Track Record

Universities & other research institutions

In 2003 Ithaka, on behalf of the Lachesis Seed Fund, reviewed the business model and plan proposed by the DeMontfort team for what has become De Montfort Bioscience, undertook market research and attempted to quantify the size of the opportunity; and provided an independent view on the commercial significance of the IP.
Subsequently in late 2007 and early 2008, Ithaka worked with Prof Chaudhuri to develop the business strategy and to produce the start up business plan. The company is now marketing its recombinant CYP enzymes to the pharmaceutical and life science research communities through distributors.

Ithaka undertook an assignment to identify potential research priorities in the area of Design of Biopharmaceuticals that are needed to underpin industrial research and development.

Ithaka was engaged in 2001 by University of Cambridge Challenge Fund (UCF) to assess the commercial potential of a patent portfolio relating to sensor holograms. Ithaka evaluated the intellectual property (IP), assessed the technology and reviewed the market opportunities. The assessment led to a recommendation to form a company to exploit the IP.
Ithaka led the formation of Smart Holograms and Dr Rodgers served in a number of Board roles: interim CEO then as Non-Executive Chairman in 2003 and later as a Non-Executive Director until resigning in 2006.
Milestones achieved include:
- Funding of over £8M secured from a consortium of international venture capital funds, various grants and deals with five blue chip corporate partners;
- Recruitment of a senior management team, including CEO, Chief Technology Officer, Finance director, HR Director, and an experienced Non-Executive Chairman;
- The company now has over 30 employees and is currently commissioning a pilot manufacturing plant in preparation for its first product launch.

Expertise and experience