£10M FOUNDERS FUND
Helping you take your ideas further
  • £10M pre-seed fund, backed by The University of Manchester and philanthropic donations
  • Equity investments ranging from £25,000 to £250,000
  • Available to University of Manchester students, staff, and alumni start-ups and spin-outs

  Applications open early 2027

arrowimage
Commercialising research. Developing breakthrough technology. Building a business around a new idea. Whatever you’re working on, the Founders Fund can help you take the next step.
The Fund backs ambitious University of Manchester entrepreneurs with the early-stage investment they need to take ideas further. Through funding and access to Unit M’s wider innovation network, we’re helping founders build ventures with the potential to attract further private investment.
Investing in Manchester’s next big ideas
The Fund represents a strong commitment from the University to our innovation agenda and to backing talented students, colleagues and alumni.
Professor Aline Miller
Associate Vice-President for the Innovation Portfolio at The University of Manchester and Chief Scientific Officer at Unit M
I hope the Founders Fund will help create a legacy, supporting entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into businesses, creating jobs, and helping drive economic growth.
Kevin Lomax
University of Manchester alumnus and entrepreneur

Investment to help ambition go further.

£10m

TARGET FOR THE FOUNDERS FUND

£4m

ALREADY SECURED

£25k–£250k

Potential investment per venture
Details
The initial £4m is made up of £2m committed by the University, a £1m philanthropic gift from alumnus and technology entrepreneur Kevin Lomax, and a further £1m secured through an additional philanthropic donation. Investments are expected to range from £25,000 to £250,000, typically in exchange for a small, non-controlling equity stake.
01
What is the Founders Fund?
An investment fund providing patient, founder-friendly capital to help University-affiliated ventures launch, grow and attract further investment - bridging the gap between early-stage ideas and commercial investment.
02
Who can apply?
Ventures founded or co-founded by University of Manchester students, staff or alumni, as well as start-up and spin-out ventures affiliated with the University, across any sector.
03
What stage should my business be at?
The Fund targets pre-seed ventures: teams that have initially validated their idea and now need investment to test it with customers, establish early sales or prepare for external investment.
04
What are the investment terms?
The Fund will typically take a small, non-controlling equity stake using an Advance Subscription Agreement. This will convert into shares at an agreed trigger, typically a future funding round. The Fund is evergreen, so returns from successful investment will be re-invested in future ventures, helping to support successive generations of University entrepreneurs.
05
Is it just money?
No. Founders will also get access to Unit M’s wider innovation network, including support, mentorship, expertise and contacts to help them develop their business and prepare for follow-on investment.
06
Who runs the Fund?
Unit M manages the Founders Fund in collaboration with the Innovation Factory, the University’s Tech Transfer Office and via a dedicated Founders Fund Investment Board.
07
When can I apply?
The inaugural call for applications is expected to open early 2027, with initial investments in late spring/early summer 2027.
Privacy