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GritBites

GritBites is our vlog series covering how we identify and support early-stage companies coming out of the North of England’s innovation ecosystem. From our investment platform through to the building blocks of business services, to talent acquisition and teams, to the partners we work with. Help yourselves to a GritBites snack.

Season 2 — Ep 10

Supporting portfolio companies

In the final episode of GritBites Season 2, CEO Duncan Johnson and Investment Director Andy Naylor talk about the Capital+++ that helps early-stage founders and their teams on the path to success.

Season 2 — Ep 9

Academic Founder and Chief Executive

When an academic founder has obtained seed funding for their IP-rich NewCo, what role do they take within the company as it starts to grow? Do they lead the company as CEO, stay in academia or take a different C-Suite role?

Season 2 — Ep 8

Critical business services for startups

Solid operational foundations are incredibly important for early-stage business success. Innovation Manager Rosie Hynes outlines the best-in-class businesses services panel she is putting in place to cover Finance, HR, IT and Insurance .

Season 2 — Ep 7

Leadership and talent

Full potential means growing a company from early-stage to a successful international business. Joanne Hosker Talent Director of NG Innovation Services discusses how she works with the leadership teams in our portfolio companies to guide them on that journey.

Season 2 — Ep 6

Working with the universities

Northern Gritstone works closely on the ground with universities in the North of England to help identify and support investment opportunities. How do these partnerships work in practice?

Season 1 — Ep 5

Capital+++

We discuss how to support founders of early-stage companies beyond intelligent capital and the creation of NG Innovation Services our 'Capital +++' services arm.

Season 1 — Ep 4

World class innovation hubs — lessons from Boston

Marion and Duncan discuss ‘the most innovative square mile on the planet’ and how that informed Northern Gritstone’s strategy and development.

Season 1 — Ep 3

What makes a good investment?

Northern Gritstone sees many potential investment opportunities but remains selective. What are our investment criteria and how is that impacted by the company’s investment stage (Seed, Series A, B, C and D)? 

Season 1 — Ep 2

Building the fundraising ‘product’

At the end of 2023, Northern Gritstone had raised over £300 million to invest in startups. Duncan Johnson CEO discusses what made Northern Gritstone’s concept attractive to institutional investors.

Season 1 — Ep 1

Building an investment platform

CIO Marion Bernard on why she joined Northern Gritstone and her experience of building the investment business.