Sir Richard Sykes is Appointed Chairman of the Deepbridge Innovation Fund Investment Committee

CHESTER, England, October 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

The newly launched Deepbridge Innovation Fund (DBIF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sir Richard Sykes to its Chair.  Sir Richard is widely acknowledged for his roles as Chairman of Council of The Royal Institution of Great Britain, Chairman of the UK Stem Cell Foundation and formerly as Chief Executive and Chairman of GlaxoWellcome and GlaxoSmithKline respectively, in addition to a host of other executive and non-executive corporate roles^[1].

DBIF (http://www.deepbridgeinnovationfund.co.uk) was established to bridge the funding gap that exists for emerging technology businesses yet to achieve the commercial results needed to secure traditional venture capital and is a collaboration between global specialist asset manager SL Investment Management (SL) and early stage corporate advisory specialist Deepbridge Capital LLP (DBC).  The latter is chaired by respected biotech entrepreneur Professor Chris Wood, Honorary Professor at Imperial College, London.  

Sir Richard Sykes said: "My responsibility as the independent Chairman of the Deepbridge Innovation Fund Investment Committee is to guide investment in emerging businesses developing highly promising new products in the fields of Life Sciences, Eco Innovation and Software. I believe the fund will be of significant benefit both to investors and to the worlds of science and technology."                              

Ian Warwick, DBC's Managing Partner, said, "It is a great privilege to be working with Sir Richard Sykes; his experience in the worlds of business and science, and his insight, connections and above all, his judgement, are invaluable. He is a unique asset." He continues:

"DBIF is targeting a fund size of $250 million and a level of return in excess of five times the invested capital over a 5-7 year period. The fund, governed by Luxembourg law will have a transparent structure and will be fully accountable."  

DBIF will be managed by SL Investment Management, the longest established and largest secondary life asset manager outside of the US. The fund's launch marks the beginning of SL's strategic shift towards a broader alternative asset class product range.  

Notes to Editors:

^[1] Sir Richard Sykes is Chairman of Council of The Royal Institution of Great Britain and Chairman of the UK Stem Cell Foundation. Non-Executive Director of Lonza AG, an advisory member of Siemens Holdings plc and Virgin Group. Previously Senior Independent Director, Non-Executive Deputy Chairman and Chairman of the Remuneration Committee of ENRC, Chairman of NHS London from 2008-2010, Rector of Imperial College, London from 2000-2008 and the Senior Independent Director of Rio Tinto plc from 1997-2008. He has over 30 years' experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. He was Chief Executive and Chairman of GlaxoWellcome from 1995-2000, and Chairman of GlaxoSmithKline until 2002.

Deepbridge Capital LLP is an early stage corporate advisory business which bridges the funding gap between investors and entrepreneurial companies looking to grow.  Deepbridge has a unique and respected team of highly experienced operational and financial business professionals. Based in Chester, UK, it has associates in Europe and the US, which enables it to offer worldwide solutions to its clients. http://www.deepbridgecapital.com

SL Investment Management (SL) has a 20 year history in working with institutional investors worldwide, managing and advising on Traded Endowment Policy (TEP) and Life Settlement funds. One of the largest full-service Life Settlement product providers outside the US, SL is utilising its strength and asset management know-how to encompass new asset classes.  Current funds under management and advice total c. £832 million / US $1.30 billion. Potential institutional investors should contact info@slinvest.co.uk and for further information please visit http://www.slinvest.co.uk. SL Investment Management Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. SL Investment Management Ltd is a registered company at 8-11 Grosvenor Court, Foregate Street, Chester, CH1 1HG, UK. Registered No. 2485382.

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