Global University Venturing

Oxford Science Enterprises has tapped the credit market to boost its capital as it anticipates an uptick in exits over the next few years.

Aviva has expanded into university spinout investing following an earlier investment in the University of Cambridge's affiliated fund, Cambridge Innovation Capital.

His background includes roles in strategy consulting, early-stage companies, venture capital and pharmaceuticals.

The investment fund aims to close the gap in funding for university ventures after the proof-of-concept stage.

London universities are among the most prolific in the UK for producing spinouts but unlike Oxford and Cambridge, have lacked a single, dedicated organisation to promote spinout investment.

UK universities have also reduced their average equity stakes to new a new low.

Anchor investor Shanghai Industrial Investment targets opportunities in biomedical sectors, including neurodegeneration and gene therapy.

Half of the spinouts from the universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter, Southampton and Surrey raised seed funding in 2024.

The London university has seen a surge in applications to commercialise artificial intelligence-related technologies.

Funders are increasingly making global access to healthcare IP a condition of their grants.

With a £15m commitment, Aviva’s investment in Cambridge Innovation Capital’s new Opportunity Fund marks its continuing backing of the Cambridge startup ecosystem