/Investors

Northern Gritstone

Venture capital

Manchester · Pre-Seed–Growth · 41 people tracked

Find your way into Northern Gritstone

1,937 people in our graph share verified history with the Northern Gritstone team — schools, employers, funds. One of them is your warm intro.

Stephan Dolezalekunlockedknows Gareth Llewellyn · together at Wheatsheaf Group Limited (overlapped)
knows the team · via AMEC
×2knows the team · via IP Group Plc
knows the team · via Newton Venture Program 2022
×4knows the team · via Northern Trust Corporation
×2knows the team · via University of Leeds
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Investment thesis

Northern Gritstone invests in science and technology companies emerging from the North of England, particularly university spinouts from the Northern Arc universities of Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield and Liverpool, as well as other early-stage regional businesses. It targets deep technology and life sciences companies with strong intellectual property and global ambitions, assessing opportunities on the strength of their teams, technology, market potential, and business models that deliver both profit and purpose. The firm positions itself as a patient, long-term partner able to support companies from early stages through to later growth, and provides wraparound support to build a regional innovation ecosystem. It operates under a core philosophy of 'profit with purpose.'

Source: firm website, verified Sep 27, 2026.

Stage
Pre-Seed–Growth
HQ
Manchester, GB
Leads rounds
Follows
Instruments
Equity
Founded
2020
Last 12 months
4 investments
Tracked investments
37
Acquisitions
1

Team · 41 people

from the firm's website & curated & public directories

What they invest in

from 30 of 37 portfolio companies

Deep Tech ×19Hardware ×9AI & Machine Learning ×7Enterprise Software ×7Healthtech ×7Biotech ×6Cleantech ×6New Materials ×6

HQs:United Kingdom×22Singapore×1

Who they back

founder profiles across 11 portfolio companies
36%
solo founders
4 of 11 mapped founding teams
29%
repeat founders
of 14 founders with career history

Founding team size:solo founder×42 founders×43 founders×24+ founders×1

Where their founders studiedfrom 13 founders with education data

The University of Sheffield ×2University of Cambridge ×2

What their founders studiedfrom 14 founders with field-of-study data

Engineering ×7Computer Science ×3Physics ×2

Where their founders worked beforefrom 14 founders with career history

University of Leeds ×3Curvalux ×2Deeptech Labs ×2

Investments · 37 tracked

founders shown can be your intro path

By year:2026 · 32025 · 32024 · 52023 · 314 dated

Cavero Quantumcaveroquantum.comin✓ verified

Cavero Quantum develops software-based quantum-safe cryptographic solutions for cybersecurity.

CybersecurityIoTQuantum Computing

Frey Wilson(Co-Founder and CTO)inBen Varcoe(Co-Founder, director and advisor)in

BoardJeremy Lewis(Chair)

Co-investorsForesight

Crucible Therapeuticscrucible-tx.comin✓ verified

Crucible develops RNA-based therapies targeting neurodegenerative diseases, leveraging research from the University of Sheffield's translational neuroscience institutes.

BiotechDeep TechHealthtechSheffield, GB

Cliff Holloway(Chief Executive Officer)in

Adsilicoadsilico.ukFeb 2024

adsilico builds generative AI technology that creates diverse virtual patient populations—digital models of human anatomy, physiology, and pathology—to run in silico trials that assess medical device safety and performance before human testing.

AI & Machine LearningHealthtechMedical Devices

Dr Nishant RavikumarinDr Zeike TaylorinProf Alejandro FrangiSheena Macphersonin

Co-investorsParkwalk Advisors

Amplisiamplisi.cominMar 2026

AmpliSi develops porous silicon battery anode material using a proprietary silane-free, low-temperature magnesiothermic process that converts silica into high-energy silicon anodes to replace graphite in lithium-ion batteries.

CleantechEnergyNew Materials

Ruth Sayers(CEO)in

Co-investorsClean Growth Fund

Asset Coolassetcool.comin

AssetCool builds robotic systems, including its Capacity-1 line robots, that apply capacity-enhancing coatings to existing overhead power lines to increase grid capacity without lengthy outages or reconductoring.

CleantechEnergyNew MaterialsRobotics

Jasmin Stewart(Head of People)inWinter Wilson(Head of Marketing)inNiall Coogan(CEO)in

Co-investorsCarbonElewitEnergy Impact PartnersKero Development PartnersMercia VenturesExtantia Capital

Auxetecauxetec.co.ukin

Auxetec develops patented liquid crystal elastomers with auxetic properties that resist impact, aimed at improving the durability and longevity of products in demanding applications.

Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechNew Materials

BOWusebow.comin

OLO Robotics builds products designed to simplify robotics development, aiming to make robotics accessible to users regardless of their level of expertise.

Developer ToolsEnterprise SoftwareRoboticsSaaSSheffield, GB

Co-investorsSyndicateRoom

Cytotrait Managed by: Hassan Mahmudulcytotrait.comin

Cytotrait develops genetic technologies for crop improvement through chloroplast engineering.

AgTechBiotechManchester, GB

Junwei Ji(Co-Founder & Executive Director)inAnil Day(Co-founder & Scientific Advisor)Tim Brears(Executive Chair)in

Co-investorsUK Innovation & Science Seed Fund

Exciting Instrumentsexcitinginstruments.comin𝕏Nov 2024

Exciting Instruments builds the EI-FLEX benchtop platform, a single-molecule fluorescence instrument combining smFRET, FCS and FCCS to measure biomolecular interactions and dynamics directly in solution.

BiotechDeep TechHardware

Timothy Craggs(Founder and CEO)

Co-investorsCambridge Innovation CapitalEmpirical VenturesPraetura Ventures

Floreonfloreon.cominNov 2023

Floreon develops a patented bioplastic material designed to reduce carbon footprint and replace traditional oil-based plastics in manufacturing processes.

Circular EconomyCleantechNew MaterialsSheffield, GB

Shaun Chatterton(Founder and Chairman)in

Iceotopeiceotope.comin

Iceotope develops precision liquid cooling technology for data centers, AI infrastructure, and edge computing systems.

AI & Machine LearningCleantechDeep TechHardwareSheffield, GB

Co-investorsAster CapitalOmbu GroupSalica Investments

Literal Labsliteral-labs.aiin𝕏Jun 2025

Literal Labs develops logic-driven AI technology, positioning its work as an alternative approach to machine learning.

AI & Machine LearningDeep TechIoT

Noel HurleyinLeon FeddeninProfessor Alex YakovlevProfessor Rishad Shafik

Co-investorsGMG VenturesMercuri.vcSure Valley Ventures

Microlubmicrolub.cominOct 2024

MicroLub is a UK-based deep-tech ingredient company that develops protein-based biolubricant molecules — protein microgels coated with polysaccharides — that reduce molecular friction to replace fats and oils in food and personal care products while retaining their mouthfeel and texture.

BiotechDeep TechFoodTechLeeds, GB

Anwesha Sarkar(Founder)in

Co-investorsLIFTTPraetura Ventures

MicroLubmicrolub.co.ukin

MicroLub is a deep-tech ingredient company that develops protein-based biolubricant molecules which reduce molecular friction to replace fats and oils in food and personal care products while retaining fat-like mouthfeel and texture.

Deep TechFoodTechNew MaterialsLeeds, GB

Mimetrikmimetrik.techinAug 2023

Mimetrik is a dental technology spinout from the University of Leeds founded by practicing dentists, developing digital solutions for the clinical dental pathway.

Deep TechHardwareHealthtechMedical DevicesLeeds, GB

Optalysysoptalysys.comin𝕏Jan 2026

Optalysys is a photonic computing company using silicon photonics to turn the optical layer into an arithmetic engine for high-performance computing.

Deep TechHardwareSemiconductorsLeeds, GB

Co-investorsAnglia Capital Groupimec.xpandVerve Ventures

Opteranopteran.com

Opteran develops autonomy software for robots and machines by reverse-engineering neural algorithms from insect brains, using computational neuroscience rather than deep learning.

AI & Machine LearningDeep TechRoboticsLondon, GB

James Marshall(Founder & Science Officer)Alex Cope(Co-founder & CTO)inDavid Rajan(CEO & Co-founder)

Co-investorsEpisode1IQ Capital

Partfulpartful.ioin𝕏Dec 2024

Partful builds a 3D interactive parts catalog platform that gives equipment operators and aftermarket end-users a real-time, immersive view of parts and repair instructions connected to the manufacturer.

Advanced ManufacturingEnterprise SoftwareLogistics & Supply ChainSaaS

Co-investorsBlumberg Capital

Penciltrypencil.comin𝕏Sep 2023Acquired

Pencil is an AI operating system for marketing that aggregates multiple AI models (from OpenAI, Google, Adobe, Runway, and Bria) into one orchestration layer with enterprise governance controls.

AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareMarketing TechSingapore, SG

Will Hanschell(CEO)inSumukh Avadhani(CTO)in

Co-investorsEntrepreneur FirstWavemaker PartnersArtesianCatapult VenturesMartlet CapitalMumbai Angels+5 more

Pencil Biosciences - companypencilbiosciences.comin

Pencil Biosciences develops a fully synthetic, modular, non-CRISPR gene editing platform that edits DNA without causing a break or nick.

BiotechDeep TechHealthtech

Co-investorsEMV CapitalFuture Planet CapitalMartlet CapitalOctopus VenturesUK Innovation & Science Seed Fund

Phagenesisphagenesis.comin𝕏Mar 2024

Phagenesis develops targeted pharyngeal electrical stimulation technology to treat neurogenic dysphagia by restoring neural pathways for safe swallowing.

Deep TechDigital HealthHealthtechMedical Devices

Co-investorsAphelion CapitalInnvotec Ltd.EQT Life SciencesSectoral Asset Management

Phluxphluxtechnology.comin

Phlux Technology develops Noiseless InGaAs avalanche photodiode (APD) infrared sensors operating at 1550 nm that serve as drop-in replacements for traditional APDs.

Deep TechHardwareSemiconductors

Ben White(CEO)in

Co-investorsOctopus Ventures

Phovirphovir.comin

PhovIR develops handheld near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy technology based on a MEMS-enabled Michelson interferometer, packaging FTIR-grade material analysis into a small, low-cost, mass-manufacturable device.

Deep TechHardwareNew MaterialsManchester, GB

Tim Echtermeyer(Founder)in

Pixelpixel.xyzJul 2026

A crypto platform gamifying the casino experience with blockchain technology.

Co-investorsHack VCHTGFSCVC LP

Plasma Freshplasma-fresh.comJul 2025

Conveyor belt technology to reduce cross-contamination risks in the food industry.

Co-investorsDeepbridge Capital

PragmatIC Semiconductorpragmaticsemi.comin𝕏

Pragmatic is a European semiconductor company developing clean chips designed to reduce carbon emissions and waste compared to silicon alternatives.

CleantechDeep TechHardwareSemiconductorsCambridge, GB

Scott WhiteinRichard Pricein

Co-investorsCambridge Innovation CapitalIn-Q-TelProsperity7 VenturesARMBritish Patient CapitalCatalyst+4 more

Qvbio.Coqvbio.co.ukin𝕏

QV Bioelectronics develops GRACE, an implantable electric field delivery platform designed to treat aggressive cancers by delivering continuous therapeutic electric fields directly to tumor sites.

BiotechDeep TechHealthtechMedical Devices

Dr Chris Bullock(CTO & Co-Founder)Dr Richard Fu(Clinical Director & Co-Founder)

Recourse Airecourseai.comin

Re:course develops natural language processing technology to enable machines to understand and communicate with humans in healthcare settings.

AI & Machine LearningDigital HealthEdTechEnterprise SoftwareHealthtechSaaS

Co-investorsOnstage

Silveray Seedsilveray.co.ukin

Silveray develops flexible X-ray detectors using patented semiconductor ink technology for non-destructive testing in industrial applications including oil and gas, nuclear energy, aerospace, and shipbuilding.

Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechHardwareStockport, GB

Co-investorsCambridge Angels groupFuture Planet CapitalUK Innovation & Science Seed FundACF Investors

Simanalyticasimanalytica.comin

Locus is a place-based analysis platform that integrates climate risk assessment, regional decarbonization planning, energy network analysis, and spatial planning tools for local authorities, utilities, and developers.

AI & Machine LearningCleantechClimate TechData & InfrastructureEnergyEnterprise SoftwareGovTechPropTech

Rob(CEO)

Sitehopsitehop.comOct 2025

Sitehop provides encryption technology designed for real-time data protection that prioritizes speed and quantum-readiness.

CybersecurityDeep TechEnterprise SoftwareHardwareQuantum Computing

Melissa Chambers(Co-Founder and CEO)inBen Harper(Co-Founder and CTO)in

Co-investorsAmadeus Capital PartnersManta Ray VenturesOsney CapitalMercia Ventures

Uominnovationfactoryuominnovationfactory.comin𝕏

The University of Manchester's technology transfer office that commercializes academic research and intellectual property through spinout creation and licensing arrangements.

Deep TechEnterprise SoftwareImpact & Social GoodManchester, GB

Other

Tracked investments with no reachable website or further public details — typically companies that wound down, renamed, or were absorbed.

Apini TherapeuticsImperagenMimetrik.CoOLO RoboticsQV Bioelectronics

Portfolio news

latest coverage across their companies

Principals & officers · per Companies House

what is this? ⓘ
Claire Helen Blackburn

Secretary · since 2023

Andrew Mcculloch Graham

Director · British · since 2020

James Marshall Hadley

Director · British · since 2022

Susan Elaine Hartley

Director · British · since 2022

Anthony John Professor Holden

Director · British · since 2026

Duncan Edward Johnson

Director · British · since 2021

Alexander Ian Macpherson

Director · British · since 2021

Jane Elisabeth Madeley

Director · British · since 2021

Terence James O'neill

Director · British · since 2021

Niranjan Srihari Sirdeshpande

Director · British · since 2022

Fund performance · per public LP disclosures

as of Sep 2025
FundVintageCommittedNet IRRTVPIDPI
Northern Gritstone LimitedLPs: West Yorkshire Pension Fund———0.95x0.00x

Source: public limited-partner disclosures (CalPERS, CalSTRS). Net IRR / TVPI / DPI as reported by the limited partner; a fund's early-year IRR is an interim estimate (J-curve).

Frequently asked questions

How many investments has Northern Gritstone made?
Northern Gritstone has 37 tracked investments, 1 of which have exited, including 9 dated in the last 24 months.
What stage does Northern Gritstone invest at?
Northern Gritstone invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Growth stages.
What sectors does Northern Gritstone focus on?
Northern Gritstone focuses on AI & Machine Learning, Biotech, Cleantech, Deep Tech, Energy, Hardware, Healthtech, Impact & Social Good, Longevity, Medical Devices, New Materials, SaaS, Semiconductors.
Where is Northern Gritstone located?
Northern Gritstone is headquartered in Manchester, GB.
Does Northern Gritstone lead rounds?
Northern Gritstone typically participates in rounds rather than leading them.
Who does Northern Gritstone co-invest with?
Northern Gritstone most often shares deals with Future Planet Capital, IQ Capital, Octopus Ventures, among 28 tracked co-investors.

Images

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