Imperial Enterprise Fund
Supporting innovative early-stage startups connected to Imperial College London.
Overview
The Imperial College Enterprise Fund (ICEF) raises capital from investors to support spinouts and startups with strong connections to Imperial College London. This is the third iteration of the fund, building on successful predecessors (ICEF 1 in 2020 and ICEF 2 in 2021). The fund is managed by Parkwalk, a venture capital company specializing in technology-based businesses. ICEF supports innovative early-stage startups founded by Imperial students, staff, and alumni across sectors including medical devices, digital health, green energy, and electric vehicle services.
Investment focus
ICEF backs early-stage, high-growth, research-intensive companies with strong Imperial connections. The scope includes deep-tech spinouts and student-developed businesses in areas of Imperial research strength such as healthcare, renewable energy, decarbonisation, clean water, nutrition, medicine, engineering, biochemistry, physics, genetics, materials science, computer science, and artificial intelligence.
Program details
Designed for Founders, Investors, Researchers. The program is in person. Participation is generally unknown.
Who it is for
Eligible companies are early-stage, high-growth, research-intensive businesses emerging from Imperial's ecosystem, including spinouts based on academic research and deep science businesses developed by students, staff, or alumni.
Check if you are eligible
Check your eligibility for Imperial Enterprise FundAdmissions and application
Startups founded by Imperial College students, staff, or alumni; companies with strong engagement with Imperial's enterprise ecosystem; technology-based businesses with high commercial potential.
Benefits
£250,000 investment per company; access to Imperial College resources and networks; support through Parkwalk's venture management expertise; patient capital with 5-7 year minimum horizon; investment in equity stakes; assistance becoming investment-ready.
Timeline
5-7 years expected holding period (may extend 10+ years).
What came of it
Portfolio companies include Charco Neurotech (Parkinson's management), GripAble (rehabilitation technology), Cheesecake Energy (energy storage), Bonnet (EV charging network), NK:IO, OSSTEC (smart bone implants), FreshCheck Limited.
How to go about it
- Read what it asks for
Who can apply, how people get in and whether it is open right now.
- Have something to show
Programs pick people whose work they can already point to. Put yours where it can be found.
- Apply the way the program asks
The program has not published how to apply. Terms and dates change. Check the official page before you act.
What it pays
Typically £250,000 investment per company; fund targets £2 million+ capital.
Questions about this program
How do I join the Imperial Enterprise Fund?
The program has not published how to apply. Terms and dates change. Check the official page before you act.
Is the venture program paid?
The program states micro fund. Get the amount, who qualifies, when it pays and any carry conditions in writing before you join.
What is the format and time commitment?
The program is in person.
About Imperial College London
Imperial College London
University
Imperial College London has a vibrant startup and venture capital ecosystem, providing students, alumni and faculty with the support they need to create and grow innovative businesses. Imperial offers a range of programmes and resources for those looking to get started, including counselling and mentoring services, wo…
From public sources
What the sources say about Imperial Enterprise Fund
Wealth Club's ICEF III review says Bonnet's November 2023 sale delivered returns below cost for ICEF investors.
Source: Imperial College Enterprise Fund (EIS) - ReviewImperial's February 16, 2024 article reports Bonnet was acquired by OVO Energy in November 2023.
Source: Imperial opens new Enterprise Fund to support its startups and spinoutsImperial's February 16, 2024 article reports ICEF 1 invested £250,000 in GripAble in February 2021.
Source: Imperial opens new Enterprise Fund to support its startups and spinoutsImperial's inspected investor page reports investment in 12 companies through its first three funds.
Source: Imperial College Enterprise Funds | Imperial for business | Imperial College LondonThe December 15, 2023 KID's advised-client cost illustration lists a 20% performance fee on cash returned above the investor's fund subscription.
Source: Imperial College Enterprise Fund III Key Information DocumentThe December 15, 2023 KID's advised-client cost illustration lists a 5% initial fee paid to Parkwalk.
Source: Imperial College Enterprise Fund III Key Information Document
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