University of Cambridge Enterprise Fund X (UCEF X) launched with Parkwalk

The University of Cambridge Enterprise Fund X (UCEF X), which is now in place, is a collaboration between Cambridge Enterprise and fund manager Parkwalk Advisors, the UK's most active investor in university spinouts.

UCEF X is the tenth University of Cambridge enterprise fund dedicated to investing in the UK’s most promising early-stage science and technology start-ups born from Cambridge’s world-class research.

The latest EIS fund builds on a total of £26.8million raised to back University of Cambridge spinouts and provide investors access to opportunities in breakthrough science.

Managed by Parkwalk, UCEF X offers investors the opportunity to support breakthrough companies commercialising pioneering discoveries from the University of Cambridge, backed by the benefits of the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS).

Dr Christine Martin, head of Ventures, Cambridge Enterprise, said: “It is fantastic to see the launch of UCEF X and to continue our long-standing partnership with Parkwalk Advisors in supporting early-stage University of Cambridge-originated companies addressing global challenges.

“Our joint portfolio of 65 companies is tackling challenges as diverse as decarbonising the cement industry to developing treatments for amyloidosis, and we look forward to building the next cohort of companies with support from UCEF X.”

Anne Dobree, investment director at Parkwalk Advisors, said: “We are delighted to mark the launch of our tenth fund with Cambridge Enterprise.

“Together we've invested £26.8m to date to grow some of the country’s most exciting deep tech spinouts. Cambridge Enterprise really is a leader in the UK's innovation ecosystem, and we're proud to play a part in ensuring the UK’s brightest opportunities come to life.

“This latest fund - UCEF X - will help accelerate this even further, and play a vital role in the Government’s mission for growth.””