GM&C Life Sciences Fund

The GM&C Life Sciences Fund is a specialized venture capital fund dedicated to fostering innovation within the life sciences sector across the Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and Warrington regions of the United Kingdom. Managed by Praetura Ventures, this fund was established with a clear mandate to support early-stage businesses, ranging from seed to Series A, that are developing groundbreaking solutions in areas such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and digital health. Its strategic focus aligns with the region's ambition to become a leading hub for life sciences research and commercialization.

The fund operates with a substantial capital base, having secured £30 million (approximately $38.1 million USD) to deploy into promising ventures. This significant backing comes from key regional stakeholders, including the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, Bruntwood SciTech, and Alderley Park Ventures. The fund's investment thesis centers on identifying companies with strong intellectual property, scalable business models, and experienced management teams, aiming to provide not just capital but also strategic support and access to a robust network within the life sciences ecosystem.

Typical initial investments from the GM&C Life Sciences Fund range from £50,000 to £2 million (approximately $63,500 to $2.54 million USD), with the potential for follow-on funding to support portfolio companies through subsequent growth stages. This flexible approach allows the fund to engage with businesses at various points in their early development, providing crucial capital that can accelerate product development, clinical trials, and market entry. By investing in these innovative companies, the fund plays a vital role in creating high-value jobs, driving economic growth, and enhancing the UK's position in the global life sciences landscape, contributing to the overall strength of the northern biomedical cluster.