TLDR:
Key Points:
- EMV Capital has acquired Martlet Capital’s operational business and become the investment manager.
- EMV Capital will manage Martlet Capital’s portfolio of investments in DeepTech and life sciences sectors.
Martlet Capital, a Cambridge funder, has undergone a change in management as EMV Capital, a VC investor specializing in high-growth DeepTech and Life Sciences companies, has acquired Martlet Capital’s operational business. As the new investment manager, EMV Capital will be responsible for overseeing Martlet Capital’s portfolio of investments totaling around £23.3 million across 53 companies in the DeepTech and life sciences sectors. This acquisition allows EMV Capital to expand its presence in these sectors and leverage Martlet Capital’s established position within Cambridge’s tech ecosystem.
The transaction provides EMV Capital with an enlarged team of specialist venture capital experts, an increase in funds under management, and an opportunity to explore launching two new Martlet funds (Martlet Capital Fund II and Martlet Growth Fund) managed by EMV Capital. This move aims to maximize returns for shareholders and take advantage of investment opportunities emerging from the Martlet portfolio.
Dr. Ilian Iliev, MD of EMV Capital, expressed excitement about the acquisition, acknowledging the strong brand that Martlet Capital has built within the high-tech investment cluster in Cambridge. The collaboration between EMV Capital and Martlet Capital is seen as a strategic move towards becoming a leading venture capital investor in the UK and Europe.
Founded in 2011, Martlet Capital has a track record of investing in early-stage, IP-rich startups in the DeepTech and life sciences sectors. In the past decade, the firm has seen significant exits from its portfolio through trade sales and IPOs. By joining forces with EMV Capital, Martlet Capital aims to further support its portfolio companies’ growth and leverage EMV Capital’s expertise in active portfolio management.
Overall, the acquisition marks a significant milestone for both EMV Capital and Martlet Capital, strengthening their position in the venture capital landscape and paving the way for future growth and collaboration.
