Touchstone Innovations

Touchstone Innovations is a venture capital firm that focuses on creating, building, and investing in pioneering technology companies emerging from exceptional scientific research in the 'Golden Triangle' of London, Cambridge, and Oxford. Established in 1986, the firm employs a comprehensive strategy that encompasses the entire process from idea generation to intellectual property protection, company formation, seed funding, incubation, and scale-up. By providing continuous investment from start-up to scale-up, Touchstone Innovations supports scientists and entrepreneurs in commercializing their ideas through licensing and recruitment of top management teams. The firm has a proven track record of leveraging early-stage research into high-quality, well-managed businesses, maintaining active involvement with its portfolio companies throughout their lifecycle. With a commitment to de-risking investment, Touchstone Innovations has facilitated over £1.5 billion in funding to drive technological innovation in the UK. In 2017, the firm was acquired by IP Group plc, further expanding its capabilities in the investment landscape.

Robert Bahns

Investing Partner

20 past transactions

AccelerComm

Series B in 2023
AccelerComm Ltd specializes in providing Forward Error Correction (FEC) solutions for various communication markets, including mobile handsets, base stations, and satellite standards. Founded in 2016 and based in Southampton, United Kingdom, the company focuses on enhancing the performance of next-generation wireless communications, addressing challenges such as noise, interference, and weak signal strength. Its product offerings include a range of encoding and decoding technologies, such as Polar, Turbo, and LDPC (Low-Density Parity-Check) decoders, specifically designed to meet 3GPP compliance. By delivering innovative semiconductor IP-core products, AccelerComm aims to facilitate optimal performance in digital communications while supporting the evolving needs of the industry.

Re:infer

Venture Round in 2018
Re:infer is a Conversational Data Intelligence platform designed to help enterprises optimize customer experience and enhance operational efficiency. The platform leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze conversational data, providing real-time, structured annotations that capture the meaning and emotion in messages. This enables organizations to automate service requests and streamline business processes effectively. With a zero-code user interface, Re:infer allows business experts and developers to create machine learning and natural language processing models swiftly and at scale. As a spinout from University College London, Re:infer is backed by notable investors, including Seedcamp and prominent figures in the AI sector.

SAM Labs

Series A in 2017
SAM Labs Limited is an education technology company based in London that specializes in providing innovative teaching resources for educators. Founded in 2014, the company offers a range of products, including wireless electronic blocks, buttons, sensors, motors, and sliders, which can be connected and programmed using their SAM Space software application. This platform enables students to visualize and code the blocks in an intuitive manner, fostering an engaging STEAM learning experience. SAM Labs provides curriculum-based lesson plans and hands-on support for educators, making coding and computational skills accessible and interactive. Their offerings include course kits and electronic products available for purchase online, allowing educators to create a dynamic classroom environment where students can design, write, and debug their own programs, while learning essential concepts such as sequencing, selection, and logical reasoning.

Oxford Biotrans

Series B in 2017
Oxford Biotrans Limited is a company based in Abingdon, United Kingdom, that focuses on the development and commercialization of high-value chemical compounds through enzyme technology. Established in 2013, it leverages patented cytochrome P450 enzyme technology to create products such as Nootkatone, a naturally derived flavor and fragrance from Valencene, a citrus extract. The company aims to introduce innovative enzymatic routes for producing specialty chemicals, with initial offerings centered on flavors and fragrances. Additionally, the technology has broader applications in the production of pheromones, pharmaceuticals, and other specialty chemicals. With over 15 years of research backing its initiatives, Oxford Biotrans is committed to providing environmentally friendly ingredients that minimize chemical waste and energy consumption.

Featurespace

Venture Round in 2017
Featurespace is a leader in enterprise financial crime prevention, specializing in fraud detection and anti-money laundering solutions. The company has developed innovative technologies, including Adaptive Behavioral Analytics and Automated Deep Behavioral Networks, which are incorporated into its ARIC platform. This real-time machine learning software assesses risk and monitors customer data across more than 180 countries to identify fraudulent activities and suspicious behavior promptly. The ARIC Risk Hub utilizes advanced anomaly detection methods, allowing financial institutions to automatically recognize potential threats and respond to them effectively. Over 30 major global financial institutions, including well-known names such as HSBC and NatWest, leverage Featurespace’s solutions to safeguard their operations and enhance customer satisfaction while minimizing fraud-related costs.

Ieso

Venture Round in 2017
Ieso Digital Health Ltd. is a provider of online, evidence-based mental health therapy, focusing on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) delivered through a digital platform. The company offers one-to-one therapy sessions for various mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and phobias, as well as support for chronic physical health problems and cognitive impairments. Ieso's innovative approach combines proprietary technology with natural language processing and artificial intelligence to enhance therapy delivery through real-time monitoring and assessment. This enables therapists to provide effective care in a virtual environment, allowing patients to access support at their convenience. Serving a diverse clientele that includes health providers, private individuals, and businesses, Ieso aims to transform mental healthcare by making it more accessible and scalable. Founded in 2000 and based in Swavesey, United Kingdom, Ieso was previously known as PsychologyOnline.co.uk Limited before rebranding in 2015.

WaveOptics

Series B in 2017
WaveOptics, Ltd. is a designer and manufacturer of advanced augmented reality display technology, specializing in diffractive waveguides for wearable devices. Founded in 2014 and based in Abingdon-on-Thames, United Kingdom, the company focuses on creating optical components that enhance the augmented reality experience. Their patented technology utilizes waveguide hologram physics and photonic crystals, allowing for lightweight, high field-of-view displays in full RGB color. By employing thin transparent substrates embedded with nanostructures, WaveOptics' devices manipulate light to generate images without the need for bulkier components traditionally used in AR systems. The company has established strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as Compal, Wistron, and Plessey to further its mission in the augmented reality market.

Yoyo Wallet

Series B in 2017
Yoyo Wallet Limited is a mobile wallet company based in London, United Kingdom, specializing in facilitating customer transactions through smartphones. Founded in 2013, the company serves a diverse range of clients, including retailers, universities, and corporate locations throughout the UK. Yoyo Wallet processes over 150,000 in-store transactions monthly by integrating payment and loyalty features, allowing users to make purchases with a simple scan. Additionally, it offers a marketing platform that enhances digital customer engagement in-store. The mobile wallet also includes loyalty programs and rewards that are tailored to individual buying patterns, thereby providing a seamless experience for customers and retailers alike. The company was previously known as JustYoyo Limited before rebranding in April 2015.

Impression Technologies

Series B in 2017
Impression Technologies Limited, established in 2012 and based in London, specializes in the marketing and commercialization of its innovative Hot Form Quench (HFQ) technology. This technology allows for the efficient formation of aluminum panels into complex shapes, catering to various engineering needs. The company offers a comprehensive service that spans from concept development to production, providing the necessary expertise to support clients in utilizing HFQ technology effectively. Impression Technologies operates a fully equipped facility in Coventry, UK, where it conducts in-house prototyping and production runs to meet the demands of its HFQ customers and partners.

Concirrus

Venture Round in 2017
Concirrus is an Insurtech company focused on revolutionizing risk selection, pricing, and claims processes in the insurance industry. It leverages advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency for insurers. The company’s flagship platform, Quest, provides organizations with valuable insights into customer behavior, helping them improve loss ratios, reduce operational costs, and foster new trading relationships. Concirrus serves over 20 prominent clients, including major players in the insurance sector, who rely on its technology to inform their risk management strategies. Headquartered in London, Concirrus boasts a team of around 100 specialists with deep expertise in data analytics and a thorough understanding of the global insurance landscape.

Cardian

Seed Round in 2017
Cardian has been formed to commercialise a novel implantable device that improves the monitoring and treatment of cardiac failure patients, by providing completely automated, continuous wireless monitoring of blood pressure in the pulmonary artery. Following this investment, Innovations will hold a 53.7% interest in the Company, comprising a combination of founders equity and 27.3% derived from investment.

Cortexica Vision Systems

Venture Round in 2017
Cortexica Vision Systems Ltd is a London-based company that specializes in vision-based analytics and artificial intelligence solutions tailored for various industries, including retail, media, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals. Established in 2008, the company offers advanced visual search and image recognition technologies that enhance the digital shopping experience by enabling product discovery and personalization for e-commerce. Its AI-driven tools automate retail operations, improving efficiency and reducing costs. Cortexica also provides a range of video solutions for real-time monitoring and compliance, such as AI-PPE compliance detection and CCTV systems that predict and identify unusual behaviors. Additionally, the company offers edge solutions that facilitate local processing and video analysis. Originating from research at the Bioengineering Department of Imperial College London, Cortexica is designed to adapt to specific client needs, ensuring effective integration and optimal return on investment. It operates as a subsidiary of Zebra Technologies Corporation.

Pulmocide

Series B in 2017
Pulmocide Ltd is a London-based company established in 2007 that specializes in developing inhaled medicines aimed at treating serious viral and fungal infections of the respiratory tract. The company focuses on creating a new generation of antifungal drugs tailored for inhalation, which enhances the delivery of medication directly to the lungs while reducing systemic exposure. This targeted approach is designed to improve efficacy against respiratory aspergillosis and minimize systemic toxicities, thereby offering safe and effective treatment options for patients with acute and chronic respiratory diseases.

Kuur Therapeutics

Series C in 2017
Kuur Therapeutics Limited is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing, manufacturing, and commercializing CAR-NKT cell immunotherapies for cancer treatment. The company is advancing a pipeline of immune cell products, including KUR-501 for neuroblastoma, KUR-502 for hematological malignancies, and KUR-503 for liver cancer. Kuur Therapeutics specializes in engineered off-the-shelf CAR-NKT cell therapies that leverage the natural biology of a specific subset of cytotoxic T cells known as natural killer T cells. This innovative approach aims to provide effective treatment options for a wide range of solid and hematological tumors. The company conducts clinical trials to demonstrate the efficacy of its CAR-NKT cell products, thereby striving to transform cancer care. Founded in 2005 and based in London, Kuur Therapeutics was previously known as Cell Medica Limited before its rebranding in February 2020.

Resolver

Venture Round in 2017
Resolver is an independent online resolution service that connects consumers directly with businesses to address customer service issues efficiently. The platform facilitates communication and provides a streamlined process for resolving disputes, ensuring that consumers can effectively voice their concerns while businesses can retain their customers. Resolver offers a fully online, end-to-end arbitration and dispute resolution system, which is both fast and cost-effective. Additionally, the platform delivers value-added services to businesses by enhancing the issue-resolution process and providing real-time consumer feedback insights through advanced AI technology. This comprehensive approach allows consumers to receive guidance throughout the complaint process, while enterprises can transform their handling of customer complaints.

Garrison

Series A in 2017
Garrison Technology Limited, established in 2014 and located in London, specializes in cybersecurity solutions tailored for enterprise needs. The company has developed an innovative anti-malware product designed to protect organizations from significant cyber threats, particularly internet-borne targeted attacks. Garrison's technology addresses critical security challenges faced by enterprises and cloud computing, effectively mitigating risks associated with malware, phishing, and other web-borne threats. This solution allows users to securely access web content, ensuring safe browsing and secure data transfer while maintaining a high-quality user experience. Garrison aims to meet the increasing demands of the enterprise cybersecurity market by providing ultra-secure internet connectivity and scalable solutions.

Veryan Medical

Venture Round in 2017
Veryan Medical Ltd. specializes in the design and development of innovative vascular biomimetic stent technology. Founded in 2003 as a spin-out from Imperial College London, the company has created the BioMimics 3D stent, which utilizes a unique three-dimensional helical geometry to mimic natural blood vessel structure. This design enhances blood flow mechanics, promoting secondary swirling flow and increasing wall shear stress, which protects the endothelium and improves patient outcomes in treating symptomatic peripheral arterial disease. Veryan Medical is headquartered in Horsham, United Kingdom, with a research and development facility located in Galway, Ireland. The company operates as a subsidiary of Otsuka Medical Devices Co., Ltd. as of December 2018.

ApcinteX

Series A in 2017
ApcinteX specializes in the development and marketing of a novel anticoagulant protein therapy aimed at treating hemophilia. The company's innovative treatment works by modulating the activity of a critical natural anticoagulant pathway, facilitating normal blood clotting in patients with various forms of hemophilia. This therapy is particularly significant for patients who have developed antibodies to traditional replacement factors. Additionally, it is designed to avoid the formation of anti-clotting antibodies and can be administered through simple subcutaneous injections every two weeks, offering a convenient option for ongoing management of the condition.

Concirrus

Series A in 2016
Concirrus is an Insurtech company focused on revolutionizing risk selection, pricing, and claims processes in the insurance industry. It leverages advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency for insurers. The company’s flagship platform, Quest, provides organizations with valuable insights into customer behavior, helping them improve loss ratios, reduce operational costs, and foster new trading relationships. Concirrus serves over 20 prominent clients, including major players in the insurance sector, who rely on its technology to inform their risk management strategies. Headquartered in London, Concirrus boasts a team of around 100 specialists with deep expertise in data analytics and a thorough understanding of the global insurance landscape.

STORM Therapeutics

Series A in 2016
STORM Therapeutics Limited is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, focused on discovering and developing small molecule drugs that target RNA-modifying enzymes for cancer treatment and other immune diseases. Founded in 2015 and formerly known as Iceni Therapeutics Limited, the company utilizes a drug discovery and RNA analytics platform to identify novel targets and first-in-class drug candidates. By modulating RNA-modifying enzymes, STORM Therapeutics aims to address a range of diseases, including oncology, inflammation, viral infections, and central nervous system disorders. The company's innovative approach seeks to provide physicians with effective therapies targeting RNA epigenetic mechanisms.
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