Spring Update From CFT
In this first quarter we’ve seen massive momentum, spinning out tech from an increasing number of leading UK universities. In the later part of the year, you’ll see CFT launch our first VC fund; uniquely positioned to invest in nascent, early-stage UK deep tech.
I’m incredibly proud of the progress the team has made and hope you’ll enjoy these updates. Do reach out to me if you’d like to hear more about opportunities in the portfolio, from advisor roles to investments, including our OmniBuds SPV, which is gaining great traction.
CFT Annual Pitch Event
WELCOMING…
PEROCYCLE
Tackling one of the world’s biggest climate challenges, PeroCycle is developing a novel process to decarbonise steelmaking, eliminating up to 8% of global carbon emissions. Backed by Anglo American and spun out of the University of Birmingham, this is deep tech which can change industry for the better.
VENTURE UPDATES
It has been a successful month for commercial traction in the CFT portfolio. Mission Decisions have signed a new MOD contract and welcomed their first commercial customer, whilst SAIF Autonomy re-incorporated in the USA and announced $1M from Fusion Fund.
In leadership news, Cambridge Mind Technologies (formerly CamAI) appointed CEO Hema Patel (Meta, Adobe & Microsoft), whilst GravTech will announce their fantastic new CEO imminently. In other news, RemePhy were featured in The Guardian, PeroCycle were announced globally in this press release by AngloAmerican, and OmniBuds are gaining impressive traction with medical clinic partnerships.
Fundraising rounds are currently open across ten CFT companies – reach out for the Pitch Book here.
We are also excited to announce the CFT OmniBuds SPV, with 10% discount into the round. Reach out to Owen directly for more information.
ON THE HORIZON
An integrated battery analytics platform using digital twins to unlock value and deliver clear, actionable insights.
Low-energy process to produce porous silicon battery anode material.
CURRENTLY EXPLORING
Cooling system for data centres, combining advanced efficiency with innovative evaporative cooling technology.
Unique optical microscopy technique for unprecedented accuracy and sensitivity in metrology.
Quantum machine learning system for temporal data, designed for maximal performance and minimal computational cost.
Particle physics-based medical imaging technique to reduce risk factors in medical scans.
High-resolution sensors for monitoring movements of GEO-assets.
A suite of innovations that allow machine-learning models to be trained on data in a zero-trust environment and then utilised in any environment
INSIDE CFT
We’re continuing to build structured, scalable support to help founders set up, fundraise and grow. From intensive pitch practicing ahead of our investor pitch event to launching Quarterly Playbook Sessions including Fundraising, Risk Management and Governance, we’re doubling down on practical tools that power deep tech ventures.
INTRODUCING: BETHANY
We’re thrilled to welcome Bethany Bland to the team as our new Portfolio Operations Manager & Governance Lead. With a background spanning investor relations, fundraising and corporate governance, Bethany brings sharp commercial insight and deep operational expertise to the role.
At CFT, she’s the key link between our team and our ventures - helping ensure every company is structurally sound, investment-ready, and progressing towards key milestones.
CFT Foraging Social
Another busy quarter for the CFT team:
Deep Tech Coffee: CFT co-hosted another widely attended Deep Tech Coffee morning with IQ Capital and Cambridge Enterprise Ventures, with more planned.
Hello Tomorrow, Paris: Katie, Sven, Ryan and I headed to Paris for Hello Tomorrow - reconnecting with global founders and funders.
ConceptionX @ Barclays: Ines and Josh attended the Future of Compute showcase, meeting early-stage ventures at the intersection of science and software.
Team Socials: The team took some time out with a wild foraging course and a spot of outdoor bathing - cold plunge optional!
SAVE THE DATE!
The CFT Summer party is back on 25th June – invites will be going out soon to our friends and network. Looking forward to celebrating with you all.