IVFmicro raises £3.5m in pre_seed funding from Northern Gritstone and Innovate UK to advance fertility technology.
The Leeds spinout secured backing led by Northern Gritstone to prepare its microfluidic device for human trials.
Share allotment filed at Companies House
IVFmicro is a University of Leeds spinout developing microfluidic technology to improve fertility treatment outcomes and reduce costs. Its engineered system nurtures embryos in nutrient rich fluid flows to enhance the IVF process.
IVFmicro has secured £3.5m in pre_seed funding to advance its microfluidic fertility technology towards clinical trials. Northern Gritstone led the round with participation from the Innovate UK Investor Partnerships Programme. The company will direct the capital towards verification and validation studies as it prepares for trials on human embryos in fertility clinics across the UK and Europe.
Founded in 2018 by Professors Virginia Pensabene and Helen Picton, the Leeds spinout has created a device designed to mimic natural biological conditions for embryo development. The system offers a 10 to 15 percent improvement in embryo quality while integrating into existing laboratory workflows without requiring infrastructural overhauls.
From the founder
"At IVFmicro, we are harnessing years of research into reproductive biology to create a practical, accessible solution that can improve outcomes for patients undergoing fertility treatment. Our goal is to make IVF more effective, more predictable, and ultimately more hopeful for those striving to start a family."
Helen Picton
Scientific Director at IVFmicro
Investor perspective
"IVFMicro is a brilliant example of the world-class innovation emerging from the Northern Arc’s universities, combining scientific excellence with a clear commercial vision to tackle the societal challenge of infertility. Millions worldwide require fertility treatment, but new solutions are needed to overcome the high costs involved and low success rates."
Duncan Johnson
chief executive, Northern Gritstone
Use of funds
- 01Fund research and development
- 02Expand into international markets