UCLB

UCL Business PLC (UCLB) is the dedicated commercialisation company for University College London (UCL), a globally renowned research institution. As a wholly owned subsidiary, UCLB plays a pivotal role in translating UCL's world-leading research and intellectual property into tangible societal and economic impact. Its core mission is to bridge the gap between academic innovation and market application, fostering the creation of new ventures and licensing groundbreaking technologies. UCLB's strategic importance lies in enabling UCL to fulfill its third core mission, focusing on real-world impact beyond traditional academic pursuits.

UCLB primarily focuses its investment activities on UCL spinout companies, typically engaging at the crucial seed and Series A stages. The firm's investment strategy is deeply rooted in supporting technologies that demonstrate significant potential for both societal benefit and economic growth. While UCLB provides critical early-stage capital, it frequently co-invests alongside a diverse range of external partners, including other venture capital firms, corporate investors, and angel investors. This collaborative approach ensures that its portfolio companies receive robust financial backing and strategic support beyond UCLB's initial commitment.

The typical initial investment from UCLB ranges from £50,000 to £2 million, with the flexibility to provide follow-on funding as companies mature and achieve milestones. This financial commitment is complemented by extensive support in business development, intellectual property management, and strategic guidance. Since 2004, UCLB has been instrumental in the formation of over 100 spinout companies, showcasing its consistent ability to nurture innovative ventures from inception. Furthermore, these UCLB-backed spinouts have collectively attracted over £3 billion in external investment, underscoring the high quality and market appeal of the technologies emerging from UCL's research ecosystem.