Turning science into economic growth
Local authorities, innovation agencies, fund managers, charities
Since 2020, Toki has provided a solid foundation and sound evidence base for its clients' important strategic projects
For example:
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
Toki Ventures conducted primary market research and engaged with key stakeholders to advise the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority on the structure and strategy for an ideal seed-stage VC fund and Angel Network. By understanding local dynamics and investment needs, Toki provided actionable insights to support the creation of a more effective funding model for early-stage startups in the region. As a direct outcome of this work the LCR Seed Fund was established
Prostate Cancer Research UK
Toki Ventures conducted primary market research for Prostate Cancer Research UK, assessing the investment landscape and interviewing CEOs to understand key challenges. While the charity initially aimed to raise a VC fund, Toki's research revealed that investment wasn’t the primary obstacle. Instead, non-financial barriers—such as access to research samples—were more critical to advancing translational research. As a direct outcome of this work, the charity established Proven Connect.
Tees Valley Combined Authority
Toki Ventures delivered a major strategic project for the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA). They had access to legacy capital that needed to be deployed into SMEs, but needed evidence and strategic input into the which areas of the SME landscape would be most impactful. Toki Ventures interviewed a substantial representative sample of local business leaders and characterised their capital requirements leading to clear, evidence based recommendations to the TVCA that were not obvious at the outset.
Toki Ventures advised an EIS fund manager on its strategic direction when considering the launch of a new institutional GP/LP fund. Through in-depth analysis of the track record, deal flow and organisational structure, Toki identified challenges that helped them reassess their objectives and adopt a more suitable approach.
Venture Community
Through ongoing support and foundational investment Toki helped establish the world's first cooperative society for start-up founders, venture builders and investors. As a mutual professional society its support ethos to founders is unique and is gaining traction and respect