Northern Gritstone and Parkwalk: A New Dawn for UK Innovation
June 20, 2025, 5:29 am
Location: United Kingdom, England, Manchester
Employees: 1-10
Founded date: 1824
In the heart of the UK, a new venture is stirring the pot of innovation. Northern Gritstone, a Manchester-based investment firm, has joined forces with Parkwalk Advisors from London. Together, they are launching the Northern Universities Venture Fund. This fund is not just another financial vehicle; it’s a beacon for early-stage investments in science and DeepTech spinouts from the North’s prestigious universities. Think of it as a bridge connecting academic brilliance to the bustling world of business.
The Northern Universities Venture Fund is designed under the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS). This scheme is like a safety net for investors, offering tax reliefs while encouraging them to dive into the world of high-risk, high-reward startups. The focus is clear: to commercialize intellectual property-rich innovations from the Universities of Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, and Sheffield. These institutions are gold mines of potential, producing groundbreaking research in sectors like quantum computing, artificial intelligence, engineering biology, semiconductors, HealthTech, and CleanTech.
Duncan Johnson, the CEO of Northern Gritstone, believes that the UK is on the brink of producing its first trillion-dollar business. This isn’t just a lofty dream; it’s a calculated vision. By investing in university science and technology, they aim to tap into a wellspring of untapped innovation. Northern Gritstone has already made its mark, investing in 37 companies since its inception in 2022. These investments span a diverse range of fields, from semiconductor design to gene therapies.
The fund has recently bolstered its financial arsenal, raising an additional €58.4 million from institutional investors like Aviva and Fulcrum Asset Management. This brings its total committed capital to a staggering €423 million. Northern Gritstone is not just about profits; it’s about purpose. Their mission intertwines job creation and regional development with strong investor returns. They are not just investors; they are catalysts for change.
Parkwalk Advisors brings a wealth of experience to the table. With over €584 million in assets under management, they are seasoned players in the university spinout investment arena. Their expertise complements Northern Gritstone’s vision perfectly. Together, they offer investors a unique opportunity to access a pipeline of innovation that is often overlooked.
The collaboration between these two entities is a strategic move. It combines Parkwalk’s venture capital prowess with Northern Gritstone’s strong ties to universities. This partnership is like a well-oiled machine, designed to drive investment into the next generation of global companies. The fund’s structure provides preferred access to spinout deals, making it an attractive option for high-net-worth individuals looking to invest in early-stage university commercialization.
The North of England is often overshadowed by its southern counterpart. However, this initiative shines a spotlight on the region’s academic excellence. Lord Jim O’Neill, Chair of Northern Gritstone, emphasizes the potential of the North’s universities. They are breeding grounds for some of the most exciting scientific advancements in the UK. This collaboration is not just about financial gain; it’s about fostering regional growth and creating a lasting impact.
As the Northern Universities Venture Fund takes shape, it aims to redefine the landscape of investment in the UK. The fund is not merely a financial instrument; it’s a lifeline for startups emerging from academic institutions. It provides them with the capital and expertise needed to navigate the challenging waters of commercialization. Through its ‘Capital+++’ platform, Northern Gritstone offers early-stage businesses access to vital resources.
The implications of this fund extend beyond the immediate financial benefits. It represents a shift in how we view university research. No longer are these institutions seen solely as academic bastions; they are now recognized as engines of economic growth. The Northern Universities Venture Fund is a testament to this evolution.
In a world where innovation is the currency of success, the UK is positioning itself as a formidable player. The partnership between Northern Gritstone and Parkwalk Advisors is a strategic move that could set the stage for a new era of technological advancement. By harnessing the power of university research, they are not just investing in companies; they are investing in the future.
As the fund begins to attract attention, it will likely draw in more investors eager to be part of this transformative journey. The potential for returns is significant, but the societal impact is even greater. This initiative could pave the way for breakthroughs that address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
In conclusion, the Northern Universities Venture Fund is more than just a financial initiative. It’s a bold step towards unlocking the potential of the North’s universities. By channeling investment into innovative startups, it aims to create a ripple effect that benefits the economy, society, and the environment. The future is bright, and the North is ready to shine.
The Northern Universities Venture Fund is designed under the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS). This scheme is like a safety net for investors, offering tax reliefs while encouraging them to dive into the world of high-risk, high-reward startups. The focus is clear: to commercialize intellectual property-rich innovations from the Universities of Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, and Sheffield. These institutions are gold mines of potential, producing groundbreaking research in sectors like quantum computing, artificial intelligence, engineering biology, semiconductors, HealthTech, and CleanTech.
Duncan Johnson, the CEO of Northern Gritstone, believes that the UK is on the brink of producing its first trillion-dollar business. This isn’t just a lofty dream; it’s a calculated vision. By investing in university science and technology, they aim to tap into a wellspring of untapped innovation. Northern Gritstone has already made its mark, investing in 37 companies since its inception in 2022. These investments span a diverse range of fields, from semiconductor design to gene therapies.
The fund has recently bolstered its financial arsenal, raising an additional €58.4 million from institutional investors like Aviva and Fulcrum Asset Management. This brings its total committed capital to a staggering €423 million. Northern Gritstone is not just about profits; it’s about purpose. Their mission intertwines job creation and regional development with strong investor returns. They are not just investors; they are catalysts for change.
Parkwalk Advisors brings a wealth of experience to the table. With over €584 million in assets under management, they are seasoned players in the university spinout investment arena. Their expertise complements Northern Gritstone’s vision perfectly. Together, they offer investors a unique opportunity to access a pipeline of innovation that is often overlooked.
The collaboration between these two entities is a strategic move. It combines Parkwalk’s venture capital prowess with Northern Gritstone’s strong ties to universities. This partnership is like a well-oiled machine, designed to drive investment into the next generation of global companies. The fund’s structure provides preferred access to spinout deals, making it an attractive option for high-net-worth individuals looking to invest in early-stage university commercialization.
The North of England is often overshadowed by its southern counterpart. However, this initiative shines a spotlight on the region’s academic excellence. Lord Jim O’Neill, Chair of Northern Gritstone, emphasizes the potential of the North’s universities. They are breeding grounds for some of the most exciting scientific advancements in the UK. This collaboration is not just about financial gain; it’s about fostering regional growth and creating a lasting impact.
As the Northern Universities Venture Fund takes shape, it aims to redefine the landscape of investment in the UK. The fund is not merely a financial instrument; it’s a lifeline for startups emerging from academic institutions. It provides them with the capital and expertise needed to navigate the challenging waters of commercialization. Through its ‘Capital+++’ platform, Northern Gritstone offers early-stage businesses access to vital resources.
The implications of this fund extend beyond the immediate financial benefits. It represents a shift in how we view university research. No longer are these institutions seen solely as academic bastions; they are now recognized as engines of economic growth. The Northern Universities Venture Fund is a testament to this evolution.
In a world where innovation is the currency of success, the UK is positioning itself as a formidable player. The partnership between Northern Gritstone and Parkwalk Advisors is a strategic move that could set the stage for a new era of technological advancement. By harnessing the power of university research, they are not just investing in companies; they are investing in the future.
As the fund begins to attract attention, it will likely draw in more investors eager to be part of this transformative journey. The potential for returns is significant, but the societal impact is even greater. This initiative could pave the way for breakthroughs that address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
In conclusion, the Northern Universities Venture Fund is more than just a financial initiative. It’s a bold step towards unlocking the potential of the North’s universities. By channeling investment into innovative startups, it aims to create a ripple effect that benefits the economy, society, and the environment. The future is bright, and the North is ready to shine.