IP Group

IP Group plc, the London-based investment firm founded in 2001 by entrepreneur David Norwood, has carved a distinctive path as a backer of groundbreaking science and technology startups. Originally set up to commercialise university research, it now stands as one of Britain’s most prolific and experienced early-stage investors, uniquely structured as a publicly traded company, giving it freedom from the typical venture capital fund lifecycle pressures.

This permanent capital structure is central to IP Group’s identity, enabling patient investment horizons that comfortably stretch beyond a decade—perfect for deep-tech startups whose complex innovations often take years to commercialise. It’s no surprise then that IP Group gravitates toward founders with robust intellectual property and ambitious scientific visions, frequently partnering with universities like Oxford, Imperial, and Leeds to spin out companies directly from academic labs.

Notable successes in its portfolio underline the strength of its investment thesis. Perhaps most famously, Oxford Nanopore Technologies—a genomic sequencing pioneer whose technology gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic—emerged from an early seed investment by IP Group into a multi-billion-pound public company. Similar stories include Ceres Power, a clean-energy unicorn, and digital health giant Hinge Health, both testaments to IP Group’s ability to spot and nurture transformational ideas early.

For founders, working with IP Group means gaining more than just funding. The firm actively participates in company-building, taking on roles akin to a co-founder—advising on everything from strategy and intellectual property protection to key hires and industry partnerships. This hands-on approach, matched by sector expertise spanning life sciences, AI, advanced engineering, and climate tech, is highly attractive to entrepreneurs tackling substantial scientific and technological challenges.

IP Group is flexible in its funding style: often taking significant minority stakes at formation but happy to follow or lead subsequent rounds alongside co-investors like Innovate UK or venture capital peers. Importantly, founders can expect continued support through follow-on investments, as demonstrated by Featurespace, a Cambridge-based AI firm whose recent sale to Visa delivered IP Group its largest-ever cash exit.

Founders describe IP Group as a committed long-term partner, particularly valuable when navigating the unpredictable journey from innovation to market. Former CEO Alan Aubrey captured this philosophy when reflecting on their decade-plus involvement with Oxford Nanopore. He noted that IP Group had “been with Oxford Nanopore from day one and has actively supported the Company in a number of ways since then in addition to providing capital.”

In short, for founders seeking a partner capable of genuinely understanding deep-tech innovation, prepared to play the long game, and adept at commercialising complex intellectual property, IP Group offers a compelling combination of capital, expertise, and industry connections—an investment partner with a proven knack for translating science into successful enterprise.