Start something amazing

We Discover, Nurture and Advance early-stage life science and healthcare companies

What we offer

Start Codon has revolutionised the way life science and healthcare innovation is spun-out, developed and commercialised. We are based in Cambridge, England, but invest in and venture build companies nationally that are developing ground-breaking technologies and solutions. In doing so, we reduce investment risk, create opportunities and shape companies that are designed to succeed globally.

We identify and select exceptional entrepreneurs to join us and invite them to be part of our innovative 'START' programme. Through that, we leverage our deep local, national and international resources to help those entrepreneurs to establish their companies and provide them with investment, business support services, mentoring, facilities, help and guidance from our dedicated team. In addition, we also provide access to a wide network of industry leading pharma, biotech and investor contacts. In dong so, we fast-track the translation of innovative science into successful commercial companies.

We are not currently accepting new applicants for funding or to our programme. But if you want to be involved in our portfolio, please contact us.

Minimum £250K seed investment
Unique access to national and international industry leading contacts
Hands-on support from a dedicated, experienced team across financing, fundraising, human resources, marketing, business development, IP, commercialisation, banking, insurance and much more
Access to global partner organisations that are leaders in their field, on preferential terms
Ongoing mentoring from leaders and rising stars in the life sciences and healthcare sectors
We're one of a small number of approved UKRI Investor Partners, meaning we have been approved by UKRI to access ring fenced Innovate UK Investor Partner grant funding opportunities for new investments and our portfolio. So, if you're looking for access to unique grant funding opportunities to match our investment, get in touch.

"The team at Start Codon are incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and well-networked. Start Codon has benefitted our company in countless ways, offering key guidance from IP and route-to-market strategy, to hiring and business development. Their team is hardworking and committed to the success of their companies. We are in a much stronger position due to our completion of Start Codon's innovative venture building programme. I can't recommend them enough."

Jack Kennefick, CEO and Founder, Tagomics Limited

"Start Codon’s funding and unique programme was a great opportunity for Spirea to accelerate its growth and development. As an early-stage company, Spirea wanted support to build an investor-ready technical and commercial plan, and to connect with life science investors and advisors. Start Codon delivered on this, and their team helped to optimise Spirea’s messaging and prepared us for the next stage in our journey."

Myriam Ouberai, CEO and Founder, Spirea Limited

"The experience the Start Codon team brings in terms of the commercialisation of life sciences technology is phenomenal. It is run by people who have scaled life sciences companies and understand the unique challenges in this space – an absolute necessity for us at this early stage. They really helped build the foundations of the company with a vision to scale. Their network is vast too, whether around end-users, partners, customers, or investors. Beyond that, they are all just great people to work with."

Tarun Vemulkar and Jereon Verheyen, Founders, Semarion Limited

"Start Codon has truly been a game-changer for us as first-time scientist founders. Their comprehensive support has been instrumental in progressing Ephyra. Their dedication to connecting us with relevant contacts and resources was key to our smooth relocation and subsequent growth in the UK. We couldn’t have asked for a more supportive and resourceful partner to navigate this cross-border journey from bench to bedside.”

Lavenniah Annadoray, VP Operations & Co-Founder, Ephyra