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Cambridge Innovation Capital (CIC) is a venture capital firm established in 2014 and headquartered in Cambridge, UK. The firm focuses on early-stage investments in life sciences and deep tech sectors, leveraging its strong connections with the University of Cambridge to identify and support innovative companies. CIC has approximately £500 million (around $650 million) in assets under management and has invested in over 30 companies to date.
The firm has evolved to provide not only capital but also technical expertise and strategic guidance to its portfolio companies. CIC's notable milestones include the launch of an Entrepreneur-in-Residence program aimed at fostering innovation and supporting startups in their growth phases. The firm is recognized as a preferred investor within the University of Cambridge ecosystem, bridging the gap between academic research and commercial scale.
CIC primarily invests in early-stage companies, focusing on Seed through Series A funding rounds. The firm targets sectors such as biotech, artificial intelligence, robotics, healthcare, genomics, and drug discovery. Check sizes range from $1 million to $10 million, allowing for significant support during critical growth phases. CIC emphasizes the commercialization of life sciences and deep tech innovations, utilizing its unique relationship with the University of Cambridge to access promising investment opportunities.
In addition to initial funding, CIC provides later-stage support through opportunity and growth funds, which offer scale-up capital. The firm seeks entrepreneurs who can balance technology development with business growth, particularly in high-impact areas like cancer therapy and quantum computing. This dual focus on technology and business strategy is a key aspect of CIC's investment thesis.
CIC's portfolio includes a diverse range of companies that exemplify its focus on life sciences and deep tech. Notable portfolio companies include:
These companies reflect CIC's commitment to investing in high-quality intellectual property and innovative technologies that have the potential for significant global impact.
Cambridge Innovation Capital's team includes a diverse group of professionals with extensive experience in venture capital and technology sectors. Key individuals include:
To pitch to Cambridge Innovation Capital, startups should use the preferred channel of their website at cic.vc or email enquiries@cic.vc. It is recommended to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, technology, market opportunity, and team qualifications. Startups should expect a response within a few weeks, and warm introductions through mutual connections in the Cambridge ecosystem can enhance the chances of a successful pitch.
CIC runs an Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) program designed to support startups in their growth phases. This initiative connects entrepreneurs with resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities within the Cambridge ecosystem.
Eligibility for the EIR program typically includes early-stage companies in the life sciences and deep tech sectors. Interested startups can apply through CIC's website or by contacting the firm directly for more information.
In March 2026, Cambridge Innovation Capital committed £100 million to support University of Cambridge spinouts through a new Entrepreneur-in-Residence program. This initiative aims to foster innovation and provide resources for startups emerging from the university.
In 2025, CIC launched its latest fund, which totals £250 million, further solidifying its position as a key player in the venture capital landscape. The firm has been actively deploying capital, targeting corporate VCs as portfolio companies mature.
Recent blog posts from CIC highlight significant developments in semiconductor manufacturing partnerships, funding rounds for AI models, and advancements in microbiome treatments, showcasing the firm's engagement in the startup ecosystem.
What are CIC's investment criteria?
CIC primarily invests in early-stage companies, focusing on Seed through Series A funding rounds. The firm targets sectors such as biotech, AI, robotics, healthcare, genomics, and drug discovery. Check sizes typically range from $1 million to $10 million.
How can startups apply or pitch to CIC?
Startups can pitch to CIC through their website at cic.vc or by emailing enquiries@cic.vc. It is advisable to include a detailed business plan and information about the team and technology in the pitch deck.
What makes CIC different from other venture capital firms?
CIC's unique relationship with the University of Cambridge provides access to cutting-edge research and a robust network of experts. This connection allows CIC to identify promising investment opportunities and support startups with technical expertise and strategic guidance.
What is CIC's geographic focus?
The firm primarily invests in the United Kingdom and Europe, leveraging its local knowledge and connections to support startups in these regions.
What kind of post-investment involvement does CIC have?
CIC actively engages with its portfolio companies, providing ongoing support through strategic guidance, access to resources, and opportunities for collaboration with leading researchers and institutions.
What is the size of CIC's latest fund?
CIC's latest fund is approximately £250 million, with a total AUM of around £500 million. The firm has earmarked £100 million specifically for investments in University of Cambridge spinouts.
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