Parkwalk debuts Cambridge Enterprise Fund VII

Fund management unit Parkwalk Advisors, part of UK-based commercialisation firm IP Group, formed University of Cambridge Enterprise Fund VII (UCEF VII) yesterday alongside the university’s tech transfer unit, Cambridge Enterprise.
Cambridge Enterprise Fund backs early-stage spinouts from the university, supplying funds invested by alumni and other interested parties. Investors must subscribe for a minimum of £25,000 ($32,500).
The fund enters both seed and follow-on rounds, leveraging two UK tax programs – the seed enterprise investment scheme and enterprise investment scheme – where applicable.
The overall Cambridge Enterprise Fund return stands at more than £8.9m ($11.6m) since the first vehicle launched in 2012. There have been 11 exits in all, with investments typically committed over 12 to 18 months.
Cambridge Enterprise Fund VI debuted in 2018, following predecessors Fund IV and Fund V, both reportedly sized at £2.5m ($3.1m), which were formed in 2016 and 2017 respectively.
Anne Dobrée, head of seed funds at Cambridge Enterprise, the tech transfer office of University of Cambridge, said: “The Cambridge Enterprise Funds have been an important new source of funding for our young companies and are a great way for Cambridge alumni and friends to support the university’s innovation.
“Parkwalk has been a valued partner since the launch of these funds and has played a huge role in their success.”