Cambridge Enterprise builds London launchpad for next generation of deeptech founders

A new Cambridge Enterprise Initiative called Leaps is launching today to embed Cambridge-based companies in complementary ecosystems, giving selected founders access to new markets, talent and investment in key geographical hotspots to enable their success

The initiative has been launched in collaboration with global partners Phoenix Court, Balderton Capital and the BioInnovation Institute Foundation (BII). With space for three companies, the London Leap will allow Cambridge startups to be embedded within the dynamic London ecosystem, which attracts not only international capital, but has a reputation for continued unicorn creation. 

With Cambridge being ranked as one of the world’s top cities for innovation output per capita in the Ecosystem Index, behind only the Bay Area and Boston, the deep connection with London will connect two powerful and complementary ecosystems.

The aim is to boost Cambridge-born companies, translating the world-renowned research at the University of Cambridge addressing some of the major global challenges – climate health, human health and quantum computing to name just a few. 

Since 1995, the companies supported by Cambridge Enterprise have collectively raised over £4.9bn, making Cambridge a source of trusted commercial science-based innovation. From idea development to investment, we provide the diverse support needed by researchers, innovators and talented teams tackling the challenges facing the world today. Notable spinouts from Cambridge Enterprise include BlueGnome, Centessa Pharmaceuticals, Gyroscope, Solexa, VocalIQ and Cytora.

Companies will be invited to apply and chosen on a competitive basis by the Leap partners and an advisory board formed by investors and serial entrepreneurs with a global presence.

Among them are Susan Hill, CEO of Mestag Therapeutics, Daniel Mahony, Senior Partner at Novo Holdings UK, Lord David Prior, Deputy Chairman UK and Global Senior Advisor at Lazard, Dr Bobby Yerramilli-Rao, Chief Strategy Officer at Microsoft and Dr Kaja Wasik, CEO of Echo Labs. 

Jim Glasheen, Cambridge Enterprise Chief Executive Officer said:

“Companies cannot grow and scale in isolation. London is a globally connected hub.

Our partners can help our companies become a ‘local’ within these complementary innovation ecosystems, creating the meaningful connections that allow companies to grow. London is only the beginning, as we identify new ecosystems in different locations and continue to build on a global proposition of Leaps.”

Suranga Chandratillake, General Partner at Balderton, said:

“Cambridge continues to be one of the most exciting ecosystems for deep tech, producing companies such as Wayve, Healx and Darktrace.

The next generation of ambitious founders deserves the support to match that ambition. This is why we’re delighted to partner with  Cambridge Enterprise through Leaps, enabling the connections that are such a critical part of building a successful tech business.”     

Julia Hawkins, General Partner at Phoenix Court, said:

“Cambridge has long produced some of the world’s most ambitious deep tech companies, from pioneers like Raspberry Pi to breakthrough businesses such as Nyobolt and CuspAI. 

The opportunity now is to help more of these companies connect earlier with global markets, talent and customers. London is one of the few ecosystems in the world with the density of operators, investors and international networks to help accelerate that journey.”

Jen Nielsen, CEO at BioInnovation Institute, said:

“We are excited to support the London Leaps initiative and help strengthen the bridge between Cambridge and other leading innovation ecosystems.

At BII, we are passionate about turning outstanding scientific research into commercially viable companies, and Cambridge represents one of the world’s foremost hubs for scientific excellence, entrepreneurial talent and breakthrough innovation.”

Lead image: Pixabay.