GM&C Life Sciences Fund

GM&C Life Sciences Fund, managed by Catapult Ventures, was established in 2015 as a £31 million investment vehicle focused on seed and early-stage life sciences companies within the Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and Warrington regions. The fund represents a strategic partnership between regional stakeholders including Cheshire and Warrington Enterprise Partnership, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Cheshire East Council, Manchester Science Partnerships, and Catapult Ventures' leadership team. This collaborative approach has enabled targeted capital deployment to stimulate innovation in one of the UK's emerging life sciences corridors.

By mid-2021 when its new investment period concluded, the fund had successfully built a diverse portfolio comprising 42 companies across various stages of development. These investments span the life sciences spectrum, including biotechnology, medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health ventures. The fund's investment strategy demonstrated flexibility in supporting companies from initial seed funding through to more substantial growth capital rounds, reflecting its commitment to nurturing innovation throughout the entrepreneurial journey.

The fund's geographic focus has proven particularly valuable in strengthening the North West's position as a life sciences hub, complementing the region's academic institutions, research facilities, and growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. By providing not just capital but also strategic guidance, industry connections, and operational expertise, Catapult Ventures has helped portfolio companies navigate the complex challenges of life sciences commercialization. This hands-on approach to venture capital has contributed to the development of breakthrough healthcare technologies addressing significant medical needs.

Looking forward, the GM&C Life Sciences Fund will continue its active portfolio management approach until at least 2030, focusing on supporting existing investments through follow-on funding rounds and strategic guidance. This extended commitment period demonstrates the fund's long-term perspective, acknowledging the extended development timelines typical in life sciences. As portfolio companies mature, the fund aims to facilitate successful exits while maximizing returns for its investors and creating lasting economic impact through job creation, intellectual property development, and healthcare innovation within the Greater Manchester and Cheshire & Warrington region.