Early-stage investment opportunities in cyber innovation
Emma Fadlon, Co-Director of CyberASAP discusses the importance of the programme – from its role in transforming the wider UK cybersecurity space to the benefits of engaging with early-stage innovators.
Online security is a front and centre concern for individuals, companies and governments globally, and the need for innovative and effective cyber security products and services is paramount. This opportunity is reflected in the buoyant global cyber security market which, according to Statista, is expected to show a market volume of US$271.9bn by 2029.
But how is this need being met by the UK cyber security ecosystem?
A key, and often overlooked, source of innovation can be found within the UK’s highly respected academic research base. I am lucky enough to work on the UK’s only dedicated pre-seed accelerator programme in this space, CyberASAP (Academic Startup Accelerator Programme), now in its eighth year, and the climax of which is Demo Day (February 26 in London) showcasing 14 great new cyber innovations.

Paul Wilkes, a Partner at Osney Capital, is one of the programme’s mentors. Osney Capital was an early investor in AI security specialist Mindgard whose founder, Peter Garraghan, graduated from CyberASAP in 2023 and recently announced a further $8m investment. Paul commented:
The talent and technologies [in cyber] emerging from UK universities are world class and represent a fantastic opportunity for investors and the UK economy as a whole.
As academics look to commercialise their inventions, they need accelerators and founder focused programmes to help prepare for engagement with customers, investors, and the recruitment of talent. CyberASAP is a shining example.
The UK university spin out apparatus has historically received some criticism for unfavourable terms for founders and investors. We have seen a dramatic change in this over the last couple of years, with the much wider recognition that success requires commercial terms for the founders, investors, and the university that are fair and incentivising (and this latter point is key). There is still work to be done here but we are really pleased with the efforts undertaken to encourage entrepreneurship and engagement with founders.
At CyberASAP our focus is on helping those potential founders get their innovations out into the market where they can make a difference – and, in doing so, offer highly investable opportunities including spin-out and licensing.
To date Alumni of the programme have formed 32 companies and raised over £40m in post programme funding to pursue commercialization routes, and include CAPSLOCK, Cavero Quantum, FACT360, KETS Quantum, Lupovis and Mindgard.
All have attracted major investment post-programme and are making a difference across all aspects of cyber security, from AI security to EdTech, Human Behavioural Analysis to Quantum –safe security.
Some of our Alumni will also be showcased at Demo Day, from 12.30-2pm. They include CyGamBit, FACT360, Forensic, Lasting Asset and Vouchsec.
Early-stage opportunities
We know from so many conversations within our investment community that there is real value in getting involved early with startups, spinouts and potential licensees. The chance to form and storm ideas together often produces more robust propositions and stronger teams.
So I always look forward to Demo Day because it’s where these commercial collaborations can begin; where investors and potential business partners have a first chance to hear pitches, assess the Proof-of-Concept Demonstrators and meet the teams behind them who’ve been through the 11-month programme. These entrepreneurial academics have all successfully navigated several selection rounds to demonstrate that that they, and their cyber technology or service idea, have commercial potential. And, via the programme, they have developed essential business skills, enabling them to home in on the market potential of their offering; refine it in line with customer needs; and consider routes to market.
As the culmination of all this commercial refinement, Demo Day is an ideal way to spot opportunities and engage early with potential founders as they prepare to move their innovations to the market-ready stage.
So do join us in London in February for what promises to be an illuminating day for anyone interested in the future of cyber security. Registration for Demo Day is open now.
About CyberASAP
CyberASAP is funded by the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and delivered by Innovate UK.
CyberASAP is currently in its eighth year, and the competition for Year 9 has just opened: academics can apply from now up until the application deadline of 12th February 2025 at 11am.
Watch the highlights from the 2024 Demo Day below.
Join us on 26 February 2025 in London, for what promises to be an illuminating day showcasing new cyber innovations.
Related programme

CyberASAP
The only pre-seed accelerator programme in the cybersecurity ecosystem, CyberASAP (Cyber Security Academic Startup Accelerator Programme) plays a unique and vital role in supporting cyber security innovation and commercialisation.