Martlet Capital
Martlet Capital is a Cambridge-based early-stage investor providing patient capital to deep technology and life science startups with high growth potential. Launched in 2011 as the investment arm of Marshall Group, it became independent in 2021 before its operational business was acquired by EMV Capital. Martlet has invested in over 70 pre-seed and seed stage companies, always co-investing alongside angels and seed funds, with initial investments typically starting at GBP 250k.
Focus Areas
Portfolio
2 companies in our directory
Porotech
Porotech is a University of Cambridge spinout founded in 2018 following over a decade of research in gallium nitride materials, formally spun out in January 2020. Led by CEO Dr Tongtong Zhu with 15+ years of III-nitride semiconductor expertise, CSO Professor Rachel Oliver (Director of the Cambridge Centre for Gallium Nitride), and CTO Dr Yingjun Liu, the company created a novel porous GaN semiconductor material enabling next-generation micro-LED displays. The technology offers brighter, sharper displays for smartphones, smartwatches, AR/VR headsets, and outdoor environments. Porotech has raised $25.4M to date, including a £3M seed extension led by Speedinvest and a $20M Series A in 2022 led by Ameba Capital.
Robok
Robok is a Cambridge-based startup that develops AI-powered computer vision software to transform existing industrial CCTV systems into intelligent monitoring platforms. Founded in 2017 by Hao Zheng and Liangchuan Gu as a spinout from the University of Cambridge, the company's technology detects safety breaches and provides operational insights for ports, warehouses, and critical infrastructure sites. Robok's customers include Bristol Port Company and other major logistics operators. The company has raised £3.3M to date from investors including Amadeus Capital, DeepTech Labs, Martlet Capital, Parkwalk Advisors, and Cambridge Innovation Capital, plus grant funding from UKRI and Innovate UK.