Britain’s Hot Talent 2014/15 A handbook of UK venture capital innovation Editors Chris Etheridge Mia Iwama Hastings Rory McDougall Managing Editor Tom Allchorne For additional information Tom Allchorne Email
[email protected] 22 BVCA e:
[email protected] w: bvca.co.uk Contents Introduction Foreword 4 Five facts about venture capital in the UK 5 Definitions of industry sectors 6 Company Profiles Chapter 1 Cleantech 7 Chapter 2 Digital & Consumer 19 Chapter 3 Finance & Business Support 53 Chapter 4 Information Technology 81 Chapter 5 Life Sciences 101 Chapter 6 Materials 113 Chapter 7 Media 121 Chapter 8 Medical 129 Chapter 9 Telecoms 151 Index Index by company name 164 Index by investor 169 Index by parliamentary constituency 186 e:
[email protected] w: bvca.co.uk BVCA 3 Foreword Welcome to Britain’s Hot Talent 2014/15, the latest BVCA handbook showcasing some of this country’s most dynamic and cutting-edge young companies. In fact this is the second version of this edition, reproduced due to overwhelming demand and with a number of new star companies added. Britain has a long and proud history of entrepreneurship and the businesses featured here are a snapshot of some of the exciting and creative work being carried out right now. We have profiles of over 100 venture capital-backed companies from across the British economy – all are fantastic examples of what can be achieved with ingenuity, hard work and the right support. Venture capital has long been a backer of innovation, providing investment and expertise to start-ups and early-stage companies across the UK and helping to turn fledging ideas into market leaders.