Investor Partnerships Future Economy
A three-year initiative to boost Future Economy-focused SMEs through aligning grant funding for R&D development with investment from partnerships with credible investor partners.
Driving investment into high-growth innovative UK companies
The Investor Partnership Programme is a unique opportunity for high-growth, innovative UK companies to access the funding they need to thrive and succeed. This programme is designed to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are working on cutting-edge technology in the Innovate UK Future Economy areas of:
- Net Zero
- Healthy Living and Agriculture
- Digital and Technologies
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Innovate UK has and continues to partner with a diverse group of credible investor partners, including venture capital funds, corporate investors, business angel groups, and social impact investors from the UK, Europe, and the US. These investors are committed to supporting innovative companies and providing the financing they need to grow and scale.
Past programmes and impact
In 15 investor partnership programmes between 2017 and March 2022
£42.8m
Grant funding to SMEs
£123m
Aligned equity investment
£373m
Additional partner investment
The Investor Partnership Programme
Innovate UK has launched the Investor Partnerships Programme to provide funding for highly innovative micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the research and development field who require equity funding to develop their technology.
The programme will encourage businesses to seek equity investment and grow their businesses. Innovate UK has chosen investor partners such as venture capital funds, corporate investors, business angel groups, and social impact investors from the UK, Europe, and the US.
The programme will be focused on specific themes for future economy areas. Round 7 is open until 19 June 2024, with a focus on cancer therapeutics, digital mental health, and creative industries.
For more information and support with your application, click here.
The DCMS Create Growth programme also offers investor partnerships to SMEs, working in creative industries in most areas of England other than Greater London. Round 3 is open until 19 June 2024: click here to find out more and apply.
Investors can apply to become one of Innovate UK’s investor partners through an application process. The most recent round closed on 15 May 2024: click here to view archived details. Further rounds will appear here when they are open for applications.
Investors
This directory provides summary information on the investors selected by Innovate UK as our pool of investor partners. For each investor partners it provides information on their main area of interest and how you should make contact. Each investor partner has demonstrated that they have the credibility, capability, capacity and appetite to invest in innovative, technology-led businesses that align with our investor partnership programmes.
This directory provides summary information on the investors selected by Innovate UK as our pool of investor partners. For each investor partners it provides information on their main area of interest and how you should make contact. Each investor partner has demonstrated that they have the credibility, capability, capacity and appetite to invest in innovative, technology-led businesses that align with our investor partnership programmes.
Bloc Ventures
Bloc Ventures is an early-stage venture capital investment company, focused on deep tech companies in the UK and Europe.
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Boundary Capital Partners
Boundary Capital Partners LLP is an impact, for-profit, B2B technology investor.
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LCR Ventures Limited
Our funding is for Liverpool City Region (LCR) based startups.
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Chrysalix Venture Capital
Chrysalix is a global venture capital firm that specialises in transformational industrial innovation.
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Our Experts
Related Opportunities
Investor Partnerships: Investor Selection September 2024
Opens: 09/09/2024 Closes: 20/11/2024
Investors can apply to partner with Innovate UK to support innovative SMEs through investment and collaboration.
More Information
UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund
Applications accepted year-round
UKI2S invests in innovations from the UK’s science and knowledge base, specialising in engineering biology, defence & security, fusion energy, and space.
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British Business Bank Investment Fund for Wales
Applications open year-round
Offers a range of commercial finance options with smaller loans £25k-£100k, debt finance £100k-£2m, and equity investment up to £5m.
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Related Events and Recordings
Join the community
The community will be a conduit for investors, high growth companies and government funding initiatives with missions to shape the future economy to better highlight, amplify and fund technologies and companies solving the pressing issues of our economies.
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