Monolith exit delivers full return to 2018 fund
Our investment in Monolith AI has now come full circle, delivering a full return of the fund and marking Ascension's 15th exit. CoreWeave (Nasdaq: CRWV), the acquirer, is a next-generation AI cloud infrastructure company and one of the hyperscalers powering the global rollout of large-scale GPU compute.
This investment journey began with an introduction from Ascension Venture Partner Emma Blackburn — a great example of how our Venture Partner network helps us source exceptional opportunities.
The value of Ascension's Venture Partner network
At Ascension, we take pride in collaborating with a network of exceptional Venture Partners who bring deep sector expertise, operational experience, and access to high-quality deal flow.
Our 16 Venture Partners represent a diverse range of industries and leading organisations including Sony, Moderna and 20VC, among others. Together, they form an extraordinary community that enhances our ability to source, evaluate and support outstanding investment opportunities.
Wondering who we've backed through Ascension Fund III?
In just 18 months, we've deployed £5m across eight standout startups in energy, fintech and health — 50% with female founders and 75% invested at pre-seed.
To learn more about the companies, read Jean's post.
Ascension's Carry Back Fund open for investment
A specialist, rapid-deployment EIS fund following a dual-engine strategy — investing in new late-seed UK technology rounds alongside our existing funds, while supporting proven portfolio companies through selective follow-ons.
Designed for investors seeking carry-back relief without compromising on quality, it targets a 3× gross return from a portfolio of up to 8–12 EIS-qualifying companies. Our go-to fund for date-driven deployment.
Honest Mobile appeared on Dragon's Den
Honest Mobile appeared on Dragon's Den — watch the clip to see how it went.
Proud to be named among Sifted's Top 50 best-performing investors
The Sifted 250 list ranks Europe's 250 fastest-growing startups by revenue growth and highlights the investors backing them, recognising those sourcing and winning the top deals. We're proud to be named among the top 50 best-performing investors through the success of the companies we've backed.
Dine with Ascension: raising your first round
Raising your first round? Join Jean and a group of fellow founders for dinner in London, hosted by TableCrowd. It's a unique opportunity to connect with Jean as he shares his insights on what early-stage investors look for. You can request your place.
More portfolio news
- Finmile is a finalist for Startup of the Year at the 2025 Retail Technology Innovation Hub Awards.
- Congratulations to Charlotte Bax (Captur) for being selected for the Google for Startups Gemini Founders Forum.
- Congratulations to DebStream, currently finalists in 8 awards.
- Untap Health has been selected from over 1,200 applicants as one of 25 startups pitching at the Santander X UK Awards 2025.
- Goodstack is hiring across multiple roles, from Senior Backend Engineer to Sales positions.
- Sprive helped a customer save £2,000 on her mortgage through her everyday food shopping.
Don't invest unless you're prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment, and you are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong.