Organization · Venture Capital
Martlet Capital
Martlet Capital is an early-stage investor based in Cambridge, UK, focusing on deep tech and life sciences startups. It has invested in over 75 companies since its founding in 2011 and is now managed by EMV Capital following an acquisition in 2024.
Overview
What Martlet Capital does
What Martlet Capital is
Martlet Capital is an early-stage investor based in Cambridge, UK, focusing on deep tech and life sciences startups. It has invested in over 75 companies since its founding in 2011 and is now managed by EMV Capital following an acquisition in 2024.
How it participates in the startup ecosystem
The current public profile supports funder capabilities. Each capability below is shown separately so organization identity and role-specific information do not get conflated.
Operational profile
Organization status and context
Organization status describes the entity itself. Funding and program availability appear within the relevant capability profile.
- Operational status
- Active
- Organization type
- Venture Capital
- Founded
- Founded in 2011
- Approximate age
- About 15 years
- Structured capabilities
- Funder
- Last reviewed
- March 27, 2026
Official channels
Find Martlet Capital elsewhere
Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.
Capability profile
Martlet Capital as a funder
Investment thesis
Martlet Capital focuses on providing patient capital to early-stage deep technology and life sciences startups with high growth potential, particularly in the Cambridge ecosystem.
Focus narrative
Martlet Capital invests in deep technology and life sciences sectors, specifically targeting pre-seed and seed stage companies. Their investment thesis includes supporting entrepreneurs in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital health, genomics, robotics, and sustainable technologies.
Value beyond capital
Martlet Capital adds value to its portfolio companies through strategic guidance, access to a robust network in the deep tech and life sciences sectors, and support in navigating the complexities of scaling innovative technologies.
Focus and fit
- Stages
- Pre-seed · Seed
- Regions
- EuropeUnited Kingdom
Availability
- Currently deploying
- Yes
Portfolio and track record
- Recorded portfolio count
- 53
- Recorded notable exits
- Abcam, Cambridge CMOS Sensors, Audio Analytic, Arachnys, and Frontier Developments
Portfolio context
Martlet Capital has backed numerous companies, including: Abcam: Supplier of protein research tools to life scientists; publicly listed on the LSE. Arachnys: Provides intelligent risk and compliance technology for KYC and AML due diligence. Audio Analytic: Develops intelligent sound detection through embeddable software sensors. Cambridge CMOS Sensors: Offers semiconductor-based gas sensor solutions; acquired by AMS AG. Frontier Developments: Video game developer and publisher; publicly listed on the LSE. Vantage Power: Focuses on powertrain electrification and connectivity technologies for heavy-duty vehicles; acquired by Allison Transmission.
Common questions
What to know about Martlet Capital
Upseed classifies Martlet Capital under the Venture Capital organization type. Its current public profile includes funder capabilities.
Source and update disclosure
Know what this page is based on
Source basis
Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.
Last reviewed
March 27, 2026
Known limits
Capability profiles appear only when a structured public profile also contains decision-useful role evidence. Terms and availability can change.
Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organization described on this page.