For all its world‑class research and innovation, the UK still faces a funding gap for deep‑tech ventures. IQ Capital exists to bridge that gap.
Today, the British Business Bank has announced a £50 million commitment to IQ Capital’s Fund V, marking a fresh milestone in their 20‑year partnership. The Bank has now made cornerstone commitments to all seven of IQ Capital’s funds since its first investment back in 2006.
Backing founders using science and engineering to solve fundamental problems
Based in Cambridge and London, IQ Capital was founded in 2005 by a group of investors and scientists who believed deeply that the next wave of global innovation would come from deep technology.
The firm backs startups developing technology in AI, semiconductors, bioengineering, advanced energy, and security. With more than 250 founders supported since its inception, IQ Capital has become a cornerstone of Britain’s deep‑tech ecosystem.
Managing Partner Max Bautin has helped steer the firm from an early boutique operation to more than £1 billion in assets under management, with a portfolio of world‑class companies and exits to major tech giants.
Its portfolio includes Thought Machine, a cloud‑native core banking now powering global financial institutions; Paragraf, a graphene‑based semiconductor leader; CyberSmart, which helps small firms strengthen cybersecurity defences; and Cambridge GaN Devices, developing energy‑efficient power electronics.
Other notable investments have led to exits to major technology companies such as Apple, Meta, Google, Siemens, Qualcomm, and Oracle.
What’s next?
This latest £50 million pledge to Fund V will allow IQ Capital to keep supporting researchers and entrepreneurs who are building the UK’s next generation of high‑impact companies.
