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SIS Ventures

Europe, Edinburgh, City of, United Kingdom, Edinburgh

Description

SIS Ventures is the dedicated impact investment arm of Social Investment Scotland (SIS), a prominent social finance provider in the United Kingdom. Established to support mission-led businesses, SIS Ventures focuses on enterprises that aim to generate both financial returns and significant social or environmental impact. Operating primarily from Edinburgh, Scotland, the firm plays a crucial role in fostering the growth of the social economy across the UK, with a particular emphasis on Scottish-based ventures. Their investment philosophy centers on providing patient capital to organizations committed to positive societal change.

The firm typically engages with early-stage and growth-stage companies, offering equity investments designed to scale their impact and operations. SIS Ventures explicitly targets businesses that align with its core mission of addressing pressing social and environmental challenges. For initial investments, the firm typically writes checks ranging from approximately $63,500 (£50,000) to $635,000 (£500,000). They also provide follow-on funding, with total investment per company potentially reaching up to $1.9 million (£1.5 million), demonstrating a commitment to long-term partnerships with their portfolio companies.

Since its inception in 2018, SIS Ventures has made substantial contributions to the impact investing landscape. As of their 2023 Impact Report, the firm has invested over £6.5 million (approximately $8.25 million) across 24 mission-led businesses, showcasing their active role in nurturing the social enterprise sector. Their portfolio spans various sectors, including health and social care, education, environmental sustainability, and community development. By combining financial expertise with a deep understanding of social impact, SIS Ventures aims to build a robust ecosystem of businesses that are profitable and purpose-driven, contributing to a more equitable and sustainable future.

Investor Profile

SIS Ventures has backed more than 29 startups, with 4 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 1 rounds, about 3% of its total and boasts 0 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Seed, Series Unknown, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United Kingdom.
  • Strong thematic focus on Biotechnology, Health Care, Medical.
  • Typical check size: $63.5K – $635K.

Stage Focus

  • Seed (48%)
  • Series Unknown (28%)
  • Series A (24%)

Country Focus

  • United Kingdom (100%)

Industry Focus

  • Biotechnology
  • Health Care
  • Medical
  • Machine Learning
  • Life Science
  • Automotive
  • Charging Infrastructure
  • Electric Vehicle
  • Energy
  • Manufacturing
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does SIS Ventures frequently co-invest with?

Eos
Europe, Fife, United Kingdom, Saint Andrews
Co-Investments: 6
AE
Europe, Aberdeen City, United Kingdom, Aberdeen
Co-Investments: 5
Equity Gap
Europe, Edinburgh, City of, United Kingdom, Edinburgh
Co-Investments: 6
UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund
Europe, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom, Harwell
Co-Investments: 3
Mercia Fund Managers
Europe, Warwickshire, United Kingdom, Henley In Arden
Co-Investments: 3
Scottish Investment Bank
Europe, Glasgow City, United Kingdom, Glasgow
Co-Investments: 6
University of Strathclyde
Europe, Glasgow City, United Kingdom, Glasgow
Co-Investments: 5
Old College Capital
Europe, Edinburgh, City of, United Kingdom, Edinburgh
Co-Investments: 5
TRICAPITAL
Europe, Scottish Borders, The, United Kingdom, Melrose
Co-Investments: 3
Scottish Enterprise
Europe, Glasgow City, United Kingdom, Glasgow
Co-Investments: 20

Which angels does SIS Ventures often collaborate with?

OS
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 1
MB
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Boston
Shared Deals: 2

What are some of recent deals done by SIS Ventures?

Dxcover

Glasgow, Glasgow City, United Kingdom

Dxcover is a cancer diagnostics startup that uses liquid biopsy and artificial intelligence for early diagnosis of cancers.

BiotechnologyHealth CareHealth DiagnosticsMachine LearningMedical
Series UnknownFeb 3, 2025
Amount Raised: $6,200,000
MiAlgae

Edinburgh, Edinburgh, City of, United Kingdom

MiAlgae is a new-age microalgal production company .

AgricultureBiotechnologyEnterpriseManufacturingPrediction MarketsProduct Research
Series ASep 18, 2024
Amount Raised: $18,484,264
Solasta Bio

Glasgow, Glasgow City, United Kingdom

Solasta Bio develops environment-friendly products that meet a global need for new and effective crop protection.

Biotechnology
Series ASep 11, 2024
Amount Raised: $13,950,820
Metacarpal

Edinburgh, Edinburgh, City of, United Kingdom

Metacarpal is a prosthesis design manufacturing company.

ManufacturingMedicalMedical Device
SeedAug 27, 2024
Amount Raised: $1,060,419
Nami Surgical

Glasgow, Glasgow City, United Kingdom

Nami Surgical offers robotic surgery technology solutions to improve patient care.

Health CareManufacturingRobotics
SeedMay 8, 2024
Amount Raised: $3,123,298
Nebu~Flow

Glasgow, Glasgow City, United Kingdom

Nebu~Flow developing the next generation of nebulizers to enable the delivery of life-changing treatments.

Medical Device
Series UnknownApr 29, 2024
Carcinotech

Edinburgh, Edinburgh, City of, United Kingdom

Carcinotech is a MedTech company with expertise in manufacturing 3D printed living tumours for cancer research

BiotechnologyLife ScienceMedicalOncology
SeedJan 29, 2024
Amount Raised: $5,339,877
Trojan Energy

Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom

Trojan Energy is a charge point operator supplying revolutionary 'flat and flush' on-street EV charging points.

AutomotiveCharging InfrastructureElectric VehicleEnergy
Series UnknownJan 16, 2024
Amount Raised: $32,856,451
Beta Bugs Limited

Edinburgh, Edinburgh, City of, United Kingdom

Beta Bugs is an insect genetics company that develops and distributes high-performance Black Soldier Fly breeds to insect farmers.

AgricultureAgTechAlternative ProteinBiotechnologyFarmingGeneticsLife Science
Series UnknownOct 17, 2023
Amount Raised: $2,094,641
Microplate Dx

Glasgow, Glasgow City, United Kingdom

Microplate Dx is a developer of diagnostic technology aimed at significantly reducing fatalities caused by drug-resistant infections.

BiotechnologyHealth CareMedical
SeedSep 11, 2023
Amount Raised: $3,127,013