The University of Manchester has announced it is launching a £10m Founders Fund to provide crucial pre-seed investment for the next generation of entrepreneurs with an initial £3m already secured. The Fund will be managed by Unit M, the University’s innovation directorate, in partnership with the Innovation Factory, the University’s tech transfer office.
The University has set an initial goal of raising £10 million for the Fund, predominantly through philanthropic support.
So far, the Founders Fund has received a £2m commitment from the University and a £1m philanthropic gift from alumnus and technology entrepreneur Kevin Lomax.
The announcement marks the beginning of a week-long programme of activity across the University’s inaugural Innovation Festival.
The Founders Fund will address a critical funding gap facing students, staff, and alumni entrepreneurs as they turn ideas into viable businesses. Alongside investment, founders will be connected to Unit M’s wider innovation ecosystem, giving them access to support, expertise, and networks as they launch and grow their ventures. As ventures develop, they will be better positioned to attract further private investment, including potential seed-stage backing from investors such as Northern Gritstone.
Read the full story on The University of Manchester website.
