Mission Street has appointed experienced life science investor Tim Funnell to its advisory board. Funnell, who is a partner with venture capital fund Monograph Capital and CEO of gene therapy manufacturing business Ascend, will draw on his experience of investing in and building biotechs to inform the design, operation and delivery of Mission Street’s pipeline and support the company strategically with its expansion.
Artem Korolev, Founder and CEO of Mission Street, which is delivering a committed development pipeline in excess of 1m sq ft in Oxford, Cambridge and Bristol, said: “Tim’s experience spinning out, scaling up and investing in emerging UK biotech is an on-the-ground perspective that will interrogate and bring the best out of the design, delivery and operation of our 1m sq ft real estate pipeline.
“All indicators point to a shortfall in lab space across the UK, but that shouldn’t mean we rush to plug that gap with inappropriate stock. Working directly with entrepreneurs and innovators like Tim is essential if we’re to create the right spaces for UK R&D to thrive.”
Funnell added: “The life sciences sector needs the support of sophisticated developers, like Mission Street, to provide laboratory space which is thoughtfully designed and well executed.
“The Mission Street team have listened to the scientists and entrepreneurs and appreciate the challenges at each stage of the innovation lifecycle. They recognize the importance of proximity to R&D ecosystems and how buildings can generate a sense of community that encourages collaboration and an enjoyable work environment. I am pleased to support via their advisory board and am excited by the new innovation hubs they will deliver”
