Northern Gritstone, the investment business focused on university spin-outs and science and technology enabled businesses in the North of England, announced the appointment of Kate Spencer as its Head of Communications and Marketing.

Spencer will be based in the company’s Leeds office, from where a growing number of investments are being completed.

Most recently Northern Gritstone announced investments in Leeds-based companies Mimetrik, AssetCool, Optalysys and LC Auxetec.

Spencer will be responsible for raising awareness of Northern Gritstone’s investment activities and the team behind these as they continue to build the group’s portfolio of investment companies.

“Kate brings marketing and communications experience in financial services, having worked for BNP Paribas’ Corporate and Institutional Bank where she led marketing for sustainable finance, and JP Morgan in London where she focused on marketing to pension funds and their consultants,” said Northern Gritstone.

“Kate has also worked for the Silicon-Valley headquartered climate tech start-up Turntide Technologies, leading their UK communications activities.”

Northern Gritstone, chaired by Jim O’Neill, was launched in July 2021 by the Universities of Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield to invest in science and technology-enabled spin-outs in the north of England, while delivering its philosophy of “profit with purpose.”

The company announced its final close of £312 million earlier this week, having previously announced its first close of £215 million in May 2022 and a further capital commitment of £30 million from British Patient Capital in March 2023.

It has already invested in 15 early-stage science and technology-enabled businesses in the North of England.

Northern Gritstone CEO Duncan Johnson said: “Kate’s communications and marketing experience in sustainable finance and technology is a welcome addition to Northern Gritstone’s team and will enable us to spread our message of ‘profit with purpose’ and the amazing talent and investment opportunities available in the North of England.

“On behalf of everyone at Northern Gritstone, I’m delighted to welcome her to our team.”