Imperial College Enterprise Fund (ICEF)
Funds Imperial-connected life science and deep-tech spinouts through park-managed equity investment vehicles.
The Imperial College Enterprise Funds (ICEF) are FCA-regulated equity investment vehicles created by Imperial College London to support startup companies with strong Imperial connections. Fund management is delegated externally to Parkwalk Advisors, an FCA-regulated fund manager specialising in university spinout investment across the UK. ICEF represents the post-2021 replacement for the earlier Imperial Innovations technology transfer function, which was sold to IP Group plc in December 2018 and renamed Touchstone Innovations.
Two funds have been disclosed: ICEF 1 launched in 2021 and invested in companies including FreshCheck Limited (founded by an Imperial alumnus), GripAble Limited (co-founded by Imperial researchers), and Charco Neurotech (master's student founder). ICEF 2 completed in May 2023 and invested in NK:IO, which raised a total of £5.1 million at seed, and OSSTEC, a smart bone implant company. Eligibility is restricted to companies founded by Imperial students, staff, or alumni, or companies that have engaged extensively with Imperial's enterprise ecosystem — the restriction that differentiates ICEF from broader university spinout funds. Participation is entirely optional; eligible spinouts are not obligated to engage with the fund.
ICEF is an equity instrument, not a grant: Parkwalk invests capital in exchange for an equity stake on terms negotiated with each spinout. Investment decisions are made by an Investment Committee after deal opportunities are developed and presented through the Imperial enterprise office. Spinouts seeking ICEF capital should engage with Imperial Enterprise — specifically the Creating a Spinout Company process — at the point of forming their company, as ICEF access flows from the institutional relationship with Imperial rather than a standalone application process. Deal flow and terms are in GBP.
FCA-regulated equity investment vehicle targeting spinouts with strong Imperial College London connections, managed by Parkwalk Advisors.
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