...Graphene in products touched by everybody, everyday.
Investors & Partners
Durham Graphene Science Ltd (DGS) is a spin-out company from Durham University (UK).Since an initial investment of £100K from Northstar Ventures (Sep. 2010), DGS has been improving its process, taken out a second patent application and started selling graphene to researchers. In 2011, DGS obtained further funding of £1.0M from IP Group and £200K from Northstar Ventures
Durham University
Durham University is an ancient seat of learning and a leading world University which has developed a distinctive reputation for leadership and innovation in education and research rooted in the fundamental disciplines of the arts and humanities, social sciences and sciences. It has been a leading centre of scholarship and education for over a thousand years and the home to some of the most talented researchers and scholars from around the world, tackling global issues, and making a difference to people’s lives on every continent.
Durham University has developed an enterprise culture which has led to successful spin-out companies, licensing and major strategic partnerships with industry and the creation of new jobs founded on our knowledge base.
IP Group
IP Group is a leading UK intellectual property (“IP”) commercialisation company, developing technology innovations primarily from its research intensive partner universities. The Group offers more than traditional venture capital, providing its companies with access to business building expertise, networks, recruitment and business support.
The Company’s portfolio comprises holdings in over 60 companies including Oxford Nanopore Technologies, the DNA sequencing development company, Revolymer, best known for its removable chewing gum and Xeros, which has received many accolades for its revolutionary clothes washing techniques with a much reduced requirement for water.
The portfolio includes early stage to mature businesses and has exposure to five main sectors – Energy & Renewables, Medical Equipment & Supplies, Pharma & Biotech, IT & Communications and Chemicals & Materials. To date, thirteen of the portfolio companies IP Group has backed have listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange and one on PLUS Markets.
Founded in 2001, IP Group listed on AIM in October 2003 and moved to the Official List in June 2006. The Group now has long-term partnerships with twelve core universities including those under its commercialisation agreement with Fusion IP plc.
Northstar Ventures
DGS is backed by the Finance for Business North East Proof of Concept Fund which is managed by Northstar Ventures. The Proof of Concept Fund is backed by the European Regional Development Fund and the European Investment Bank.
About The North East Technology Fund
The North East Technology Fund is a £25m venture capital fund dedicated to investing in technology businesses with outstanding potential which are based in, or are willing to relocate to, the North East of England. The Fund is managed by IP Group plc and is backed by the European Investment Bank and European Regional Development Funds. It is able to co-invest with other institutional, private or corporate investors and at all stages of the business cycle from early stage to mature businesses. Its investment range is from £50,000 to £1.25m.