Project Ventures has officially launched its debut fund of 5 million pounds, equivalent to 5.8 million euros, to invest in early-stage companies emerging from the Imperial College London ecosystem. The independent venture capital firm will target pre-seed and seed startups working across deep technology and artificial intelligence. It describes itself as the first independent, alumni-powered VC fund dedicated to Imperial, with more than 80 percent of its limited partners being former students of the university.
A Distinctive Alumni-Led Model
The fund is led by Shahryar Barati, founder and managing partner and a three-time Imperial alumnus. More than 80 percent of its limited partners are Imperial alumni, reflecting a community-driven model inspired by established alumni-backed venture networks in the United States. Barati described the launch as a proud moment that brings this successful approach into the Imperial community.
Building on Imperial's Research Strengths
Imperial College London has deep expertise across science, engineering and medicine, which the fund uses to identify high-potential founders. Project Ventures believes artificial intelligence is accelerating development cycles and adding a new intelligence layer to physical-world applications. Its community roots give the firm a particular advantage in accessing these companies from an early stage.
Investment Focus and Ticket Size
Founded in 2023, Project Ventures targets founders applying science, engineering and artificial intelligence to build intelligent systems that connect digital and physical environments. Its priority sectors include robotics, healthcare, climate, energy and advanced manufacturing. The firm plans to invest between 100,000 and 300,000 pounds in each portfolio company, providing early capital to help founders move from research to commercial development.
Early Portfolio Companies
The fund has already completed three investments that reflect its thesis of combining deep technology with artificial intelligence for physical-world applications. Tewke is an intelligent home operating system enabling energy optimisation and decentralised energy infrastructure. NexusAM offers real-time AI-powered quality assurance for metal 3D printing, while Neubond is developing a wearable neurotechnology platform for stroke rehabilitation and recovery.
Support Beyond Capital
Portfolio founders say the fund's understanding of university spin-out challenges adds value beyond the financial investment. Neubond co-founder Patrick Sagastegui Alva explained that building a medical technology spin-out involves complex layers such as intellectual property, clinical evidence, regulation and technology transfer. Having investors who understand those realities can be as important as the capital itself.
European DeepTech Context
Project Ventures joins a wider wave of European investment vehicles targeting deep technology, AI and research-led companies in 2026. Industry reports have tracked approximately 783 million euros across ten relevant fund announcements, including London-based Transition Ventures, Lansdowne Partners, Creator Fund, Germany's Vanagon Ventures and Paris-based 360 Capital. This activity signals growing investor appetite for science-driven startups emerging from university ecosystems.
Fundraising Outlook
Project Ventures aims to close its debut fund by summer 2027 while continuing to build its pipeline of Imperial-linked startups. Over time, the firm sees potential to extend its alumni-powered investment model to other leading technical university ecosystems across Europe. The community-driven structure is intended to support pioneering businesses from their earliest stages.
The launch of Project Ventures introduces a new alumni-backed funding route for founders within Imperial College London's research and innovation community. By combining early-stage capital with a network of former students, the firm aims to help deep technology and AI startups navigate the complex path from laboratory to market while drawing on the university's scientific depth. With three investments already made and a clear sector focus, the fund's progress will be closely watched by the wider European venture community.