Empirical Ventures

Empirical Ventures is a UK-based specialist deep-science venture capital fund and venture builder, founded in 2024 and headquartered in Bristol. Co-founded by Dr. Johnathan Matlock (PhD, Chemistry) and Dr. Ben Miles (PhD, Physics) — alumni of University of Bristol spinout Ziylo (acquired by Novo Nordisk for over $800M) — the firm leads pre-seed and seed rounds for science-founded startups developing IP-rich, fundamental-research-driven technologies. Fund I is structured as an SEIS & EIS fund, initially targeting £10M; it raised £8.25M at launch and subsequently secured a £10M commitment from the British Business Bank (total BBB support: £15M). Target sectors include life sciences, advanced materials, TechBio, photonics and quantum hardware, robotics and automation, and agchem/tech. Empirical also runs an angel syndicate alongside the fund. Founders can apply via the Protolyst platform on a rolling basis.