Alex holds managing director roles at Future Planet Capital and the UK Innovation and Science Seed Fund, alongside investment committee experience at Midven. Previously, Alex worked as an investment director at Future Planet Capital and a senior investor at the Development Bank of Wales.
The Norwich-based drug discovery startup emerged from stealth with backing from SynBioVen, Start Codon, UKI2S, Twin Path Ventures, Wren Capital, angels, and Innovate UK.
"We grow greener medicines using a platform that makes the impossible accessible. The drug discovery field desperately needs new chemical space and the vaccine field needs new adjuvants, with supply chains that work for everyone. By combining AI with plant engineering, we can reach molecules others cannot, and scale them in a way that supports global health, not just high-income markets."
The seed round was co-led by UK Innovation and Science Seed Fund and Expansion Aerospace Ventures.
"These programmes supported us from day one, helping us combine state-of-the-art research in hyperspectral remote sensing, machine learning and crop growth modelling to build something radically new – turning an ambitious idea into a commercial business with real-world impact. Now we’re ready to take this innovation global, helping farmers boost profits, cut emissions and keep soils healthy for future generations."
The financing round and grant package was co-led by Lockheed Martin Ventures, Chrysalix, and Maven SWIF.
"Our investment in Q5D and its automated electrification technology highlights our dedication to fostering a robust and resilient defense industrial base. Through investments like this one, Lockheed Martin Ventures aims to accelerate the development of next-generation technologies that will enable our customers to stay ahead of emerging threats and maintain a strategic advantage in an increasingly complex security landscape."
The latest investment brings total equity financing to £7.2m and will support clinical progression of internal assets.
"A third of all FDA-approved drugs target GPCRs, yet, despite decades of research and billions of funding, only a few GPCR-targeting antibodies exist. Thanks to the support of our investors, we are one step closer to making GPCRs and other challenging targets druggable, bringing needed therapies to patients across the globe."
The Southampton quantum startup raised €5m from a syndicate including EIFO, UKI2S and MBDA to advance its cold atom technology.
"This funding marks an incredible opportunity for Aquark to take quantum technologies closer to broader use. We are proud to have such a strong syndicate supporting us as we achieve this goal. We are aligned in our vision to deliver quantum technologies that will have a beneficial impact on civilian life, infrastructure, and defence. In this way, we are excited to see Aquark continue to contribute to the UK, Europe, and NATO’s quantum strategies."
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