EIF renews its support for commercialisation of research from UK Universities

The European Investment Fund (EIF) has signed a GBP 30m co-investment fund, IP Venture II (IPVF II), in partnership with IP Group Plc (IPG).

IP Group is a leading UK intellectual property commercialisation company, developing technology innovations primarily from its research-intensive partner universities. The Group offers more than traditional venture capital, providing its companies with access to business building expertise, networks, recruitment and business support.

EIF’s relationship with IPG dates back to 2006 when it invested GBP 15m into the GBP 31m predecessor IP Venture Fund, now fully invested into 26 companies. Companies funded through IP Venture Fund include Retroscreen from Queen Mary, University of London, Oxford Nanopore Technologies from the University of Oxford, Revolymer from the University of Bristol, Xeros from the University of Leeds and Ilika from the University of Southampton. Retroscreen, Revolymer and Ilika are now all listed on AIM.

IPVF II, which will be managed by a subsidiary of IPG, will continue to invest in innovations from leading research institutions across a wide range of sectors in the UK.

EIF’s investment into IPVF II demonstrates its commitment to establishing long-term and sustainable partnerships with first-class managers and research organisations. By extending its financial support, EIF will contribute to further bridge the gap between research and the market and provide support for European Technology Transfer and Innovation.

Press contact:

• EIF: Joelle Harvey, j.harvey@eif.org
• IP Group plc: Liz Vaughan-Adams, Communications, Tel. (+44)20 7444 0050, www.ipgroupplc.com
• FTI Consulting, Ben  Atwell, John Dineen, Tel. (+44) 20 7831 3113