Firms

Cancer Research Horizons Ventures

Cancer Research Horizons Ventures is the specialist venture creation and investment team within Cancer Research Horizons, Cancer Research UK's innovation and commercialization organization. The team manages an evergreen philanthropic Seed Fund, providing pre-seed, seed and follow-on support for oncology ventures in therapeutics, diagnostics, medical devices, and data-driven or AI solutions. Its 2025/26 impact report states that typical investments range from £50,000 to £1.5 million, and that the Seed Fund has reached its £30 million capitalization target. The fund launched in June 2022 with a rolling £15 million five-year Cancer Research UK commitment; further philanthropic support expanded the same fund. Returns are reinvested in the fund and cancer research. The current public Ventures roster comprises seven staff and two investors-in-residence, led by Associate Director Phil Masterson, with an independent seven-member investment committee chaired by Vishal Gulati. The fund reports £14.33 million committed across 43 investments in 33 start-ups; the broader parent start-up portfolio also includes businesses supported through licensing rather than investment. The Ventures Seed Fund participated in AiM Medical Robotics' $8.1 million Series A to support development and validation of MRI-compatible neurosurgical robotics in an oncology setting. Other reported brain-cancer portfolio work includes Trogenix. This profile represents the Ventures investment team and uses the official shared Cancer Research Horizons branding.

Founded: —
Type: Venture capital