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Ufi Ventures

VC

GBB2B SaaSAI/MLHealthtechEnterpriseMarketplacesOther

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Investment thesis

Ufi Ventures is the investment arm of Ufi VocTech Trust — the UK's specialist investor in vocational technology (VocTech) for adult skills and the future of work. Investing between £150k and £1m at seed stage, the fund backs scalable, tech-enabled solutions that help adults access and progress in work through improved skills, and help employers improve business performance through workforce development. Unlike most funding partners, Ufi Ventures invests its own capital, allowing it to focus entirely on social impact. Its second fund, the Ufi Ventures Challenge Fund (launched November 2024), targets critical skills shortages arising from the UK's transitioning economy. Portfolio companies benefit not only from capital but from strategic guidance, board support, and access to Ufi's wide network of educators, employers, policymakers, and investors.

Notable quotes

"It's a great privilege to join Ufi Ventures, particularly at a time of accelerated use of digital learning and fast-paced innovation."

Helen Gironi · ufi.co.uk — Ufi appoint new Director of Ufi Ventures · 2021

"Our recent decision to make pre-seed investments significantly strengthens our position to support a broad range of companies."

Helen Gironi · ufi.co.uk — Ufi Ventures: Broadening our investment impact · 2022

"We continue to see remarkable innovation from VocTech founders tackling some of the most persistent challenges in workforce learning."

Helen Gironi · cbinsights.com / Globe Newswire — Q4 2025 VocTech Market Report · 2026-02-05

Team

Helen Gironi

Director of Ufi Ventures

B2B SaaSAI/MLEnterpriseOther

Alex Bishop

Senior Investment Manager

B2B SaaSEnterpriseOther

Toby Palmer

Investment Associate

B2B SaaSEnterpriseOther

John Cooke

Venture Partner

Other

Damien Lane

Venture Partner

Other

Recent investments

CompanyRoundSizeDate
CertChainSeed$950k2025-11-18
Gladys CareSeed$2m2025-10
GreenworkxSeed2024-07
FabrioSeed2024-01
LearnerblySeries A$10m2021-12
Assemble YouSeed$390k2022-10
BodyswapsSeed2020-09
CAPSLOCKSeed
SonicJobsSeries A$6m2021-12
AutonoMeSeed$190k2023-05

Frequent co-investors

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