The University of Nottingham has unveiled a new investment fund, managed by SyndicateRoom, that uses the UK’s Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS).
EIS is a series of tax reliefs offered to private investors when they back eligible early-stage startups incorporated in the UK.
The scheme forms the basis of multiple spinout investment funds in the country, including all of those managed by Parkwalk Advisors, as well as vehicles associated with the Royal College of Art and Queen’s University Belfast.
The University of Nottingham is involved in Midlands Mindforge, which achieved its first close earlier this month. It also operates the £5 million Nottingham Invention Fund via commercialisation subsidiary Nottingham Technology Ventures.
The new University of Nottingham Enterprise Investment Scheme Fund will enable private investors, such as high-net-worth alumni, to invest in Nottingham spinouts.
Graham Schwikkard, CEO of SyndicateRoom, says: “The University of Nottingham has an impressive track record of translating research into commercially viable companies.
“This EIS Fund creates a clear route for investors to back that pipeline at an early stage, supporting innovation that has the potential to deliver both strong returns and meaningful real-world impact.”
The university currently has more than 40 active spinouts, of which 25 have been launched in the past seven years.
