UK universities and spinout investors investing in startups
Universities hold shares in spinout companies founded on their research, often alongside their own venture funds and specialist deep tech investors. 887 investor-backed UK are in Pulse, and 70 raised a first funding round in the last year.
- Companies backed
- 887
- Active investors, 2 years
- 94
- Rounds, 2 years
- 934
- Median round
- £421k
Where they invest
In the last two years 94 universities and spinout investors took shares in UK companies, with the latest round in Nov 2026. Life sciences is the sector they back most, followed by software & it and business services. London has the most of these companies.
| Firm | Type | Companies |
|---|---|---|
| The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Oxford | University | 103 companies |
| Imperial College Innovations Limited | University | 65 companies |
| The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Cambridge | University | 60 companies |
| The University of Manchester | University | 49 companies |
| University of Bristol | University | 31 companies |
| Old College Capital LP | University | 30 companies |
| Royal College of Art | University | 30 companies |
| The University of Sheffield | University | 30 companies |
See all 94 active universities and spinout investors, with what they've backed, estimated cheque sizes and who they invest alongside.
Rounds and valuations
Over the last two years, 934 funding rounds were raised by these companies, an estimated £3.51bn, with a median round of about £421k. 70 of the companies raised their first priced round in the last 12 months. 32% of these valuations carry a High confidence rating.
Questions
How many universities and spinout investors invest in UK startups?
Pulse found 94 universities and spinout investors taking shares in UK companies in the last two years, across 887 investor-backed companies.
How much do the companies they back raise?
Over the last two years 934 rounds were raised, an estimated £3.51bn in total. The median round was about £421k.
How accurate are the amounts?
They are Pulse estimates, each with a confidence rating. 32% of recent valuations here carry a High confidence rating; the rest are marked Medium or Low.
Can I see every investor?
Pulse subscribers see every outside investor by name, with portfolios and co-investors, from £39.99 a month plus VAT (£47.99 inc. VAT). Contact details are not included and names are not linked to personal profiles.