Northern Gritstone promotes Joanne Hosker to Head of NG Innovation Services

Northern Gritstone, the groundbreaking life sciences and deeptech investment firm, today announces the promotion of Joanne Hosker to the newly created role of Head of NG Innovation Services. 

NG Innovation Services is Northern Gritstone’s ‘early-stage toolkit’ accelerating growth of its portfolio companies by working closely with their leadership teams. Hosker joined NG Innovation Services in March 2024 to establish NG Talent - a program mentoring early-stage leaders and connecting them with sector-specific entrepreneurs, operating partners and c-suite expertise. 

Hosker will now oversee NG Innovation Services’ entire business including the venture building program NG Studios and the best-in-class provider panel NG Business Services. Hosker’s new role also sees her become a member of the Northern Gritstone executive committee. 

Active since May 2022, Northern Gritstone has already invested in 32 early-stage science and deeptech companies, including the world leader in semiconductor innovation Pragmatic. Its mission is ‘profit with purpose’ combining strong returns for investors with wider positive, societal and economic impact.  

Duncan Johnson, CEO of Northern Gritstone said: “Joanne has successfully built NG Talent, mentoring business leaders and connecting them with talented people. Her experience in supporting our early-stage portfolio companies as they scale for growth makes her well-placed to lead NG Innovation Services”    

Joanne Hosker, Talent Director, NG Innovation Services said: “NG Innovation Services is the Capital+++ of Northern Gritstone and Gritstone and is a vital part of how we support early-stage companies on the path to success. This is a critical time to support growth and innovation in the North and I’m delighted to lead a business that makes a difference”