Show Notes 163: Owen Thompson, Cambridge Future Tech

Cambridge Tech Podcast continues to be an invaluable window into the innovation heartbeat of the UK’s tech capital. In this episode, James Parton and Faye Holland deliver a packed agenda of tech news and a deep-dive interview with Owen Thompson, CEO of Cambridge Future Tech (CFT), offering actionable insights for founders and VCs alike. Here’s what you need to know—plus a few teaser nuggets to make this a can’t-miss listen.

Weekly Cambridge Tech Headlines:

• “Startup to Scale Up” launch, hosted by Cambridge Management Consulting, is set for November 20th, with over 100 attendees expected.

• Trinity Bradfield Prize 2025 Founder Talk Series—covering everything from product-market fit to IP protection, with local success stories and actionable takeaways has been announced

• Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced a £500 million package for the Oxford-Cambridge Corridor—aimed at turning the region into “Europe’s Silicon Valley.”

• Funding news from advanced materials pioneer Immaterial Limited, raising $18.2 million, and Paragraf partnering globally on graphene-enabled sensors.

• The University of Cambridge Judge Business School Entrepreneurship Centre has formalised partnerships with Hong Kong University and plans for more international mentoring corridors.

• Cambridge Science Centre celebrates a decade-long partnership with AstraZeneca, bringing STEM inspiration to the next generation.

This week's interview:

Owen Thompson CEO and Founder of Cambridge Future Tech makes his second appearance on the pod and gives us a candid, high-velocity interview sharing CFT’s journey from an ambitious venture builder to a pivotal UK tech-first venture studio

CFT’s Growth:

• “We’re at the stage where we’re building 8 to 10 companies per year… we’ve incorporated our 17th company and will hit 20 by year end.”

• Focus on deep tech with a hands-on approach to IP scouting, spinning out from both universities and corporate research groups.

Sector Focus:

• “We’re very interested in future of compute, quantum technologies, data centres, cooling tech, and energy optimisation.”

• CFT is region-agnostic but maintains strong links with over 25 UK universities—“from Glasgow to Southampton.”

On Talent:

• CFT builds “mini-ecosystems” around each startup and actively recruits industry-experienced CEOs for portfolio companies. “We’ve learned we’re not just a tech company—we’re a people company.”

Active Investment:

• The studio has shifted from just building ventures to also leading investment rounds, with a new sister fund, Future Tech VC, launching soon.

Collaboration Over Competition:

• “We’re feeding the ecosystem: creating companies that join incubators, accelerators, receive VC and angel investment… there’s no part of the ecosystem we couldn’t work with in that venture creation cycle.”

Quote to remember:

• “In many ways, your business is very people-driven… it’s all about the quality of relationships you’re building.”

Challenges & Opportunities

• Fundraising remains tough in 2025—especially for later rounds. CFT is proactive, engaging family offices and crafting bespoke capital strategies.

• The Mansion House Act and British Business Bank initiatives signal progress for growth-stage funding, but more cross-border collaboration is looming.

• Watch for: the rise of dual-use defence tech (beyond weaponry), quantum second-wave opportunities, and sustainability innovations.

Reasons to Tune In

If you’re a founder seeking inspiration—or a VC searching for your next breakout investment—this episode packs wisdom, real-world examples, and pivotal updates around Cambridge’s tech landscape. The chemistry between James, Faye, and Owen makes for an open, energetic listen.

Don’t miss the episode for a front-row seat to trends shaping the UK’s future tech leadership—and subscribe to keep your finger on the pulse of Cambridge innovation.

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