Project Ventures has launched a debut fund worth €5.8 million, focusing on DeepTech and AI startups connected to Imperial College London. The firm, founded in 2023 by Shahryar Barati, operates on an alumni-powered model, with over 80% of its limited partners being Imperial graduates.
The fund invests between €116 000 and €349 000 in pre-Seed and Seed-stage companies. The investment strategy targets sectors such as energy, climate, advanced manufacturing, robotics, and healthcare. The firm has already completed three investments in Tewke, NexusAM, and Neubond.
The initiative aims to replicate the alumni-backed venture models common in the US within the UK ecosystem. Project Ventures plans to finalize the closing of its debut fund by summer 2027 and is exploring the possibility of expanding its model to other European technical universities.
The launch coincides with a broader trend of new European investment vehicles targeting research-led companies. Recent market activity includes Transition Ventures' €128 million fund, Lansdowne Partners' €128.9 million vehicle, and Creator Fund's €48.8 million fund, all focused on university-linked innovation.
