Royal Society Enterprise Fund Makes First Investment

The Enterprise Fund is a new initiative from the Royal Society, which uses philanthropically sourced funds to create an early-stage equity investment fund. Investments are made in start-up companies  based on outstanding science and which have real commercial potential. The Royal Society’s networks and relationships are used to highlight and then calibrate investment opportunities. 

The objectives of the Fund are:

• to generate long-term financial returns, which are recycled back into the Fund
• to attract external investment activity into early-stage companies
• to serve as a model for the successful commercial application of the results of outstanding research

In August 2009 the Enterprise Fund made its first investment in the company Novacem. Based on research from Imperial College London, Novacem is developing a new generation of carbon negative cement systems.

The annual production of traditional Portland cement is over 2.5 billion tonnes and is responsible for 5% of global CO2 emissions with cement production expected to double by 2050. In contrast to Portland cement, Novacem cement absorbs more CO2 than it emits over its life cycle. Widespread adoption of this revolutionary new material will transform the cement industry from a significant emitter to a significant absorber of CO2.

The Enterprise Fund has generated a very encouraging response since opening for business and expects to be able to announce additional investments over the coming months. To submit a proposal to the Enterprise Fund click here.

A unique philanthropic opportunity

The Enterprise Fund offers a unique opportunity to support science and innovation through philanthropy. The Fund has a goal to raise £20 million, and we have already received generous support from visionary leaders including Adrian Beecroft, Roger Brooke, Hermann Hauser and Lord Sainsbury of Turville. Donations to the Fund are eligible for tax relief and are exempt from Capital Gains Tax.

If you would like to speak with us about supporting the Enterprise Fund, please contact Jenny Boyd at the Royal Society on 020 7451 2215 or at jenny.boyd@royalsociety.org