Project Ventures has officially launched its debut £5 million fund, designed to support deep tech and AI startups founded by Imperial College alumni. The firm aims to replicate the successful university-linked venture capital models prevalent in Silicon Valley, focusing on founders with ties to the Imperial ecosystem.
The fund operates independently from the university, utilizing capital from alumni rather than institutional EIS structures. Managing partner Shahryar Barati oversees the firm, which invests between £100 000 and £300 000 per company. The team includes venture partners based in London and the Bay Area to assist with deal sourcing and support.
Prior to this formal announcement, the fund had already been active for several months. It participated in a £1.5 million round in February alongside JamJar Investments, Cur8 Capital, Energy Mix Ventures, and Revolut co-founder Vlad Yatsenko. The portfolio currently includes companies such as Tewke, Neubond, and NexusAM.
The launch arrives as UK deep tech and life sciences startups secured $10.3 billion in the first half of 2026, representing 41% of total European funding in the sector. However, the fund faces potential risks, as over 80% of its limited partners originate from a single alumni network, raising questions about long-term diversification.
