Services for Business
Spin-outs
Adopting best practices for spin-outs
The University of Leicester confirms that it has substantively adopted the recommendations of the Independent Review of University Spin-out companies.
We welcome the review findings, specifically:
- recommendations to streamline spin-out creation process.
- the best practice approach that it recommends (drawing on the USIT guide produced earlier this year)
- the creation of government policies that increase proof-of-concept and scale-up capital to unlock more investment.
Importantly, the University of Leicester (UoL) has reviewed its equity policy and licensing practice policy in parallel with the review and we are driving towards alignment. On Spin Out Equity, the equity in any Spin-Out Company prior to any external investment will be shared between the University (25%) and the University Founders (75%); all equity positions will be dilutable upon subsequent Third Party investment. Whilst this position is a starting point the university can choose to retain lower equity stake if required where spin-out is less IP rich e.g. software.
We support the recommendation that universities should welcome competition from external venture capital providers and believe that greater support for proof-of-concept and scale-up funding will help to foster more company creation and growth in the UK. UoL does note, however, a relative undersupply of venture capital investment in both the East and West Midlands. UoL has recently partnered with the Midlands Innovation Universities to launch Midlands Mindforge which will add depth and quality to the co-investors who provide funding to form and scale-up companies.
We acknowledge that there are opportunities to streamline certain processes involved in the formation of spin-outs. UoL has adopted a new process for approving new spin-out companies. A shorter process has been adopted whereby final approval for spin-out company formation is delegated to a focused sub-group of the Innovation Board, which is empowered to make rapid and flexible decisions.
Our portfolio
We have a number of spin-out companies based on commercialising research from the University of Leicester:
Perpetual Atomics
Perpetual Atomics, is built on over six decades of space sector expertise and heritage at the University of Leicester and almost two decades of radioisotope and space nuclear power technology development as part of a European Space Agency funded technology programme. It is focused on establishing a global space nuclear power capability spanning the whole value chain underpinned by advanced technology solutions and systems.
Visit the Perpetual Atomics website
EarthSense
EarthSense measures and models air quality through unique static and airborne sensors and interpretation of satellite data. The team has unparalleled expertise in quality sensor design and analysis, providing advice and support to government and industry globally.
Tozaro Ltd
Tozaro is developing a novel suite of reagents to support development and manufacture of viral vectors in cell and gene therapy. They are using smart polymer technology to deliver marked improvements to viral vector analysis and purification, contributing to making therapies more cost effective, and accessible to patients.
OCB Media
An award winning producer of online and optical (CD-ROM/DVD) based learning materials for doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals worldwide.