Over the past decade, the knowledge-intensive life sciences and deeptech sectors in which CIC invests have become central to discussions about the future of economic growth.
To highlight the impact and rapidly expanding potential of this unique asset class, CIC partnered with Northern Gritstone and Oxford Science Enterprises to invite a global network of investors to London. The response was incredible, with nearly 400 investors registering to attend. The event was a tremendous success, and we look forward to building on this momentum in 2025.
In this newsletter, we are excited to announce some of our latest investments, including Nuclera and Forefront RF, which we warmly welcome to our portfolio. We also share our annual Impact and ESG report, which details our significant progress over the past four years. By investing in solutions tackling global challenges, we aim to lead innovation that not only drives economic success but also contributes to a more sustainable and equitable future.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership with CIC during 2024 and we look forward to working with you in 2025.
Andrew Williamson
New investments
CIC has invested in Nuclera, a Cambridge-based biotechnology company accelerating protein expression and purification workflows by transforming the way proteins are discovered and produced, enabling researchers and drug developers to simplify and rapidly accelerate their workflows. The $75 million fundraise will be used for the continued commercialisation of Nuclera’s eProtein Discovery™ benchtop system in the US and across Europe.
CIC has invested in Forefront RF, a Cambridge-based fabless semiconductor company revolutionising mobile device design in the smartphone and wearables markets. Forefront has created digitally tunable filters that reduce the cost and complexity of mobile communications. The £16 million Series A financing round was co-led by CIC and will be used by Forefront to launch their highly differentiated product lines into the wearables market.
Showcasing the UK spin-out investment opportunity
The UK is home to some of the world’s leading universities and research institutions, spinning out IP-rich companies that are at the forefront of technological and scientific advancements. Investment in this high growth sector has increased five-fold from £1 billion (in 2014) to £5 billion (in 2021), second only to the US in total spin-out investment.
In October, CIC partnered with Northern Gritstone and OSE to host a major investor gathering at Mansion House, London. The event featured keynote talks by Sir Nicholas Lyons and showcased some of the most promising spin-out companies in Life Sciences, Health Tech, and Deep Tech.
2024 Impact and ESG report
We are delighted to share our fourth Impact and ESG Report, highlighting our work and progress over the last four years. We are committed to ensuring that the innovations at the core of our founders’ businesses have the potential to positively influence people’s lives. This report outlines how our investments generate positive impact, who benefits from these and the extent of that benefit.
We established our female leaders community to create a supportive network where women can connect, mentor one another and grow. Led by one of our partners, Anne Horgan, it empowers female leaders by providing a space to share insights, tackle challenges and build lasting professional relationships. By fostering collaboration and support, we aim to broaden our impact and inspire the next generation of female leaders.
Team
We are pleased to welcome three new members to the CIC team.
Ignas Budvytis
Ignas joined the CIC team as an Entrepreneur in Residence. He is a University Lecturer in Computer Vision and Robotics at the Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge and Founder of Embodied Technologies LTD.
Rojbin Cutcu
Rojbin joined CIC as Receptionist and Office Administrator. Her background includes hands-on experience in office administration, with experience in real estate and diagnostic services. Rojbin has a degree in Sociology, from Anglia Ruskin University.
Ruth Aspel
Ruth joined the CIC team as Group Financial Controller. She has more than 15 years of professional and commercial accountancy experience, providing financial and corporate support to management, Board and shareholders.
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