Ipso Ventures

Fintan Walton talks to Simon Hunt and Nick Rodgers, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive of Ipso Ventures, about founding their company in 2005 and their business model for the future. Simon and Nick explain how they set up the firm to capitalise on their background in venture capital and investment banking. With their prior experience, the founders have identified the need to reduce risk in early stage companies, such as university spin-outs. By establishing relationships with universities that have good commercialisable IP they aim to add value and build stronger businesses. The company’s first deal is with Loughborough University, which has a successful track record in spin-out formation.

Ipso Ventures are also investing in a range of university spin-outs, in the hope that these will build further relationships with academic institutions. To date, Ipso Ventures has invested in technologies from Imperial College, London, The School of Pharmacy, London and Oxford Brookes University.

Ipso Ventures’ plan for the future includes establishing up to eight relationships with universities within three years. By spreading their risk across a range of companies, they have an opportunity to add value, while further building their own business.

About Simon Hunt

Simon is the co-founder of Ipso Ventures. He trained as a corporate lawyer, specialising in corporate finance and M&A as well as intellectual property law, before moving into venture capital management with Gartmore Investment Management Limited, where he focused mainly on technology in the US. He later added public company investment banking experience, including corporate finance and M&A, together with operational experience through running a public company. Simon has worked with companies at all stages of their development, both in the UK and the US.

About Nick Rodgers

Nick is the co-founder of Ipso Ventures. Nick trained as an accountant before becoming an investment banker specialising in life sciences. Between 1989 and 2003 he worked for Beeson Gregory (later Evolution Securities) and was responsible for a significant number of IPOs, fundraisings and acquisitions involving life sciences companies. As part of his role within Beeson Gregory, he was involved in the establishment of the Oxford and Southampton partnerships for IP2IPO plc. Nick has been involved in companies from inception to flotation and beyond.

About Ipso Ventures

Ipso Ventures creates sustainable technology and life sciences businesses through the establishment of partnerships with universities and other research institutions that own commercialisable Intellectual Property. They offer a range of services including seed capital, recruitment of experienced management, business development consultancy, corporate finance, M&A advice and strategic advice.

Ipso Ventures recently floated on AIM, raising £4.5 million to support its investment in university spin-outs.

For more information about Ipso Ventures, visit www.ipsoventures.com