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
Celestial Labs is a drone display company that combines advanced technology with organic performance. The company's proprietary 'Skytheatre' display is a dynamic, safe and green alternative to carbon-intensive fireworks and represents a new frontier for the live event industry. Composed of a creative collective of award-winning filmmakers, musicians, developers, entrepreneurs, and storytellers, the company is constantly pushing the boundaries of drone display innovation, where technology meets imagination. The Human Support division of Celestial is a not-for-profit initiative that aims to lift the spirits of those who witness Celestial's displays whilst imparting crucial information. The company aims to enlist the support and guidance of city leadership partners, industrial conglomerates, and seek grant funding.
days to go:
Stretch
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
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
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
Helping insurance companies tackle fraudulent claims by using a combination of blockchain and artificial intelligence. BlockClaim aims to reduce the time spent by car insurers processing false claims, by performing data calculations on a driver and their driving behaviour. This information is fed into the BlockClaim system, which produces a fraud probability risk score.
BlockClaim's technology has been piloted by large insurance firms such as Admiral and Generali. The company's tool consists of a plug-and-play module that is integrated into existing systems used by insurance firms. Revenue is generated via a fixed fee per claim processed via BlockClaim’s product, as well as an initial set-up fee.
days to go:
Expired
investment:
£400,011
Tribal Sports Nutrition (TSN) uses the revitalising properties of the Baobab fruit to create energy smoothies. TSN claims that its smoothies are less concentrated than other sports nutrition brands, are 100% organic, and easy on the stomach. The company also incorporates vitamin C, antioxidants, fibre, and electrolytes into the smoothies to make it the on-the-go snack for active lifestyle consumers. TSN asserts that its baobab ingredient is wild-harvested by cooperatives in Africa, bringing income to people and preserving the local ecology. The company received a certification from the Organic Food Federation (OFF) and aims to achieve B Corp status. TSN's products have been listed in Sainsbury's and on Amazon. It will use the investment to double its existing product offering in 2021 and launch hydration, plant protein recovery products, and Baobab energy snacks.
days to go:
Expired
investment:
£421,647
Thyngs is a touch-free instant payment platform for businesses and charities. It has around 20 active re-seller partners for new sectors and markets. The company is working with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) as part of its raise programme and actively engaging with several Series A Venture Capitalist (VC) funds intending to raise £4-5 million in late 2021 to scale its business. Thyngs aggregates various payment partners including PayPal, Worldpay, Apple Pay and Google Pay. The company was the cashless donation platform for 210,000 fundraising events for Macmillan's 'World's Biggest Coffee Morning', which raised £27 million in 2019. Many reputed organisations such as Warner Bros, Royal British Legion, Wasabi, National Geographic, and ANZ Bank are working with Thyngs. The company will use the investment to enhance its marketing campaign, bolster its sales team, work on data security and integrations on its platform, and expand the account management team to boost its business.
days to go:
Expired
investment:
£329,591
Gunna Drinks is a company that manufactures and sells craft soft drinks, consisting of natural juices with less than 5% sugar and no artificial colours or flavours. They have outshone established competitors like Gingerella, Fentimans & FeverTree in taste tests, and its recipes draw inspiration from around the world. Gunna is stocked in major supermarkets and convenience stores across the UK such as Co-op, Sainsbury’s, Amazon, Ocado, and JD Wetherspoon. Gunna Drinks has experienced 85% revenue growth in 2019 and was overfunded by 78% in its last crowdfunding round. The company will utilise the investment to boost consumer marketing to drive rapid revenue growth and develop new products and flavours.
days to go:
Expired
investment:
£274,880
