Zinc is a London-based specialist early-stage investor and venture builder founded in 2017 by Paul Kirby, Ella Goldner, and Saul Klein. The firm backs scientific founders turning research breakthroughs into companies that address health and environmental challenges, and also runs Zinc Academy and Zinc Innovation Partners alongside its investing activity.
Zinc invests in UK pre-seed and early-stage, pre-commercialization science-based companies, aligned with the UK government's Industrial Strategy: advanced manufacturing, clean energy, life sciences, engineering, biology, and AI, with a broader lens spanning health & life sciences, deep tech & environment, climate & energy transition, and advanced manufacturing & materials.
The firm works with founders at the point where access to finance is often most limited, combining capital with venture-building expertise and founder support.
In September 2026, the British Business Bank committed $62.2M as a cornerstone investment in Zinc's new $94.6M Science-for-Impact Fund, via the Bank's Enterprise Capital Funds programme.
This is the Bank's second commitment to Zinc, following its backing of Zinc's prior ~$37.9M fund closed in 2022, and marks the 55th fund the Bank has supported through the ECF programme.
The new fund targets 80 new UK deep-tech startups.
Leadership
Paul Kirby and Ella Goldner are Co-founders; Kirby serves as CEO and Goldner as Managing Partner.
Saul Klein is a Co-founder and board member.
Investment Strategy
Zinc typically writes checks of around $350K per investment, pairing capital with hands-on venture-building support through programs including Zinc Academy and Zinc Innovation Partners.
Notable Investments
Paul Kirby — Co-Founder & CEO
paul@zinc.vc
Ella Goldner — Co-Founder & Managing Partner
ella@zinc.vc
Saul Klein — Co-Founder
Martin Sellers — Head Venture Partner
martin@zinc.vc
Natalie Pankova — Partner
natalie@zinc.vc
United Kingdom
