IP Group

IP Group is a leading FTSE-250 listed venture capital firm specializing in intellectual property commercialization. Notable for its deeptech focus, IP Group has been instrumental in developing over 300 companies, with significant investments in life sciences, cleantech, and cutting-edge technologies. High-profile portfolio companies include Oxford Nanopore Technologies, Centessa Pharmaceuticals, and Hinge Health. Geographically, IP Group maintains a strong presence in the UK, with partnerships across 17 UK universities and significant ties to institutions in the US, Australia, and New Zealand. The firm’s investment strategy emphasizes patient capital and long-term support, particularly in university spin-outs. IP Group invests at various stages, from seed to growth, and often continues funding as companies scale. This approach includes providing commercialization assistance, executive recruitment, and securing growth-stage capital from co-investors. The firm’s evergreen structure allows it to sustain the lengthy development cycles typical of deeptech ventures. Key team members include CEO Greg Smith and COO Alan Aubrey, who bring extensive expertise in technology transfer and IP management. IP Group typically leads investment rounds and prefers to be approached by startups with strong IP and technological differentiation. With an average check size of over £1.5m for VC rounds, the firm remains highly active, having invested £1bn in the first half of the current financial year. In summary, IP Group’s robust support system, extensive university partnerships, and strategic patience make it a cornerstone for deeptech and innovative startups looking to transform breakthrough ideas into commercial realities.