Cambridge Innovation Capital invests in world-leading life sciences and technology companies with an affiliation to Cambridge, Europe’s leading hub for innovation, and is a preferred investor for the University of Cambridge. Cambridge Innovation Capital manages over £500 million and has invested in more than 30 companies across the technology and life sciences sectors.
CUEF was a founder investor when CIC was established by the University in 2013, so CIC was a natural choice to be among the early participants on the course.
"I learned a huge amount from attending and took away practical actions that we are now putting into place. We have already made several improvements, which have moved the dial for us, as a direct result of the course."
Andrew Williamson, CEO, Cambridge Innovation Capital
Following the programme CIC's investment committee ask far more specific questions around social and governance issues as part of its criteria to judge potential investments; make assessments around the sustainability of investee companies when they scale (not just at initial investment stage); support portfolio companies with their materiality assessments and provide them with a bespoke CIC sustainability toolkit.
CIC is piloting the new approach with two portfolio companies, supporting them to measure and lower their carbon footprint. Following the pilot, they will further develop the programme, so that it becomes repeatable for all the companies in the CIC portfolio.
The 'Net Zero by 2038' course reinforced the importance of sustainability across CIC's organisation, opened minds to what can be achieved by engaging with, educating and motivating portfolio companies around sustainability in far greater depth than before.
