Empirical Ventures

Empirical Ventures is a UK-based venture capital firm that focuses on deep science startups at the pre-seed and seed stages. Their core investments lie in sectors such as life sciences, advanced materials, robotics, quantum technologies, and energy transition. Notable portfolio companies include Anaphite (electric vehicle batteries), QV Bioelectronics (glioblastoma treatment devices), and Albotherm (sustainable cooling technologies). Founded by scientists Dr. Ben Miles and Dr. Johnathan Matlock, both with a strong entrepreneurial background in deep science, the firm is deeply involved in the UK’s deep tech ecosystem. They bring extensive due diligence capabilities to de-risk early-stage investments, providing both capital and operational support to startups. The firm is known to lead funding rounds with initial investments of £250k to £350k, while also participating in follow-on rounds. Empirical Ventures' investment strategy is focused on companies that are IP-rich, built on fundamental scientific research, and that have potential to solve pressing societal issues, particularly in climate and healthcare. They prefer UK-based startups that qualify for S/EIS tax relief and encourage pitches with strong scientific foundations. The fund aims to raise £10M to bolster this high-impact portfolio and continues to grow its influence in the deep tech landscape.