Top Technology Ventures is a UK-based venture capital company which specialises in providing equity funding for early stage technology based growth companies. Founded in 1986, Top Technology Ventures has a strong track record and has earned a reputation for significant expertise in the early stage UK technology sector. In June 2004 Top Technology Ventures became part of IP Group plc (www.ipgroupplc.com).

The investment team manages funds totalling approximately £49 million. We have a straightforward, open and collaborative approach to investment. We add value to portfolio companies through our experience, support on strategic and corporate finance issues and extensive contact network.

Top Technology Ventures focuses on high growth technology companies, with the first investment being typically between £400,000 and £1.0 million. Our general early-stage funds have mostly invested in the fields of information and communication technologies, but we also look at life science and physical science companies.

Top Technology Ventures' Managing Director, Harry Fitzgibbons, started investing in early stage UK technology businesses in 1982 through Hambros Advanced Technology Trust (HATT), a publicly quoted investment trust. Top Technology Ventures raised a second fund, Hambros Advanced Technology Trust II LP, of £10.6 million in 1991 which was invested in parallel with HATT II (1993), a £2 million co-investment fund raised in 1993.

Top Technology Ventures currently manages two funds: Top Technology Ventures IV, investing funds totalling £17.8 million in early-stage technology companies, and IP Venture Fund investing £30 million in spin-out companies at IP Group's partner universities.

Top Technology Ventures is a member of the British Venture Capital Association (www.bvca.co.uk) and is regulated by the FSA.