IP Group broadens investor base backing university tech spinouts
IP GROUP, which turns university research projects into businesses, yesterday rejigged the finances of two biotech spin-outs developed at the University of Oxford and University of Cardiff.
The junior stock market listed group said it had raised £35m through a private placement of shares to help fund its Oxford Nanopore Technologies, which was developed at the University of Oxford and sells complex products called nanopore sensors which allow DNA to be analysed.
IP, which is backed by top investors like Neil Woodford and hedge fund Landsdowne Partners, also announced plans to list another portfolio company, Medaphor, on the alternative investment market.
Medaphor, which is 50 per cent owned by IP Group, makes ultrasound training equipment for use by trainee nurses.