Academic research connector IN-PART secures £950k from Mercia and private investors to grow teams
The investment includes £750k from NPIF - Mercia Equity Finance alongside contributions from private backers.
IN-PART connects academic researchers with industry professionals through an online matchmaking platform designed to commercialise university discoveries. The company employs 28 people across offices in Sheffield and London.
Academic research commercialisation platform IN-PART has secured £950k in fresh capital to expand its teams in Sheffield and London. The funding was led by NPIF - Mercia Equity Finance, alongside a £200k contribution from private backers. Thomas Jørgensen is also joining the board as Chairman as part of the transaction.
Founded to streamline university and industry collaboration, IN-PART operates an online matchmaking service utilised by global research and development teams and hundreds of universities. The latest injection follows earlier seed backing of approximately £350k obtained in 2016, enabling further scaling of the company's matchmaking infrastructure.
From the founder
"We’re pleased to receive support from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund as well as adding some great new non-executive expertise to our board. The funding will allow us to invest further in product development to scale our matchmaking platform and our Discover product, in line with our vision of connecting university research with companies around the world to positively impact on society."
Patrick Speedie
Co-CEO and co-founder at IN-PART
Investor perspective
"Universities have been responsible for some of the biggest breakthroughs in modern times and IN-PART is helping to transfer university technology across the globe. This latest funding will allow it to build its presence in the international marketplace and replicate the significant success it has enjoyed in the UK."
Nicola Broughton
Head of Universities at Mercia, Mercia Fund Managers
Use of funds
- 01Grow the team