The PraeSeed initiative, launched by Praetura Ventures and funded by NPIF II – Praetura Equity Finance, which is managed by Praetura as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), aims to bridge the funding gap for early-stage businesses. The first cohort brought together 12 promising startups, with seven successfully securing £200k each to accelerate their growth and innovation.
DWF advised on transactions for CCI Photonics, a Lancaster University spinout revolutionising infection detection with its point-of-care test InfectiScan™, and BidScript, a Warrington-based company transforming the bid management process through advanced AI-powered software.
Darren Ormsby, partner at DWF, said: "We are proud to support these pioneering businesses as part of PraeSeed’s mission to foster innovation and economic growth in the North of England. CCI Photonics and BidScript represent the exceptional talent and entrepreneurial spirit in the region, and we are excited to see their transformative solutions make an impact."
Praetura Ventures’ investment manager and PraeSeed lead, Jessica Jackson, emphasised the programme’s success in identifying standout businesses and fostering diversity, with 86% of the cohort led or co-founded by founders from BAME backgrounds.
DWF has a market leading venture and growth capital practice in the UK, supporting investors and companies across several sectors including financial services, technology, media and telecommunications, life sciences and healthcare and real estate and infrastructure. To find out more on how DWF supports early stage companies, please click here.
