Carocell Bio is innovating by developing patented anti-inflammatory peptides delivered via nanoparticles to address severe inflammatory conditions such as atopic dermatitis. Their primary peptide, JEL0305, not only halts inflammation but also prevents its initiation, as evidenced by its effectiveness in reducing inflammation in human AD biopsies and burn tissue. With AD impacting a substantial population and costing $21 billion yearly for unsafe treatments, Carocell Bio's safer peptide remedy has the potential to avert AD recurrence. Additionally, their pioneering approach to skin-related inflammation involves topical peptide products that target mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), a crucial element in inflammation. This breakthrough offers promise for managing and forestalling AD and mitigating skin aging.
days to go:
Extended
investment:
Withheld
PULMOBIOMED is addressing the failings of current lung tests, which are expensive, infrequent, and invasive. Their so-called "clinically proven" solution claims to offer non-invasive liquid samples from deep within the lung, promising affordable tests for lung diseases. They assert that their product can empower clinicians to diagnose and treat conditions like lung cancer and infections, even though there's limited evidence to support these claims. With a few customers in the USA and Australia, and vague partnerships in the EU, PULMOBIOMED hopes to disrupt the asthma diagnostics market by introducing what they call a comprehensive diagnostic test for asthma, despite the skepticism around their capabilities.
days to go:
Extended
investment:
£295,000
Plerith works with high growth start-ups and scaling companies to plan for and deliver growth. The company asserts that it helps companies promote their business to potential funders, through its network of angel and venture capital investors depending on the stage and sector of the said business. Plerith is partnering with Newable and Bristol Private Equity Club to deliver the fund in the South West London (SWL) area and identify and invest in the most exciting high growth companies in the region. Plerith argues that its deep knowledge of fundraising, sales, strategy, finance and technology would help SWL businesses flourish. Plerith aims to provide investors access to the highest quality local companies in the SWL region.
days to go:
Stretch
investment:
Withheld
Optimise BP, the debut product by Optimise Health, introduces an innovative digital solution that offers secure and efficient semi-automated blood pressure management within primary care, focusing on hypertension. This advancement is projected to lead to substantial appointment savings in the range of millions.
days to go:
TBC
investment:
£127,001
Stroli – the shopping trolley reimagined for modern needs. The shopping trolley, often associated with a particular image, is an untapped category ready for innovation. The market is flooded with generic, budget-friendly options that lack charm, with the exception of Rolser, which is pricier and claims the green niche. Stroli steps in as the go-to brand, offering a unique approach, positioning, voice, and eco-friendly credentials. Say goodbye to sore hands and plastic bags – Stroli makes shopping a pleasure with its high-quality, stylish trolley bags designed to enhance your convenience and style
days to go:
Extended
investment:
Withheld
Cadello is a newly produced category-defining unique spirit produced by Distilleria Pisoni, a 150-year-old distillery in Italy. It is growing its distributors over the UK as well as Italy. The company has also partnered with Honest Grapes and other independent marketers and sales teams. Cadello has hired Italian and UK Brand Ambassadors and engaged Pegasus Spirits as UK importer and brand manager. The company will support its continued fast-paced growth by investing into its marketing and sales through tradeshows & tasting events, Brand Ambassadors, PR (editorial and events), social media & advertising, and bartending competitions.
days to go:
Expired
investment:
£275,490
Nix & Kix creates and sells a range of drinks low in calories, completely natural and without any added sugar. It asserts that its products are stocked across 3,000+ shops, restaurants, bars and offices. It also claims that its products are housed across 7,500 distribution points such as Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury's, Nando's, BP, Morrisons, and Holland & Barrett, to name a few. Nix & Kix has sold over 5 million of its cans to date. It has also secured a listing with Matthew Clark, the biggest distributor of restaurants, pubs and bars in the UK. The company has applied for a B-Corp accreditation. Nix & Kix has also won numerous awards and has been called 'Addictively tasty' by the press (Time Out 2019). It will use the investment to expand into the convenience channel, grow its e-commerce platform, boost brand awareness, and scale operations.
days to go:
Expired
investment:
£830,760
AQai is an Adaptability Quotient (AQ) assessment and coaching platform. It assesses workforce adaptability across 15 dimensions including resilience, grit and unlearning, motivation style, hope, and stress. It then deploys Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to deliver optimum learning strategies to its users so that they can adapt to changing work conditions. The term 'AQ' has featured in publications like Inc, Forbes, HBR, and the BBC to name a few. The company aims to be one of the leading companies in the $21 billion workforce adaptability sector. AQai's users are from over 52 countries and organisations like GSK, Philips, and FedEx. It has partnerships with companies based in India, Europe, the UAE, and the USA, and has sold 2,500 assessments till date. The company will use the investment to grow its business across different verticals.
days to go:
Expired
investment:
£138,540
Better Universal Grub (BUG) aspires to make edible insects mainstream and asserts that it is a sustainable and delicious superfood. BUG's argues that its recipe kits make it easy to cook tasty insect meals at home. It will initially sell its kits Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) and expand into retail and food services by 2022. The company averaged a 30%+ Month-on-Month (MoM) growth rate of meals that it sold during its beta testing. It aims to become a contender in the estimated £1.1 billion insect protein market across the UK. The company's recipes have been showcased by celebrity Chef Prue Leith. BUG has been featured in media entities like The Guardian, The Grocer and Business Insider. It will use the investment to scale the business and begin getting its tasty grub on dinner tables across the country
days to go:
Expired
investment:
£372,855
Selling fashion brands' overstock directly to customers at a lower price as a form of ethical recycling. BlackBetty purchases excess inventory from big brands and pay less than the manufacturing cost of the product. The company does not state the brand name on their website, to prevent damage to the brand. In November 2018, more than 17,000 orders were placed, which was worth over £284k. BlackBetty has seen customers return to the website on average 7 times within the first year to make purchases.
days to go:
Expired
investment:
£289,420
