Portfolio developments &
media coverage
Embryo Ventures is a London-based early-stage venture capital firm backing HealthTech, DeepTech, and Frontier technology startups across the UK, Europe, and globally. We are long-term partners to visionary founders at pre-seed and seed stages across healthcare, consumer and industry sectors, providing early capital and support to bring bold visions to life.
The following articles feature Embryo Ventures portfolio companies, including funding announcements, portfolio milestones, commercial partnerships, product launches, and global press coverage.
Embryo Ventures Leads OSSTEC Funding Round to Support US Market Entry
Embryo Ventures, a London-based early-stage venture capital firm, led the latest funding round for OSSTEC, a UK DeepTech orthopaedics startup developing next-generation knee replacement technology. The funding will support OSSTEC's expansion into the US market and follows multiple rounds backed by Embryo Ventures, including a £1.2M seed round in 2023 and a £2.5M round in 2025.
Read the full article in BusinessWire ❯Embryo Ventures Portfolio Company Calla Lily Clinical Care Announces Strategic Collaboration with Merck
Calla Lily Clinical Care, a women's health technology startup backed by UK venture capital firm Embryo Ventures, has entered a strategic collaboration with Merck – one of the world's leading science and technology companies. The collaboration supports development of Callavid®, a novel drug delivery platform designed to advance treatments in women's health.
Read the full article in BusinessWire ❯Roland Berger Integrates Taste Index Technology
Global strategy consultancy Roland Berger has integrated Taste Index, an AI powered taste management platform developed by a Netherlands-based startup backed by Embryo Ventures. The technology is set to help food, retail and FMCG companies transform taste analysis from subjective feedback into measurable data-driven business intelligence.
Read the full article in Roland Berger ❯STAXY Secures Funding to Accelerate Commercial Partnerships
STAXY, a mobility technology startup backed by Embryo Ventures, is reshaping how people travel to sport, events, business and education and business destinations. The platform's flagship travel system is already being used by Aston Villa Football Club, helping fans access more convenient and sustainable event transportation.
Read the full article in UK Tech News ❯Gladys Raises £1.5M Funding Round, Backed by Embryo Ventures, to Scale AI Home Care Platform
Healthtech startup Gladys, backed by London venture capital firm Embryo Ventures, raised £1.5M to expand its AI-powered home-care platform across the UK. The platform connects families seeking care with trusted local carers while improving pay, career progression, and workforce sustainability within the care sector.
Read the full article in Tech.eu ❯Embryo Ventures Re-Invests in High-Growth Stealth Startup After Leading First Funding Round
London-based venture capital firm Embryo Ventures has re-invested in the second funding round of its Stealth healthtech startup. Embryo led the first funding round less than 12 months ago for serial entrepreneurs with previous healthtech exits.
Aston Villa Announces Launch of a New Ticketing System Powered by STAXY
Premier League football club Aston Villa has launched a new digital shuttle bus ticketing system developed in collaboration with STAXY, a mobility technology startup backed by London-based early-stage venture capital firm Embryo Ventures.
Read the full article in AVFC ❯Bridgefy and Atlas Associates Partner to Deliver Communication Solutions for Japanese Municipalities
Bridgefy, a San Francisco-based startup and global leader in mesh networking technology backed by London-based VC Embryo Ventures, today announced a strategic partnership with Atlas Associates, a Tokyo-based startup behind next-generation messaging app Arc (formerly Nocturne).
Read the full article in Bridgefy Press release ❯Leading the Bamboo Revolution – NIQ Helps Challenger Tissue Paper Brand Cheeky Panda Go Mainstream
Cheeky Panda, an Embryo Ventures portfolio company, partnered with leading consumer intelligence company NielsenIQ (NIQ) for support with its packaging, communication and pricing strategy as it scales. Founded in 2016, sustainable, affordable luxury bamboo tissue paper brand Cheeky Panda has grown into a business with an eight-figure turnover.
Read the full article in NielsenIQ ❯Laka Raises $10.4M Series B to Expand Mobility Insurance in Europe
Laka, a specialist London-based insurance firm focused on sustainable transport, has secured $10.4m in a Series B funding round as it looks to scale and accelerate profitability. The company will use the new funds to support its European expansion, pursue further acquisitions, and finalise a debt deal to fund its M&A strategy.
Read the full article in The Next Web ❯Dr Maxwell Munford, Founder of OSSTEC, Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe for Science and Healthcare
Founded in 2021 and spun out of founder Maxwell Munford's Ph.D. research, OSSTEC has developed an additive manufacturing bone healing technology designed to replicate how bone naturally works. The medtech company was backed by London-based early-stage venture capital firm Embryo Ventures.
Read the full article in Forbes ❯Embryo Ventures Supports OSSTEC in £2.5M Funding Round
London-based medtech startups OSSTEC successfully raises a £2.5M funding round, backed by deeptech focused VC firm Embryo Ventures. OSSTEC is developing world-leading surgeon-led technology to enhance patient outcomes, operating efficiency, and healthcare costs.
Read the full article in Tech Funding News ❯Calla Lily's Drug Delivery Device for Miscarriage Secures £1M for Clinical Trials
Calla Lily Clinical Care is developing the world's first drug-device combination product to treat threatened miscarriage and has secured £1 million in funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to begin clinical trials. Calla Lily was backed by Embryo Ventures.
Read the full article in FemTech Insider ❯Embryo Ventures Backs Miami-based Startup Bridgefy with Follow-on Capital
Embryo Ventures has re-invested in portfolio company Bridgefy as it scales operations to deliver offline communications to individuals and organisations through its patented mesh-network technology.
Read the full article in Embryo Portfolio ❯Embryo Ventures Leads Funding Round for HealthTech Startup Impli to Develop World's First Implantable Hormone Monitoring Technology
Impli's recent seed funding round was led by London-based venture capital firm Embryo Ventures. The funding is to support the development of Impli's pioneering biosensor technology to empower patients and clinicians with real-time, personalized and high precision hormone monitoring.
Read the full article in Embryo Portfolio ❯Cheeky Panda Has Grown Its Sustainable Bamboo Brand with Banking Partner HSBC
Cheeky Panda has benefited from an HSBC UK Sustainability Improvement Loan to support its growth journey and maintain a consistent supply of products imported from China to a wide range of retail and distribution channels.
Read the full article in HSBC ❯Embryo Ventures Leads Funding Round for Stealth HealthTech Startup
London-based venture capital firm Embryo Ventures, focused on HealthTech and DeepTech startups, has led the pre-seed funding round for Stealth healthtech startup led by previously exited founders on a mission to improve patient outcomes globally.
Embryo Ventures Backs Bridgefy, a Miami-based Startup Transforming Offline Communication
Bridgefy, the company that is empowering communications without internet access has been backed by London-based venture capital firm Embryo Ventures alongside investors Biz Stone (founder of Twitter), Evan Sharp (founder of Pinterest) and Cyan Banister (early investor in Uber, DeepMind and SpaceX).
Read the full article in Embryo Portfolio ❯Bayer Partners with Innovative Hormone Monitoring Startup Impli
Bayer today announced a partnership with Impli, an innovative deep-tech startup, based in Switzerland, advancing health through real-time hormone monitoring. Terms of the partnership were not disclosed, but it is intended to advance early-stage research while exploring a variety of potential use cases for hormone monitoring and providing Impli with access to Bayer's global innovation ecosystem.
Read the full article in Bayer Press Release ❯Laka Has Become a Go-To Insurer for European Bike Retailers and Manufacturers
Some of Europe's most renowned bike retailers and manufacturers have come to Laka for insurance. Amongst those are the world's largest sports retailer Decathlon and the Netherlands' largest bike manufacturer Gazelle, as well as Riese & Müller, Tenways, Urban Arrow and Brompton.
Read the full article in Zag Daily ❯Embryo Ventures Portfolio Company BioLumen Launches Product to Sequester Sugar
San Francisco-based startup Biolumen recently launched a product called Monch Monch, a drink mix made of fibrous, microscopic sponges designed to soak up sugar and prevent it from reaching the bloodstream. The company has been backed by UK-based venture capital firm Embryo Ventures.
Read the full article in Wall Street Journal ❯Swiss-based Startup Impli Marks Significant Milestone in Healthcare with Implantable Biosensor Development
The first prototype devices – implantable biosensors – have been manufactured by the consortium formed by startups Impli and Yalosys and technology innovation center CSEM. This precision device showcases CSEM's miniaturization prowess—a feat achieved through a blend of chemistry, surface engineering, and microprinting expertise.
Read the full article in CSEM ❯Embryo Ventures Backs Gladys, a UK-based Startup Transforming Home Care
Gladys is transforming how people access care at home by combining professional Carers and local Helpers to support people with their day-to-day needs. The company was backed by London-based venture capital firm Embryo Ventures.
Read the full article in Embryo Portfolio ❯Embryo Ventures Joins Silicon Valley Startup BioLumen Board for Product Launch in Switzerland
London-based venture capital firm Embryo Ventures joined the founding team and Board of BioLumen for the launch of their first product line Monch Monch at VitaFoods Europe, held in Geneva, Switzerland.
Alexander Murdock, Founder of Thermulon, Named as Forbes 30 under 30 Europe for Manufacturing & Industry
Thermulon is a process chemistry startup developing ground-breaking technology for the low-cost production of super-insulating silica aerogels. The deeptech company is backed by early-stage London-based VC firm Embryo Ventures.
Read the full article in Forbes ❯Embryo Ventures Portfolio Company BioLumen, based in Silicon Valley, Introduces Innovative Technology for Sugar Elimination
San Francisco-based startup BioLumen is developing sugar-elimination technology that can sequester sucrose (table sugar), glucose, fructose and simple starches. Their first product Monch Monch was launched on to the market in the US and has been backed by UK-based VC firm Embryo Ventures.
Read the full article in The Guardian ❯Pluvo Partners with UK Train Operator to Trial Air-Purifying Tech at Busy Station
The British train operating company South Western Railway has installed an air-purifying column at one of its stations as part of a trial program to create a healthier environment for passengers and staff. The column has been developed by clean air technology firm Pluvo, backed in its very first funding round by London-based venture capital firm Embryo Ventures.
Read the full article in Forbes ❯Embryo Ventures Portfolio Company Pluvo Partners with South Western Railway
South Western Railway (SWR) has installed the Pluvo air-purifying device at Salisbury Station in an attempt to improve air quality for passengers. The London-based startup was backed by deeptech focused venture capital firm Embryo Ventures.
Read the full article in BBC ❯Pluvo Secures Trials with Network Rail for Innovative Air Purifying System at Birmingham New Street Station in UK, Backed by VC Firm Embryo Ventures
Network Rail will install two upright ‘totems’ at one of the UK's busiest stations later this year to filter pollutants and viruses from the air on platforms 10 and 11. The purification systems has been developed by Pluvo – a startup backed by venture capital firm Embryo Ventures.
Read the full article in Network Rail Media Centre ❯Embryo Ventures Recognised as Finalist in UKBAA Awards for DeepTech Investment of the Year
London-based venture capital firm Embryo Ventures has been recognised by the UKBAA as part of investors and founders that are pioneering deep technologies like AI, machine learning, IoT and robotics to achieve fundamental breakthroughs to global challenges.
OSSTEC Raises £1.2M Funding Round, Backed by Embryo Ventures
OSSTEC, a UK based healthtech startup developing novel implant technology has secured its first seed funding round of £1.2M to advance the material technology toward positive patient outcomes. The company was backed by London-based and deeptech focused venture capital firm Embryo Ventures.
Read the full article at UKBAA ❯San-Francisco Startup BioLumen Takes Novel Approach to Reducing the Glycemic Impact of Processed Foods
San-Francisco-based startup BioLumen has developed a fiber-based supplement that can reduce the absorption of sugars in foods could help lower the glycemic impact of processed foods and deliver digestive benefits.
Read the full article in AgFunderNews ❯Embryo Ventures Backs STAXY in Seed Funding Round
London-based venture capital firm Embryo Ventures backs STAXY, a UK startup creating a sustainable future for travel by providing corporates and organisations with a mobility-as-a-service platform that enables employees and communities access to low-cost and convenient modes of transport.
Read the full article in Embryo Portfolio ❯Exeter University Grads Behind Ride-Sharing App STAXY to Pitch to Formula 1 After Winning Global Competition
A pair of Exeter University graduates who developed a car-sharing app for students are being give the opportunity to pitch their business to Formula 1 representatives after winning a major international competition.
Read the full article in Business-Live ❯Santander and Formula 1® Announce Winners of Santander X Global Challenge ‘Countdown to Zero’
STAXY selected as winner in the startup category of a challenge that is part of a multi-year collaboration between Santander and F1® which aims to support and recognise innovative new businesses who are contributing to the sustainability of the automotive industry.
Read the full article in Santander Press Room ❯Embryo Ventures Backs Netherlands-based Startup TasteIndex in Seed Funding Round
London-based venture capital firm Embryo Ventures backs Netherlands-based startup TasteIndex. TasteIndex's technology is set to shape consumer identity and lifestyle through taste profiling and pattern recognition, establishing a new dimension in hyper-personalised consumer experience.
Read the full article in Embryo Portfolio ❯Embryo Ventures Backs Calla Lily Clinical Care in Funding Round
Venture capital firm Embryo Ventures backs funding round of Calla Lily Clinical Care, a UK-based B-Corp developing a novel drug delivery platform that's both dosage-confident and more convenient to use.
Read the full article in Embryo Portfolio ❯Embryo Ventures Backs Pluvo in Third Funding Round
London-based venture capital firm Embryo Ventures backs UK startup Pluvo with follow-on funding to support the development of its air purification technology. The product is designed for the urban context and combines high-efficiency air purification and monitoring with opportunities for interactive commercial sponsorship
Read the full article in Embryo Portfolio ❯Embryo Ventures Backs Laka in Funding Round
London-based venture capital firm Embryo Ventures backs Laka, a UK-based startup delivering a novel collective-driven approach to insurance for personal and commercial mobility.
Read the full article in Embryo Portfolio ❯Embryo Ventures Portfolio company Thermulon's Eco Insulation Breakthrough Set to Transform Construction
Energy-saving insulation for buildings old and new that's fire-safe, affordable and sustainable will be the construction sector's new normal if all goes to plan for startup manufacturer Thermulon. The deeptech company has been backed by venture capital firm Embryo Ventures.
Read the full article in Express ❯US Startup BioLumen Develops Technology that Captures Sugar and Fat in the Stomach
US start-up BioLumen has created a natural 3D-structured, cellulose-based fibre that expands in the stomach, absorbing sugar and fats to reduce calorie intake.
Read the full article in FiGlobal ❯Air-purifying Advertising Column Developed by Pluvo Installed in London
London-based startup Pluvo has developed its first air purifying device which it put to test during a six-month-long period in Finchley, north London. The deeptech company was first backed by Embryo Ventures in 2019.
Read the full article in Hype&Hyper ❯Embryo Ventures Backs BioLumen, a Silicon Valley based Startup Developing Caloric Elimination Technology, as First UK Investor Alongside SOSV
BioLumen, a Silicon Valley-based startup developing pioneering nutritional tech moderate sugars and fats has been backed by London-based venture capital firm Embryo Ventures. Embryo Ventures joins leading Silicon Valley venture capital firm SOSV in supporting BioLumen as they scale.
Read the full article in Embryo Portfolio ❯Embryo Ventures Backs Cheeky Panda in Funding Round
London-based venture capital firm Embryo Ventures backs Cheeky Panda, a UK-based company transforming the tree-based tissue industry with sustainable products made from 100% FSC certified Virgin Bamboo.
Read the full article in Embryo Portfolio ❯US-based Startup BioLumen Selected by PepsiCo for Accelerator Programme
BioLumen, a San Francisco-based nutritional technology company that engineers 100% natural structured fiber that absorbs sugars and fats in the stomach.
Read the full article in Food Business News ❯Embryo Ventures Backs Pluvo in Second Funding Round
London-based venture capital firm Embryo Ventures back Pluvo to support the company as it drives innovation towards first commercial contracts.
Read the full article in Embryo Portfolio ❯Embryo Ventures Backs Cheeky Panda in Funding Round
Embryo Ventures welcomes Cheeky Panda to its portfolio, a UK-based company challenging unsustainable forestry practices in production of tree pulp products.
Read the full article in Embryo Portfolio ❯Embryo Ventures Backs Thermulon, a UK-based Startup Developing Novel Aerogel Technology
Thermulon, the UK-based startup developing novel aerogel technology led by Dr Samuel Cryer, has raised a seed funding round that was backed by venture capital alongside investors including Sustainable Ventures and Sky Ocean Ventures.
Read the full article in Embryo Portfolio ❯Embryo Ventures Writes First Cheque into UK-Based Startup Pluvo to Address the Global Problem of Air Pollution
London-based venture capital firm Embryo Ventures has backed Pluvo as the first investor to address the major and global problem of air pollution in urban settings.
Read the full article in Embryo Portfolio ❯San Francisco-based startup Bridgefy enables off-line communication through Bluetooth Mesh Messaging App
San Francisco startup Bridgefy's Bluetooth-based messaging app enables people to communicate with each other using no persistent managed network. The app can connect people via standard Bluetooth across an entire city, thanks to a mesh network.
Read the full article in Forbes ❯Building something ambitious?
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