INSIGHTS / News

Image from left to right: Marty Reid, SETsquared, Alison Callwood, Sammi-Select, Rohit Murali, Biofuel AI and Serena Giaminardi, SETsquared.

In a high-profile event for the UK innovation ecosystem, SETsquared convened more than 300 investors, university researchers, innovators, and industry experts eager to discover and support SETsquared’s most promising new science and technology ventures at Investment Futures in London.

“Investment Futures brings together the entire SETsquared ecosystem with a broad community of investors looking to support the very best of UK innovation”, said Marty Reid, Executive Director of SETsquared. “Our start-up companies were from key sectors including AI, health and life sciences, clean energy, FinTech, and all built on frontier technologies with the potential to shape future industries and be the engines of UK economic growth.

“Over half the companies that presented are spin-outs from university research, an area that is seeing an incredible growth in traction from industry and the UK Government. Spin-outs from the six universities in SETsquared alone raised over £270m in venture capital last year, and this year that momentum is continuing, particularly with Draig Therapeutics, a spin-out from Cardiff University, which has raised over £100m. This backing will help us to finally realise the full economic potential of companies emerging from the UK’s world-class research.”

Investment Futures explored the evolving venture investment landscape, hosting in-depth panels and roundtable discussions that delved into the major opportunities and challenges within the investment ecosystem. Key topics included barriers to scaling and sustaining the growth of science and technology companies, as well as inclusive capital and sourcing executive talent.

The event also showcased 21 innovative deep-tech, science and innovation-led start-ups from across SETsquared’s portfolio, with “lively lighting pitches” of just 60 seconds keeping the energy high on the main stage, while exhibition stands were packed with investors throughout the day.

Adam Thomas Brown, Sourcing Partner from Welsh Venture Capital firm Mentra Ventures, said: “It’s been a thoroughly enjoyable and valuable event, bringing together a perfect mix of innovative ideas, policy leaders, and potential co-investors.

“Our focus is firmly on Wales, and it was inspiring to see three outstanding Welsh businesses represented, each with impressive potential. We’re excited to continue the conversations and explore opportunities with them beyond this event.

“The roundtable discussions have been particularly insightful, offering a chance to engage with people tackling similar challenges from different perspectives. That diversity of experience and expertise is what helps refine and strengthen our own approach moving forward.”

Nadia Shahanaz Hussain, Head of Marketing at Wild Hydrogen, represented one of the companies pitching at the event. Wild Hydrogen has developed innovative technology that transforms wet biogenic material – such as agricultural residues and waste streams – into commercially viable biomethane and hydrogen. It is also capable of capturing carbon dioxide from the process and producing biochar. Nadia shared that Investment Futures was a hugely beneficial experience: “It’s been a great opportunity to pitch our investment opportunity and network with investors and like-minded companies. It’s vital to put ourselves out there, gain visibility and have face-to-face conversations. Meeting our peers who are on the same journey and watching them pitch has been valuable. The support from SETsquared has been amazing, and today’s event has strengthened our proposition and enabled us to make valuable connections.”

At the event, Wild Hydrogen was the winner of the Most Investible Proposition – The Sam Mickleburgh Award as part of SETsquared’s Community Awards, which was voted for by the investors in attendance.

“It was amazing to receive the award,” added Nadia. “This recognition from investors validates our business proposition and gives us greater confidence as we advance. At last year’s event, we won the Clean Superpower: Net Zero Award; it’s great to be highlighted again.”

Marty Reid, Executive Director of SETsquared: “The level of engagement we saw at Investment Futures demonstrated the shared ambition from across our entrepreneurial and investment communities to realise the full potential of our brightest innovative talent. In the UK, we have a flourishing start-up ecosystem and are seeing the creation of an incredible new generation of science and technology businesses, but we need to work together to secure the right institutional capital and market expertise to ensure they can scale.”

Investors can learn more about the companies that pitched at this event and others on SETsquared’s Online Investment Platform

SETsquared Community Award winners

The event concluded with the ceremony for SETsquared’s Community Awards. Here is the full list of winners.

Fit for the Future: Health Innovation Award
Recognising businesses at the forefront of developing products, services, or solutions that significantly enhance and save lives.
Winner: CoED Biosciences

Clean Superpower: Net Zero Award
For organisations leading the way toward a sustainable and environmentally friendly future, developing products, processes, or services that contribute to achieving net zero.
Winner: CGEN Engineering

Transforming Tomorrow: Deep Tech Award
For trailblazers developing products, technologies, and services rooted in research and development, leveraging cutting-edge technology to solve complex global challenges.
Winner: iQ Sense Technology

Rising Star: Early Stage, High Potential Award
The most promising early-stage ventures within the SETsquared ecosystem, celebrating start-ups, spin-outs, student enterprises and iCURE alumni that are still in the early stages of their journey yet already demonstrating exceptional potential.
Winner: Taught by Humans

Most Investible Proposition: The Sam Mickleburgh Award
As voted for at the event for the pitching company and shines a spotlight on the most promising early-stage ventures within the SETsquared ecosystem, celebrating those that demonstrate exceptional potential for growth, scalability, and broader impact.
Winner: Wild Hydrogen