ClotProtect, the Leeds-based medical technology company founded by Helen Philippou, has raised a total of £1.2 million through a combination of Innovate UK funding and angel investment from the Lifted Ventures Angel Network.
The company, which develops innovative solutions to improve patient safety and reduce the risks associated with blood clots, came through Lifted Ventures’ Elevate Her Accelerator programme which was kindly supported by Leeds City Council. Since completing the programme, ClotProtect has continued to receive hands-on support from the Lifted team, including ongoing mentorship from Lifted Ventures Co-Founder Jordan Dargue.
As part of the funding round, Lifted Ventures and its angel network helped unlock Innovate UK Investor Partnership funding and, together with its angels, contributed £600,000, playing a key role in enabling ClotProtect to secure both public and private investment to support its growth.
Helen Philippou, Founder of ClotProtect, said: “Taking part in the Elevate Her Accelerator was a turning point for ClotProtect. The support, mentorship and belief from the Lifted team, particularly from Jordan, has been instrumental in helping us secure Innovate UK funding and close this £1.2 million round. This investment gives us the platform to scale faster and bring our technology to more patients who need it.”
Jordan Dargue, Co-Founder of Lifted Ventures, said: “Helen is an exceptional founder tackling a critical healthcare challenge. Supporting her through Elevate Her and continuing to mentor her as she built momentum towards a £1.2 million round is exactly what Lifted Ventures is about. Securing angel investment alongside public funding is essential.
“It provides not just capital but the early-stage development support that helps companies de-risk, scale and attract further investment. It’s especially important that we see more women angel investors stepping in; their participation is unlocking much-needed early-stage capital and driving a more inclusive and dynamic funding landscape.
“We’re proud to have played a meaningful role in ClotProtect’s journey
The funding will be used to further develop ClotProtect’s technology, progress regulatory and clinical pathways, and support commercial growth as the company prepares to scale.”
Helen Oldham, Co-Founder of Lifted Ventures, added: “ClotProtect is a great example of what can happen when strong founders are given access to the right capital, networks and long-term support. This round reflects both the strength of Helen’s vision and the power of the Lifted Angel Network to help founders unlock significant funding.”
Gilda Smith-Leigh, Innovation Manager at Leeds City Council said: “I am delighted for ClotProtect and proud to have supported Lifted Ventures’ Elevate Her Accelerator programme through the Innovation@Leeds 2024/25 Grants.
“This initiative, funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and administered in West Yorkshire by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, continues to play a vital role in empowering innovative, high‑growth businesses across our region. ClotProtect’s success is a powerful example of the impact of backing diverse founders and the strength of Leeds’ thriving innovation ecosystem.”
Lifted Ventures is proudly supported in part by the British Business Bank as part of a programme to support and accelerate the development of female-led angel syndicates across the UK.
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