University of Birmingham

The University of Birmingham, established in 1900, is a non-profit educational institution located in the United Kingdom, offering undergraduate and postgraduate research programs across various fields, including life sciences, arts, law, and technology. It has a longstanding tradition of innovation and excellence in research, consistently pushing the boundaries of knowledge and addressing contemporary challenges. The Birmingham Centre for Energy Storage (BCES) exemplifies this commitment by harnessing the university's research expertise to promote advancements in energy storage technologies. The university also manages an endowment fund to support scholarships and academic programs, reflecting its dedication to fostering learning and research. Through these initiatives, the University of Birmingham aims to enhance its global reputation and impact on society.

Erica Conway

Finance Director

Steve Cutler

Deputy Finance Director

5 past transactions

Chromatwist

Seed Round in 2021
Chromatwist is a provider of fluorescent probes for imaging applications and next generation fluorescent compounds.

Linear Diagnostics

Venture Round in 2021
Linear Diagnostics Limited is a diagnostics company based in Birmingham, United Kingdom, that specializes in developing a novel diagnostic platform technology leveraging linear dichroism (LD). Founded in 2011, the company focuses on a wide range of applications, including the detection of antibiotic resistance in infections and the identification of bacteria responsible for crop spoilage. The platform enables simultaneous measurement of multiple targets from a single sample and utilizes various molecular recognition methods to enhance detection capabilities. Additionally, Linear Diagnostics offers a handheld reader for measuring linear dichroism signals, providing a streamlined and efficient approach to molecular diagnostics. The technology represents a significant advancement over existing methods, facilitating quicker and more accurate testing processes.

Tyseley Energy Park

Funding Round in 2018
Tyseley Energy Park develops an Energy Innovation Zone (EIZ) to help Tyseley and Birmingham overcome the severe energy business and social challenges it currently faces. The TEP EIZ reduces emissions and stimulates growth and will integrate low carbon technologies and infrastructure needed to support new approaches to clean energy.
Smart Antenna Technologies Ltd designs and develops a smart antenna system for the mobile device and infrastructure market. It offers multi-band, multi-functional, and multi-port compact configurable antenna solutions for smartphones, laptops, tablets, small cells, Internet of Things devices, and Internet of Things gateways, as well as automotive and entertainment applications. The company serves handset manufacturers and partners in the United States, Europe, South Korea, Japan, and China. Smart Antenna Technologies Ltd was incorporated in 2013 and is based in Birmingham, United Kingdom with an additional office in Bath, United Kingdom.

Cytox

Series A in 2013
Cytox Limited is focused on developing products and services aimed at addressing neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD). The company specializes in cellular and genetic assays that facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of AD, leveraging the cell division cycle theory of its pathogenesis. It has created a genetic-based blood test designed for early-stage risk assessment and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Cytox also offers biomarker and drug-screening services to pharmaceutical companies engaged in clinical trials for AD and mild cognitive impairment treatments. By collaborating with Affymetrix, a part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, Cytox supports the development of novel therapeutics aimed at combating this growing condition, which currently affects millions worldwide. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Birmingham, UK, with additional offices in Manchester and Oxford, Cytox serves a global clientele that includes pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms, as well as research laboratories.