Observed Signal · Sep 21, 2026 · Funding · Source: Tech.eu (European Tech & Deals) · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Project Ventures Launches £5M Fund for Imperial AI Startups
Project Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm rooted in the Imperial College London ecosystem, has launched its debut £5 million (€5.8 million) fund to back pre-seed and seed-stage startups in deeptech and AI. Individual investments range from £100,000 to £300,000. The fund is the first independent, alumni-powered VC fund for the university's startup ecosystem, with over 80% of its limited partners being Imperial alumni. Led by founder and managing partner Shahryar Barati, the firm has already invested in three companies: Tewke, NexusAM, and Neubond. Project Ventures aims to close the fund by summer 2027 and may expand its model to other leading European technical universities.
New VC fund launch in deeptech/AI, but limited immediate impact on AdTech industry.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Project Ventures launched a £5 million (€5.8 million) fund for pre-seed and seed-stage deeptech and AI startups.
- The fund plans to invest between £100,000 and £300,000 per portfolio company.
- More than 80% of the fund's limited partners are Imperial alumni.
- The fund has already invested in Tewke, NexusAM, and Neubond.
- The fund is led by founder and managing partner Shahryar Barati.
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