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The Greater Manchester and Cheshire Life Sciences Fund, established in 2015, is a £31 million seed and early-stage venture capital fund focused on life sciences businesses in the Greater Manchester and Cheshire & Warrington region. Managed by Catapult Ventures, the fund has invested in 42 companies and will continue to support its portfolio until at least 2030. The fund's mission is to foster innovation and growth in the life sciences sector, contributing to the development of a robust local ecosystem.
Backed by regional partners including the Cheshire and Warrington Enterprise Partnership and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, the fund aims to build a local life sciences cluster around Alderley Park. The fund concluded its new investment period in mid-2021, shifting its focus from new investments to supporting existing portfolio companies and the broader life sciences ecosystem.
As a regional fund, it emphasizes collaboration with local businesses and stakeholders to enhance the life sciences landscape. The fund's strategic guidance and resources are designed to help portfolio companies navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities within the sector.
The Greater Manchester and Cheshire Life Sciences Fund primarily invests in seed and early-stage life sciences businesses, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, diagnostics, healthcare technologies, and medical devices. The fund specifically targets companies innovating within these sectors and located in the Greater Manchester and Cheshire & Warrington region.
Investment stages include Friends & Family, Accelerator/Incubator, and Seed, with a clear emphasis on supporting early-stage ventures. The fund's geographic focus is strictly regional, ensuring that investments contribute to the local economy and ecosystem. The fund seeks to back companies that demonstrate potential for innovation and growth, aligning with its mission to build a thriving life sciences cluster.
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, the fund's commitment to supporting its portfolio until at least 2030 indicates a willingness to provide follow-on funding as companies progress. This approach allows the fund to maintain a long-term relationship with its portfolio companies, fostering sustained growth and development.
The Greater Manchester and Cheshire Life Sciences Fund has invested in a diverse range of companies within the life sciences sector. Notable portfolio companies include:
These companies represent a mix of innovative approaches within the life sciences sector, showcasing the fund's commitment to supporting advancements in healthcare and biotechnology. The fund's portfolio reflects its focus on fostering local talent and innovation, contributing to the growth of the life sciences ecosystem in the region.
Kevin D'Silva: Executive Team Member at Catapult Ventures, Kevin has been instrumental in managing the Greater Manchester and Cheshire Life Sciences Fund since its inception. His background includes extensive experience in venture capital and a strong focus on supporting life sciences companies.
Dr Gareth King: Life Science Partner and former Investment Manager for the GM&C Fund, Dr. King has a rich background in the life sciences sector, having previously served as CEO of Critical Pharmaceuticals and worked at AstraZeneca. His expertise in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology enhances the fund's strategic direction.
Nick Wright: CEO of Catapult Ventures, Nick oversees the management of the fund and is involved in portfolio support. His leadership is crucial in aligning the fund's objectives with the needs of its portfolio companies.
To pitch the Greater Manchester and Cheshire Life Sciences Fund, founders should reach out via email at mail@gmclesciencesfund.com. While the fund is not currently accepting new applications, it is important to include a clear overview of the business, the problem it addresses, and the innovative solution being proposed.
Founders should also outline their market potential and how their company aligns with the fund's focus on life sciences. Although there is no specific application form or portal, a well-structured pitch deck can help convey the necessary information effectively.
Response times may vary, and founders should be prepared for the possibility of not receiving feedback if the fund is not currently seeking new investments.
In March 2025, Catapult Ventures announced a significant update regarding the Greater Manchester and Cheshire Life Sciences Fund, highlighting its ongoing commitment to supporting portfolio companies with follow-on investments. This announcement reaffirmed the fund's focus on fostering growth within the local life sciences sector.
In July 2021, Monument Therapeutics secured £2.625 million in seed funding, with the Greater Manchester and Cheshire Life Sciences Fund serving as the lead investor. This investment exemplifies the fund's dedication to backing innovative companies in the life sciences space.
Additionally, the fund has been recognized in various press releases and updates, including a profile on CB Insights in 2025, which showcased its impact on the local economy and the life sciences ecosystem.
What are the investment criteria for the Greater Manchester and Cheshire Life Sciences Fund?
The fund primarily invests in seed and early-stage life sciences businesses located in the Greater Manchester and Cheshire & Warrington region. It focuses on sectors such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, diagnostics, healthcare technologies, and medical devices.
How can I apply or pitch to the fund?
The fund is currently not accepting new applications as it concluded its new investment period in mid-2021. However, it continues to support its existing portfolio companies until at least 2030.
What makes the Greater Manchester and Cheshire Life Sciences Fund different from other funds?
This fund is specifically focused on the Greater Manchester and Cheshire & Warrington region, aiming to build a local life sciences cluster. It provides not only financial support but also strategic guidance and resources to help portfolio companies grow.
What is the fund size and check size range?
The fund size is £31 million, but specific check sizes are not disclosed. The fund emphasizes follow-on investments for its existing portfolio companies.
What is the fund's geographic scope?
The Greater Manchester and Cheshire Life Sciences Fund focuses exclusively on the Greater Manchester and Cheshire & Warrington region, ensuring that its investments contribute to the local economy.
What type of post-investment involvement does the fund have?
The fund provides ongoing support to its portfolio companies, including strategic guidance and access to resources, to help them navigate challenges and capitalize on growth opportunities.
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