BAT VC

BAT VC, officially Btomorrow Ventures (BTV), is the corporate venture arm of British American Tobacco, focused on driving innovation beyond nicotine. Launched in 2020, BTV targets investments in disruptive technologies across several high-impact sectors: wellbeing and stimulation, biotech, sustainability, and advanced consumer tech. Their portfolio includes startups working on neurostimulation headsets and functional foods, leveraging active ingredients like CBD, alongside microfiltration technology. BTV’s investment strategy is future-focused, making minority investments while fostering partnerships through research and development collaborations. The fund’s mission is to support startups that align with their vision of creating “A Better Tomorrow,” particularly in delivering sustainable growth in smokeless alternatives. The fund operates with a strong commitment to long-term impact, supporting innovations that improve public health and sustainability. They tend to lead rounds when investing in emerging technologies, signaling a proactive, hands-on approach. BTV is primarily global in its geographic scope, seeking investment opportunities across markets, but with a keen interest in startups that resonate with their corporate vision of reducing harm through innovation. Key leadership includes Lisa Smith, BTV’s Managing Director, who is based in London and drives the fund’s strategic investments globally. For founders, approaching BTV requires a clear alignment with BAT’s transformative goals and a product with strong potential for societal benefit.