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Empirical Ventures is a venture capital firm based in the United Kingdom, established to support early-stage deep-tech ventures. Founded by a team of scientists and entrepreneurs, the firm aims to transform scientific breakthroughs into viable commercial enterprises. The firm operates under the regulatory framework of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and has a strong emphasis on life sciences, advanced materials, and other technologies that promise both financial returns and societal impact.
As of 2026, Empirical Ventures has raised a total of £15 million, with significant commitments from the British Business Bank. The firm primarily focuses on pre-seed and seed investments, providing support to companies from as early as 12 months pre-investment. Empirical Ventures has a diverse portfolio of eight companies, showcasing its commitment to fostering innovation in various sectors.
Located in the UK, Empirical Ventures is particularly relevant to university spinouts and technical founding teams, especially in life sciences, advanced materials, and climate technology. The firm has established itself as a key player in the deep-tech investment space, with a mission to bridge the gap between scientific discoveries and commercialization.
Empirical Ventures invests in early-stage companies that are developing groundbreaking technologies derived from fundamental research. Their investment strategy encompasses a wide range of sectors, including biotech, healthcare, frontier technologies, energy, climate, and artificial intelligence. The firm specifically targets innovations that are rich in intellectual property and possess competitive defensibility, aiming to address significant real-world challenges.
The firm operates globally, with a strong focus on Europe and the United Kingdom. Empirical Ventures typically invests at various stages, including pre-seed, seed, seed+, Series A, Series B, Series C, and growth equity. Check sizes range from £250,000 at the pre-seed stage to £350,000 at the seed stage. This structured approach allows Empirical Ventures to support companies through their critical early development phases.
Empirical Ventures emphasizes the importance of scientific diligence and technical expertise in its investment process. The firm seeks to partner with founders who are addressing complex problems and are equipped with the necessary scientific background to navigate the challenges of deep-tech ventures.
Empirical Ventures has a diverse portfolio of eight companies, each focused on innovative solutions in their respective fields:
This portfolio reflects Empirical Ventures' commitment to supporting companies that are at the forefront of scientific innovation and have the potential to make a significant impact on society.
Dr. Ben Miles - GP & Co-founder: Dr. Miles holds a PhD in Physics and was part of the core scientific team at the University of Bristol spinout Ziylo, which was acquired by Novo Nordisk. He founded Spin Up Science in 2018 and has been involved in deep science investment through the Science Angel Syndicate.
Dr. Johnathan Matlock - GP & Co-founder: Dr. Matlock has a PhD in Chemistry and also worked with the Ziylo team. He co-founded the Science Angel Syndicate with Dr. Miles and is recognized for his expertise in venture science.
Dr. Curran Kalha - Principal: Dr. Kalha brings significant experience in deep-tech investments and is involved in sourcing and evaluating potential portfolio companies.
Dr. Trang Nguyen - Associate: Dr. Nguyen supports the investment team with research and analysis, focusing on emerging technologies in the deep-tech space.
Dr. Maddy Nichols - Principal: Dr. Nichols, with a PhD in Nanomaterials, heads the pipeline and is a key contact for founder sourcing and technical reviews.
Hon Alex Fink - Principal: Mr. Fink focuses on finance and investment operations, contributing to the firm's financial strategy and portfolio management.
Dr. Keith Lipman - IC Member: Dr. Lipman, with a PhD in Physics, serves on the investment committee, providing insights into technical diligence and investment decisions.
Stephen Page - IC Member: Mr. Page is also part of the investment committee, contributing to the evaluation of potential investments.
To pitch Empirical Ventures, founders should submit their pitch decks through the official application page at Empirical Ventures Pitch Application. The firm prefers concise presentations that clearly outline the technology, market opportunity, and team expertise. Founders should include information on the intellectual property and the potential societal impact of their innovations.
Empirical Ventures aims to respond to initial submissions within about a week, making it essential for founders to be clear and compelling in their pitches. Warm introductions are beneficial but not strictly necessary for submission.
Empirical Ventures operates a venture studio that supports companies from as early as 12 months pre-investment. This program provides mentorship and guidance to founders navigating the challenges of deep science companies, helping them refine their technologies and business models before seeking investment.
The venture studio model allows Empirical Ventures to engage with startups early in their development, ensuring that they are well-prepared for the investment process and subsequent growth phases.
In March 2026, the British Business Bank announced an additional £10 million commitment to Empirical Ventures, bringing total support to £15 million. This funding is aimed at bolstering the firm's capacity to invest in early-stage deep-tech ventures.
In October 2025, Empirical Ventures led a £1.2 million pre-seed round for HotGreen Solutions, a UK cleantech startup focused on developing ultra-efficient high-temperature heat pumps for industrial processes.
Empirical Ventures has also made investments in several notable companies, including EnsiliTech, which focuses on room-temperature stabilization for biologics and vaccines, and OSSTEC, a medical device company developing 3D printed knee implants.
What are Empirical Ventures' investment criteria?
Empirical Ventures focuses on early-stage deep-tech companies that are developing technologies derived from fundamental research. They prioritize innovations that are rich in intellectual property and address significant real-world challenges.
How can I apply or pitch to Empirical Ventures?
Founders can submit their pitch decks through the official application page at Empirical Ventures Pitch Application. The firm aims to respond to initial submissions within about a week.
What makes Empirical Ventures different from other investors?
Empirical Ventures specializes in deep-tech and life sciences, focusing on bridging the gap between scientific discoveries and commercialization. Their team comprises scientists and entrepreneurs who provide mentorship and guidance to portfolio companies.
What is the geographic scope of Empirical Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in the United Kingdom and Europe, with a strong emphasis on UK university spinouts and technical founding teams.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Empirical Ventures typically deploys £250,000 at the pre-seed stage and £350,000 at the seed stage, allowing them to support companies through their critical early development phases.
What kind of post-investment support does Empirical Ventures provide?
Empirical Ventures offers mentorship and guidance to its portfolio companies, helping founders navigate the complexities of deep science ventures and de-risk their technologies and business models.
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