation.
The journey is just beginning. Northern Gritstone is committed to building a dynamic community of science and technology businesses. This vision is ambitious, but with the right support, it’s achievable. The firm’s focus on early-stage companies ensures that the next generation of innovators will have the resources they need to thrive.
In conclusion, Northern Gritstone is more than an investment firm. It’s a catalyst for change. With its recent funding, the firm is set to unlock the potential of the North of England. The future is bright, and the possibilities are endless. As the firm continues to invest in life sciences and DeepTech, it will pave the way for a new era of innovation. The North is ready to rise, and Northern Gritstone is leading the way.