Deepbridge Capital has opened its UK Innovation Seed Fund for new investments in the 2026/27 tax year as the venture capital investment manager continues to back early-stage technology and life sciences businesses across the UK.
First launched in October 2024, the fund aims to increase access to pre-seed and seed funding for entrepreneurs, university spin-outs and start-ups developing emerging technologies.
It works with universities, incubators, accelerators and regional innovation hubs to identify promising businesses and provide investment and support to help them grow.
The fund focuses on what it calls ‘catalyst technologies’, covering areas including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cybersecurity, medical devices, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing and climate technologies.
Deepbridge Capital, based in Chester, said nearly 90% of its investments since 2020 have been made outside London, while it has supported spin-outs from 17 universities across the UK.
The UK Innovation Seed Fund operates under the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS), offering eligible investors access to a portfolio of early-stage businesses alongside potential tax benefits, including 50% income tax relief on qualifying investments.
Andrew Aldridge, Partner and Chief Operating Officer at Deepbridge Capital, commented: “The UK possesses one of the most vibrant innovation ecosystems in the world. Every day we meet founders developing technologies that have the potential to transform industries, improve lives and create significant economic value.
“With increasing personal tax burdens, and with income tax relief on VCTs being reduced to just 20%, for appropriate investors the generous tax reliefs available under SEIS could be more appealing than ever this year.
“Our ecosystem approach is particularly important. We don’t simply write cheques. We work alongside universities, innovation centres, incubators, strategic partners and co-investors across the country to help identify, support and accelerate the next generation of high-growth businesses.
“SEIS investments are high risk and should only be considered by investors who understand those risks and can afford to hold investments for the long term. But for suitable investors, we believe there remains a compelling combination of growth potential, diversification across a portfolio of early-stage companies and tax incentives, alongside the opportunity to play a direct role in supporting innovation and economic growth across the UK.”
The UK Innovation Seed Fund is now accepting subscriptions for deployment in the 2026/27 tax year.
