Campus Capital partners with Manchester Uni to invest thousands in early-stage tech firms

Newly launched venture capital firm Campus Capital has signed a partnership with the University of Manchester to identify the tech stars of the future.

The agreement will see Campus Capital invest from £50k to £200k in early-stage companies both on and off campus across the Manchester city region.

Based on US funds such as the Wolverine Venture Fund and the Dorm Room Fund, the model aims to give investors direct access to knowledge, opportunities and contacts at the university.

Campus Capital will soon start raising its first £2m fund. Just recently, the company signed a partnership with the University of Sheffield.

The firm was founded by entrepreneurs Samantha Deakin Hill and Michael Howe and is endorsed by growth accelerator Tech North.

Claire Braithwaite, the former head of Tech North, is a members of Campus Capital’s advisory board alongside Tim Dempsey and Rupert Wingate-Saul of Epiphany Capital and AXM Venture Capital respectively.

Michael Howe said the business is speaking to North West investors as part of the fundraising process and plans to roll the model out nationwide through other universities.

He explained: “Universities are at the heart of the knowledge economy – through their research and development, their role in educating future entrepreneurs and their close links with current business leaders. It makes sense for venture funds to work more closely with them.

“Campus Capital will allow investors to plug directly into these knowledge hubs, making use of their networks and engaging students in building the deals pipeline.”

He added: “It will also provide a new source of funding for high-growth Manchester businesses, whether on or off campus. Our aim is to identify early-stage companies with the potential to become the technology stars of the future.”

Lynn Sheppard, the director of Manchester Enterprise Centre, part of Manchester Business School, commented: “The University of Manchester has a long tradition of supporting innovation.

“We are delighted to be working with Campus Capital to help pioneer this new model, which will provide further opportunities for students to build experience.”

She continued: “It will allow them to gain insight into the issues facing technology start-ups, understand the perspective of both entrepreneurs and funders, and many of the factors required to create a successful, high-growth business.”

Epiphany Capital founder Tim Dempsey said: “This is a really new exciting model of venture capital that we have not yet seen properly executed in the UK.

“Manchester and Sheffield are perfect launch partners, and Campus Capital has the ability to affect a real change in the way these ecosystems work, as well as investing in serious talent.”

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