Northern Gritstone, the investment business focused on university spinouts and science & technology companies in the North of England, has appointed a new investment director.
Gareth Llewellyn is the fourth addition to the Northern Gritstone investment team this year. He will work alongside chief investment officer Marion Bernard as the company prepares to build on its initial investments in life sciences company Imperagen, immersion cooling technology producer Iceotope and biological engineering firm Opteran.
With a background in mechanical engineering and marine sciences, Llewellyn has more than a decade of experience. After a period advising on deals at PwC, he spent five years managing investments for the Wheatsheaf Group, which specialises in funding high-growth innovative food and agriculture businesses.
He joins Northern Gritstone from his current role as chief operating officer at Synomics, a biological and AgriTech insights business launched by the Wheatsheaf Group, where he was responsible for shaping the strategic direction of the business.
Launched in July 2021 by the Universities of Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield and chaired by Lord Jim O’Neill, Northern Gritstone announced its first close of £215 million in May after its initial fundraising attracted a broad and diverse base of investors including Columbia Threadneedle, Greater Manchester Pension Fund and M&G.
Llewellyn will work across Northern Gritstone’s offices in Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield.
“I am delighted that Gareth is joining our investment team. His sectoral knowledge of scientific businesses and agricultural technology will bring valuable expertise to Northern Gritstone as we seek to expand our portfolio of IP-rich and university spin-outs in the North of England,” said CEO Duncan Johnson.