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§ Venture Capital · London, United Kingdom
Early-stage venture capital firm investing in UK tech startups at pre-seed and seed stages, focused on Tech for Good and impact.
Ascension Ventures is a London-based early-stage venture capital firm that invests in pre-seed and seed technology startups across the United Kingdom. The firm primarily targets the financial technology, health technology, e-commerce, and digital media sectors, with a specific focus on impact investing and scalable businesses addressing societal challenges. Managing over £100 million in assets under management, the firm typically deploys between £300,000 and £1.5 million per transaction and has backed more than 170 portfolio companies to date. The organization utilizes SEIS and EIS fund structures to raise capital, recently securing a £17 million first close for its £50 million Ascension Fund III. The firm's notable portfolio companies include Wagestream, Vidsy, Switchee, and Credit Kudos, the latter of which was acquired by Apple in 2022. Ascension Ventures was founded in 2015 by Jean de Fougerolles.
Key people at Ascension Ventures (UK).
Key people at Ascension Ventures (UK).
Ascension Ventures (UK) is a London-based venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments in technology startups that address real societal challenges such as the poverty premium, childhood obesity, and the cost-of-living crisis. Their mission centers on empowering the next generation of tech innovators by combining financial capital with strategic mentorship and a strong network to help founders scale effectively. They invest primarily in sectors including fintech, deep tech, health, sustainability, e-commerce, and the future of work, managing over £100 million and supporting more than 150 startups with a track record of 14-15 successful exits. Ascension is recognized as one of the UK's most active impact investors, emphasizing both economic growth and social good within the tech ecosystem[1][2][4].
Founded in 2011-2012, Ascension Ventures was established by experienced entrepreneurs and investors who sought to create a venture capital firm that goes beyond funding by offering holistic support to startups. The firm has evolved to focus on impact-driven investments, blending entrepreneurial empathy with a sharp eye for ventures that combine commercial viability with positive social or environmental outcomes. Their team operates with conviction, integrity, humor, and humility, fostering an inclusive, community-driven culture that benefits the broader tech ecosystem[1][2][4].
Ascension Ventures rides the growing trend of impact-driven investing, where venture capital seeks to solve pressing societal problems while generating financial returns. The timing is critical as societal challenges such as economic inequality and sustainability become central to innovation agendas. Market forces favor firms that can combine commercial success with social good, and Ascension’s approach positions it as a catalyst in the UK tech ecosystem, fostering startups that contribute to both economic growth and meaningful societal change. Their active involvement and community-driven ethos help shape a more inclusive and purpose-driven venture capital landscape[1][2][4].
Looking ahead, Ascension Ventures is poised to deepen its influence by continuing to back startups that address urgent societal issues with innovative technology. Trends such as sustainability, health tech, and fintech innovation will likely shape their investment focus. Their holistic support model and strong network will remain key assets in helping portfolio companies scale and succeed. As impact investing gains further momentum globally, Ascension’s blend of entrepreneurial experience and social mission could enable it to expand its footprint and become a leading force in shaping a tech ecosystem where innovation drives both economic and social value[1][2][4].
Ascension Ventures (UK) has more than 26 tracked investments across 26 companies. The latest tracked deal is $7.0M Seed in Sprive in April 2025.