N4 Ventures aims to generate a fund size between £3-5 million, planning to invest from £100,000 to £750,000 in as many as 20 burgeoning EIS / SEIS qualifying companies across the UK. Supported by the wider N4 Partners (N4) group, the firm intends to capitalise on its extensive network across Scotland and the UK.

With standing affiliations with multiple organisations including universities and accelerators, N4 Ventures is set to leverage its regular access to deal flow.

The company will employ the innovative ‘Investability Rating System’ by Capital Pilot, allowing for quicker evaluation of investment potential in contrast to traditional, slower scrutiny methods. This approach is intended to reduce risk and foster portfolio diversity in what is typically seen as a high-risk asset class.

The fund will be sector agnostic, with particular support aimed towards underrepresented female entrepreneurs and businesses operating within areas such as net zero, SaaS, healthtech, life sciences, cyber, spacetech and fintech.

A distinguishing feature of N4 Ventures is the entrepreneurial experience of its Investment Committee members, a characteristic that diverges from the industry standard of merely 8% of UK VCs having hands-on exposure in fast-growing startups.

Mr Merrylees, head of ventures at N4, said: “We are thrilled to officially launch N4 Ventures and can’t wait to begin speaking to the investment community about this fantastic opportunity.

“Scotland has a terrific record of supporting ambitious startups, from leading university spinouts to the existing support ecosystem for early-stage businesses, and we’re looking forward to playing our part in backing some of the UK’s most extraordinary entrepreneurs who are busy solving a myriad of complex issues businesses are faced with in today’s society.”