Global Ventures: Lansdowne Partners Launches Fund to Transform UK University IP into Thriving Companies, Secures €128.9 Million in Initial Funding

Lansdowne Partners Launches Venture Capital Fund to Support UK Startups

London-based Lansdowne Partners recently announced the launch of a venture capital fund aimed at backing high-potential UK companies that emerge from the country’s leading university research base and startup ecosystem.

The fund has already secured a first close at €128.9 million ($150 million) and is set to have a second and final close in December, with investor interest surpassing the fund’s cap of €171.9 million ($200 million).

Notable backers of the fund include British Business Bank, Aviva Investors, Lloyds Banking Group, Lansdowne Investors, and internal partners’ capital.

“The UK has a wealth of intellectual property, but many companies struggle to access the capital needed to scale globally. With our fund, we aim to support exceptional businesses and help them become global leaders, driving economic growth and delivering strong returns for investors,” stated Peter Davies, partner and head of Developed Markets at Lansdowne Partners.

Established in 1998, Lansdowne Partners manages assets for major global investors and has been an early investor in key innovation platforms such as Oxford Science Enterprises, IP Group, and Entrepreneur First.

The firm has seen success with several scale-ups reaching unicorn status, including Oxford Nanopore and Raspberry Pi, among others.

Lansdowne Partners aims to bridge the gap between early-stage innovation and global commercial success by collaborating closely with founders and maintaining financial discipline.

“The UK’s venture capital market is growing, and there’s an opportunity to attract more domestic institutional investors. Lansdowne’s fund is a positive step in mobilizing UK institutional capital into the innovation economy,” said Christine Hockley, MD and Co-head of Funds at British Business Bank.

The fund will focus on investing in future-oriented industries like healthcare data, quantum computing, and advanced materials, as well as related sectors critical for secure supply chains and domestic capabilities.