Mishcon de Reya has advised DiPOLE Systems on the £3.6 million initial close of its £6 million seed round, co-led by Blackfinch Ventures and Empirical Ventures.
DiPOLE Systems is launching to commercialise world-leading high-energy laser technology for applications across advanced manufacturing, defence, security and energy. Spinning out from the UK’s Central Laser Facility, part of the Science and Technology Facilities Council at Harwell Campus near Oxford, the company has been established to take proven laser technology out of the lab and into the field.
The initial focus will be on near-term applications including countering threats like drones to critical infrastructure and advanced imaging for infrastructure and industrial inspection, while also exploring future uses in areas such as fusion energy and semiconductor manufacturing. The business reflects the potential of exceptional UK science, combined with responsible commercialisation and long-term ambition, to build sovereign capability in strategically important technologies while addressing global high-growth markets.
Dr Tom Butcher, CEO of DiPOLE Systems, said: “We have created DiPOLE Systems to harness exceptional UK science and engineering to deliver results in the real world. We have been developing this laser technology at the CLF for the past 15 years, now we want to take it out of the lab and into the field.”
Alexa Hamilton, Managing Associate at Mishcon de Reya, said: “We are delighted to have supported DiPOLE Systems on this fundraising. It was fantastic working with Tom and the team and we can't wait to see what is next for DiPOLE as they commercialise their world-class UK science. Their strategy is underpinned by a clear and responsible approach to growth, which positions them well for a remarkable next chapter.”