UKI2S (UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund)

UKI2S is a venture capital fund based in Manchester, United Kingdom, managed by Future Planet Capital, that invests in early-stage spinouts and companies emerging from the UK's publicly funded research base. It focuses on engineering biology, defence and security, fusion energy, space technology, and 'knowledge assets' derived from UK public-sector research institutions and partner research campuses. UKI2S backs founders who can demonstrate technical proof of principle, a clear path to a large market, defensible IP, and roughly 18 months of runway at the point of investment, typically at the pre-seed to seed+ stage. It invests £100k to £500k as an initial cheque, participates in rounds typically between £500k and £5m, and will lead, co-lead or syndicate, with follow-on capital reserved for top-performing portfolio companies. Beyond capital, it offers patient, long-term capital, help securing later-stage investors through its wider network, leadership coaching, executive recruitment support, and ESG/impact guidance. To be eligible, applicants must be working in one of its strategic priority areas, based at a partner research campus, or hold IP associated with one of its public-sector partners; founders pitch directly via its website, with a process that runs from initial appraisal through investment committee, due diligence and legal close, typically within about three months.