LifeArc

About LifeArc

LifeArc is a self-funded UK medical research charity with a £1.255 billion total investment portfolio as of December 2024, headquartered in London. The firm was founded in 2000 as MRC Technology (the translation arm of the UK Medical Research Council) before rebranding as LifeArc in 2017, with LifeArc Ventures launched in 2022 as the early-stage investment arm. LifeArc takes no external fundraising or grants, funded by investment returns and royalties (notably a former Keytruda royalty interest).

Investment thesis

LifeArc deploys capital through a single evergreen balance-sheet vehicle (LifeArc Ventures is a ring-fenced allocation, not a closed-end fund), targeting seed to Series B equity investments in life science companies with reserved follow-on capital for successful portfolio companies, taking an active scientific and commercial role. Sector focus spans therapeutics, medtech, healthtech, rare diseases, drug-resistant infections and immunology. Geographic deployment is UK-focused backing the UK science base, with the ability to invest globally and expansion into the US, Canada and Europe across 2024-2025. The platform pairs capital with in-house lab access and translational R&D expertise.

Recent activity

No exits were disclosed for 2024-2026, with the portfolio progressing to 20 companies at end-2025 (up from 17 at end-2024). Recent acquisitions include therapeutics investments (2025), a medtech investment (2024) and therapeutics investments (2024). The platform continues active deployment across the UK life sciences mandate. Detailed buyer names and multiple data available on Pro at €29/month.