Blackfinch Ventures has closed the tax year on a high, announcing the deployment of over £16.5m across 16 tech-enabled start-ups.
The run up to tax year end included investments into nine new portfolio companies and seven follow-on investments, with funding drawn from both the Blackfinch Ventures EIS Portfolios and Blackfinch Spring VCT.
Together, the deals reflect the team’s continued momentum and focus on backing ambitious founders building businesses with the potential to solve meaningful real-world problems across a diverse range of sectors.
Some new additions to the portfolio include:
DiPOLE: High-energy laser technology with applications across defence, fusion energy research and advanced manufacturing.
Third Space Learning: The leading AI tutoring platform in the UK and US schools market.
Apitronix: A semiconductor business developing the world's highest performance real-time microprocessors for cars and other vehicles.
Archangel Lightworks: Laser communications technology connecting ground data networks with satellites in space.
CheMastery: A chemistry technology company building robotic systems to help labs run processes more consistently and efficiently.
Together, the new additions highlight the breadth of Blackfinch Ventures’ generalist strategies. From businesses improving how we monitor space, to companies reshaping learning, transport, logistics, lab automation, quantum computing and credit decision-making, the new investments reflect a continued focus on scalable innovation across both large and evolving markets.
Nic Pillow, Ventures Director at Blackfinch Ventures, said:
“It has been a very strong end to the tax year for the team. What stands out is the quality and range of businesses we’ve backed. From space tech to education tech, these companies show the depth of innovation coming through the market. We’re excited about what they can achieve and proud to be supporting them at this stage of growth.”
Alongside the new additions, follow-on investments were made to support existing portfolio companies that are building traction, delivering commercial progress and moving confidently into their next phase of growth.
Some follow-on investments include:
- Teamed: A human resources technology platform helping businesses hire and manage employees internationally.
- H2CHP: A new generation of low emission, high-efficiency generator that can operate on multiple fuel types.
- GT Wings: Shipping technology designed to help reduce fuel consumption and emissions through wind-assisted propulsion.
- Good Life Sorted: A later-life support platform that helps older people stay independent through practical home help, from shopping and meal preparation to cleaning and companionship.
- Spaceflux: A space technology business using ground-based telescopes and artificial intelligence to improve space monitoring and satellite safety.
This follow-on funding reinforces Blackfinch Ventures’ commitment to supporting portfolio companies beyond the initial investment and highlights the progress being made across the portfolio.
Teamed has more than doubled revenue since Blackfinch’s last investment, while GT Wings is continuing its commercial scale-up after securing a first commercial order. Spaceflux has also continued to build on an already strong position in a strategically important market, supported by substantial early revenue, substantial early revenue including a multi-million-pound UK Government contract. H2CHP has completed its initial 250kW demonstrator unit and is now engaging actively with customers, providing clear early validation of its commercial proposition. Good Life Sorted have doubled their geographic footprint, operating in 50% of counties in England.
Kimberley Hay, Ventures Director at Blackfinch Ventures, added:
“We’ve continued to add exciting new businesses to the portfolio while also backing existing companies as they build traction and scale. That balance is important. It reflects both the quality of the opportunities we’re seeing and our commitment to supporting founders over the longer term.”
By combining new investments with continued support for existing portfolio companies, Blackfinch Ventures has closed the tax year with both momentum and depth across the portfolio. That gives the team a strong base for the year ahead, as it continues to back ambitious businesses with the potential to deliver meaningful progress and long-term value.
