Northstar Ventures adds fresh talent to its investment team

Congratulations to Dr Will Cousins on joining the team at Northstar Ventures as an investment manager.

Will completed his PhD in Translational and Clinical Research at Newcastle University. With an extensive background in life sciences, his research has focused on identifying novel prognostic biomarkers and treatment strategies for cancers of the head and neck. Will has worked in close collaboration with biotechnology companies, particularly in the fields of in vitro diagnostics, assay development and therapeutics. A secondment to Complutense University of Madrid meant Will could seize on the opportunity to contribute to an international collaboration investigating the anti-cancer potential of cannabinoids.

Will assists with managing Northstar’s highly active portfolio of life science companies, as well as identifying new investment opportunities. The role of investment manager gives him a prime opportunity to put his keen interest in venture capital and early-stage investment to great use.

Transformative technology applied to life sciences is something Will is eager to see taken forward. He has a particular interest in the commercialisation of biotechnology, with a focus on translating scientific innovations into commercially viable offerings.

Hailing originally from Nottinghamshire, Will has made the North East his home.

Will says: “Newcastle University was a natural choice for me, it has a formidable reputation in the sphere of life sciences. There are several university spinouts from the North East region with truly groundbreaking ideas in operation. Several of these hold a place in Northstar’s portfolio.

“What interests me is the role that venture capital plays in homing in on industry-transformative solutions, then giving them the backing they need to put them on the trajectory they deserve. Being able to fund businesses which have the potential to globally impact some of society’s biggest health-related challenges is a privilege. I’m incredibly excited to be part of the Northstar Team.”

Notes To Editors

Press contacts – Northstar Ventures Limited

Deborah Nixon Carr
Investment Support
M: 07754 800 749
[email protected]

Emma O’Rourke
Finance Director
M: 07715 366 434
[email protected]

About Northstar Ventures

Northstar Ventures is a long-established venture capital company based in the North East of England.

As the region’s leading early-stage investor, we have provided over £100m of funding into start-ups, early-stage businesses and high impact social enterprises.

Backing entrepreneurs since 2004, we know how to identify strong, effective teams with innovative ideas that will drive high growth, scalable businesses, and sustainable charities. Our particular focus is on those organisations who provide solutions to societal and industry-wide issues on a regional, national and even global scale.

Our investment managers have a wealth of expertise financing and guiding new and growing businesses. They bring commercial and operational knowledge to the table combining everything from PhDs, MBAs, international careers and finance to micro-business experience.

Northstar Ventures Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. For more information see www.northstarventures.co.uk