THENA Capital Receives £30m Commitment from British Business Bank for MedTech Innovation

Funding | Mar 21, 2025 | British Business Bank Investments Ltd

The British Business Bank has announced a significant investment in THENA Capital's inaugural UK MedTech Fund, committing up to £30 million through its Enterprise Capital Funds programme. This fund has already secured its first close at £27 million, with contributions from notable entities, including Firebird Collective, This Day Foundation, and Baroness Martha Lane Fox, along with other private equity and pharmaceutical industry players. Established in 2021, THENA Capital is led by an all-female team of three partners, who aim to accelerate development within the UK MedTech sector, recognized for its innovation and potential. The fund is designed to support early-stage UK medical technology startups, particularly those developing digital healthcare and fast-tracking medical devices. Beyond financial backing, THENA Capital intends to collaborate with founders on commercializing and scaling their products internationally, with a specific focus on gender-smart investing. This move is part of the British Business Bank's wider strategy to lower entry barriers for first-time fund managers and support the growth of venture capital provision in the UK, further underlining its position as the largest domestic investor in the UK venture and growth capital landscape.

Sectors

  • Venture Capital
  • Medical Technology

Geography

  • United Kingdom – The fund is targeted at UK-based medical technology startups, and the British Business Bank, a UK entity, is the main investor.

Industry

  • Venture Capital – The article discusses the investment by British Business Bank into THENA Capital's inaugural UK MedTech fund, integral to the venture capital industry.
  • Medical Technology – THENA Capital's fund focuses on early-stage UK startups in the MedTech sector, emphasizing digital healthcare solutions and medical devices.

Financials

  • £30 million – The amount committed by the British Business Bank to THENA Capital's UK MedTech Fund.
  • £27 million – The amount collected at the first close of THENA Capital's UK MedTech fund.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
British Business Bank Investments Ltd.PE InvestorCompanyThe UK's largest domestic investor in venture and growth capital, providing cornerstone investment in THENA Capital's fund.
THENA CapitalTargetCompanyA venture capital firm focused on the UK MedTech sector, aiming to support early-stage medical technology startups.
Firebird CollectiveInvestorCompanyOne of the contributors to the first close of THENA Capital's MedTech fund.
This Day FoundationInvestorCharityA charitable entity contributing to the first close of THENA Capital's MedTech fund.
Baroness Martha Lane FoxInvestorPersonA notable individual contributor to THENA Capital's MedTech fund.
Christine HockleySourcePersonManaging Director and Co-Head of Funds at the British Business Bank.