RCA Design & Innovation S/EIS Fund I reaches final close, managed by Infinity
We’re delighted to share that the Royal College of Art (RCA) Design & Innovation S/EIS Fund I, managed by Infinity Asset Management LLP, has reached its final close — backing world-class, design-led ventures emerging from the RCA ecosystem.
Launched to invest in the most promising early-stage businesses founded by RCA graduates and staff, the Fund gives investors exposure to a diverse portfolio across sectors such as MedTech and CleanTech, with the added benefit of SEIS/EIS tax reliefs.
InnovationRCA, the university’s award-winning incubator, continues to provide hands-on support to portfolio companies as they scale, combining design excellence with commercial impact.
Following first close, the Fund has already invested in ten pioneering ventures, including:
BlueNose - AI-driven aerodynamic retrofits that help cargo ships cut fuel use and emissions.
Ponda - next-generation biomaterials transforming wetland plants into sustainable textiles (including BioPuff®).
Revive Innovations+ - a patented, miniaturised auto-injector platform transforming emergency drug administration.
Carbon Cell, Flomark, PulpaTronics, Reporti Pro - and others in the final stages of investment over the next 12 months.
The Fund is been managed by the Infinity Team, and advised by IRCA Enterprise “We are absolutely delighted to have reached our final close target despite the challenging fundraising environment. The Fund has a fantastic pipeline with some truly compelling investment opportunities that we are really excited about.” commented Sarah Butler, Partner & Fund Manager, Infinity Asset Management LLP
Dr Nadia Danhash, Director, InnovationRCA and IRCA Enterprise, said “We are thrilled to welcome our investors into the Fund. Their participation recognises the UK as a strong source of investable and compelling design-led companies. We expect this to be the first of a series of funds that will maximise the potential of UK createch and build an even stronger UK Creative Industries sector.”
President and Vice-Chancellor of the Royal College of Art, Professor Christoph Lindner, said “This important milestone in the life of this fund is a testament to the strength of the talent pipeline emerging from the Royal College of Art.”
About the Royal College of Art & InnovationRCA
The RCA is globally recognised for the strength of its spin-out pipeline and the success of ventures emerging from its community. Through InnovationRCA, the university has supported over 90 design-led start-ups that have collectively raised more than £150 million, with strong representation from impact-for-profit, patent-based and women-led businesses.
About Infinity
Founded in 2007, Infinity Asset Management LLP is a full-scope FCA-authorised Alternative Investment Fund Manager (AIFM). We help entrepreneurial teams create, launch and manage investment funds, and operate safely within the UK’s regulated environment through our Regulatory Hosting (Appointed Representative) services.
Our partner-led team combines deep experience in fund management, compliance, legal and accounting to support clients from inception to exit.