University of Manchester launches 拢10m Founders Fund for future entrepreneurs
路 The University of Manchester is launching a 拢10m Founders Fund backed by philanthropic donations to provide early-stage investment to students, staff, alumni and University-affiliated start-up and spin-out ventures.
路 The University of Manchester has committed 拢2m. Alumnus and technology entrepreneur Kevin Lomax has gifted 拢1m to the fund.
路 The Founders Fund will support high potential ventures with investment ranging from 拢25,000 to 拢250,000.
The University of Manchester is launching a 拢10m Founders Fund to provide crucial pre-seed investment for the next generation of entrepreneurs with an initial 拢3m already secured. The Fund will be managed by Unit M, the University鈥檚 innovation directorate, in partnership with the Innovation Factory, the University鈥檚 tech transfer office.
The University has set an initial goal of raising 拢10 million for the Fund, predominantly through philanthropic support.
So far, the Founders Fund has received a 拢2m commitment from the University and a 拢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鈥檚 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.
It represents a strong commitment from the University to our innovation agenda and to backing talented students, colleagues and alumni who have the ambition to turn great ideas into high-growth ventures.
It will provide founder-friendly equity investment to high-potential start up and spin out ventures affiliated with the University, helping entrepreneurs launch and grow ambitious companies, attract follow-on private investment, and retain entrepreneurial talent within the region.
The Fund is part of Challenge Accepted, the University鈥檚 ambitious initiative bringing together it鈥檚 global community to tackle major challenges, unlock new ideas and turn innovation into positive impact.
Returns from successful investment will be reinvested in future ventures, helping to support successive generations of university entrepreneurs.
Over time, the Fund will contribute to the University鈥檚 ambition to create Europe鈥檚 most inclusive and impactful innovation ecosystem by 2035, while generating lasting financial, economic, and reputational value for the University and the region.
Professor Aline Miller, Associate Vice President (Enterprise) and CSO, Unit M at The University of Manchester, said:
鈥淚 am incredibly excited to be launching the Founders Fund. It represents a strong commitment from the University to our innovation agenda and to backing talented students, colleagues and alumni who have the ambition to turn great ideas into high-growth ventures. I am looking forward to seeing the quality of ideas that come through the pipeline and helping more founders take their first steps towards impact.鈥�
Kevin Lomax, University of Manchester alumnus and entrepreneur said:
鈥淭he University of Manchester has fantastic technology, research, and graduates, as well as an incredible culture and environment. I want to see it become a real heartbeat of the UK. I hope the Founders Fund will help create a legacy, supporting entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into businesses, creating jobs, and helping drive economic growth.鈥�
Investments are expected to range from 拢25,000 to 拢250,000, typically in exchange for a small, non-controlling equity stake.
The inaugural call for applications is expected to open in January 2027.
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