Milestone for NPIF as Maven makes the 100th investment

The investment, facilitated by NPIF Maven Equity Finance, a fund managed by Maven, is a co-investment deal alongside Catapult Cheshire Life Sciences Fund.

Established in 2012, Microbiosensor is a University of Manchester spin-out company which develops disposable point-of-care medical devices for the early diagnosis of microbial infection.  

The company’s technology platform, which is initially being targeted at key markets in peritoneal dialysis and urinary tract infection, provides point of care infection diagnosis through a simple colour change in a hand-held device. This unique feature enables patients and physicians to be alerted to escalating infections, allowing more timely and effective targeting of appropriate intervention.

The investment from NPIF, supported by the European Regional Development Fund, will provide essential capital needed to take these products through critical development and clinical trial phases, in order to bring the product to market. The additional funds will allow the business to build intellectual property, execute its growth strategy and create value. 

“We’re delighted to be working with the team at Maven. The NPIF investment will be transformational for the company, funding the pivotal clinical trials we need to take our first medical device product to market.”

Dr Gordon Barker, CEO of Microbiosensor

“Microbiosensor is developing innovative solutions for large global healthcare end-markets with interesting dynamics, including a clear need for technological enhancement and efficiencies. We are delighted to support this highly skilled management team to execute their growth strategy and vision.”

Gavin Bell, Investment Manager at Maven

“The 100^th investment into Microbiosensor will not only go towards bringing life-changing medical devices to the UK market, it will work to boost the North’s reputation as a global leader in cutting edge medical research and help grow the Northern Powerhouse into a global beating brand.”

Minister for the Northern Powerhouse, Jake Berry 

“I’m very pleased that the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund has reached this important milestone. The Fund is making a significant difference to businesses across the North, helping them grow, create jobs and boost the UK’s overall competitiveness and productivity. There are many fantastic, innovative businesses like Microbiosensor across the North and this is just the beginning of what those businesses can achieve with the right support and investment.”
Roger Marsh OBE, Chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP)

“Reaching this milestone so soon is a fantastic achievement and underlines that the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund is active and making a difference to small businesses in the North.  This success reflects the hard work done to establish the funds by our fund managers and the other partners that we work with. The businesses supported reflect the foundation of the region’s future growth and we look forward to continuing to support the funding needs of business like them across the Northern Powerhouse region.”

Ken Cooper, Managing Director at British Business Bank

If your business is in need of finance to help unlock its growth potential, NPIF Maven Equity Finance may be able to help. Contact Maven’s local team today on 0161 233 3500.