Investors
Aquarius Equity Partners
The only fund operating in the start-up to £2m-plus investment range across the north of England. Aquarius is steered by proven entrepreneurs and investment managers, an unusual and effective formula that helps focus management teams, drive portfolio value and returns. Aquarius’ inaugural venture was becoming the founding investor in Nanoco, investing via the North West Seed Fund.
Gartmore Investment Limited
Founded in 1969, Gartmore is an independent, specialist asset management firm and one of the largest investment firms in the UK, with over £24 billion in assets under management. Gartmore is also one of Europe's largest hedge fund managers having launched its first hedge fund in 1999.
The award winning Gartmore UK Smaller Companies team is a leading investor in the UK Small Cap sector, managing smaller company investments totalling over £1 billion and with a track record dating back to 1994.
Manchester Technology Fund
MTF is a seed investment fund which provides early-stage equity funding to University of Manchester spin-out companies. Established in 1999 under the government’s University Challenge scheme, MTF contributors to the fund include central government, The Wellcome Trust and the University of Manchester. MTF invests in projects across a range of technologies from IT to life sciences.
Mitsubishi UFJ Capital
A venture capital firm within the Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Japan’s largest commercial financial institution. MUCAP has funded over 1,000 companies to date, achieved over 300 IPO exits, and currently has over $500m invested in its portfolio companies.
North West Seed Fund
The NWSF is a £4.5m fund that helps exceptional entrepreneurs and businesses achieve their potential through seed capital investment and business-building support. Established in September 2003, the NWSF is managed by Axiomlab Investment Management Limited, with capital contributed by the North West Development Agency.
ORA Capital Partners
Established in November 05, the principal activity of ORA is the growth and development of businesses in which it acquires either a significant minority or a majority shareholding. The current focus is in technology, financial services and resources (including renewable energy), and the ORA team has significant experience in the creation, growth and management of businesses across the focus area, as well as a range of disciplines within capital markets.
University of ManchesterWith 5,250 academic and research staff and a £340m annual research budget, the university is currently investing £650m in new buildings and interdisciplinary research centres. The university’s managing agent for intellectual property (UMIP) manages some 100 IP projects and assesses around 240 invention disclosures each year. The university’s incubator company (UMIC) manages some 200,000 sq. ft of state-of-the-art premises.
YFM Private Equity Ltd
Part of YFM Group, the most active investor in the UK SME marketplace. YFM Group through its subsidiaries, YFM Private Equity and YFM Venture Finance, has in excess of £300m funds under management.