Unleashing the Power of Science Angels: Revolutionizing Deep Tech Investment
Venturing into the deep waters of science can be intimidating for many venture capitalists and angel investors who are more accustomed to traditional business ventures. However, the recent announcement of an £8 million fund to support early-stage deep-science businesses is changing the landscape. This capital injection is made possible through a unique collaboration between angel investors and the British Business Investments, part of the Regional Angels program initiated by the U.K. government.
The Regional Angels program plays a pivotal role in the strategic initiative to diversify investment opportunities across the country. Historically, a significant portion of business angels have been concentrated in London and the south-east of England, leaving other regions underrepresented. The partnership with Empirical Ventures signifies a shift towards channeling more funds into science startups, thereby mitigating risks through a shared investment model involving both angels and British Business Investments.
In response to the growing interest in deep science investments, the Science Angel Syndicate was established in 2021 to encourage novice investors to participate in funding cutting-edge scientific endeavors. This initiative laid the groundwork for the current collaboration with the Regional Angels Fund, further bolstering the financial resources available for budding science-based businesses. With the Regional Angels Fund contributing £5 million and the Empirical Ventures S/EIS fund adding £3 million in private investment, the funding landscape for deep science startups is looking brighter than ever.
One success story emerging from the Science Angel Syndicate portfolio is EnsilicaTech, a company that benefitted not only from angel investments but also from the support of innovation agency Innovate UK and the University of Bath, among others. This highlights the collaborative effort required to nurture and sustain innovative scientific enterprises in today’s competitive market. While Empirical Ventures is a key player in this arena, there are various other funds and angel syndicates with a similar commitment to investing in deep science, each with its unique specialization, such as Cambridge Angels and Angels in Medcity.
As the investment ecosystem evolves to embrace the complexities of deep science, opportunities for collaboration and growth abound. The infusion of capital from diverse sources, ranging from angel investors to government-backed programs, underscores the potential for driving innovation and fostering scientific breakthroughs. By bridging the gap between traditional investors and the often-unfamiliar terrain of deep science, initiatives like the Regional Angels Fund pave the way for a more inclusive and dynamic investment landscape, ultimately propelling forward the frontiers of scientific discovery and technological advancement.
