Quarterlytics / Financial Services / Asset Management / IP Group Plc

IP Group Plc

ipo · LSE Financial Services
Claim this profile
Ticker ipo
Exchange LSE
Sector Financial Services
Industry Asset Management
Employees 51-200
← All annual reports
FY2022 Annual Report · IP Group Plc
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
For a future 
made possible  
by science.

IP GROUP PLC
ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS  
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
REGISTRATION NUMBER: 04204490  
STOCK CODE: IPO

CONTENTS.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW.

STRATEGIC REPORT

OUR GOVERNANCE

OUR FINANCIALS

BUSINESS OVERVIEW 
Ideas powered 

2022 Highlights 

Intelligent portfolio 

Investment case 

STRATEGIC REPORT 
Chairman’s statement 

CEO review 

Business model 

Market environment 

Our strategy  

Business performance 

 Portfolio review  

CFOO review 

Key performance indicators 

Meaningful impact 

Task Force on Climate-related  
Financial Disclosures 

Risk management 

Principal risks and uncertainties 

01

03

06

08

10

12

14

16

18

21

23

38

44

46

72

85

89

Working with the Group’s stakeholders  99

OUR GOVERNANCE  
Board of Directors  

Corporate governance framework  

Corporate Governance Statement 

Nomination Committee Report  

Directors’ Remuneration Report  

Audit and Risk Committee Report 

Directors’ Report  

109

113

114

129

140

163

172

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities  176

OUR FINANCIALS  
Independent auditor’s report 

Consolidated statement of  
comprehensive income  

Consolidated statement of 
financial position  

178

189

190

Consolidated statement of cash flows   191

Consolidated statement of  
changes in equity  

Notes to the consolidated 
financial statements  

Company balance sheet  

Company statement of changes 
in equity  

Notes to the Company financial 
statements  

Company information  

192

193

248

249

250

264

Forward-looking statements
This Annual Report and Accounts may contain forward-looking statements. These statements reflect the 
Board’s current view, are subject to a number of material risks and uncertainties and could change in the 
future. Factors that could cause or contribute to such changes include, but are not limited to, the general 
economic climate and market conditions, as well as specific factors relating to the financial or commercial 
prospects or performance of individual companies within the Group’s portfolio.

Throughout this Annual Report and Accounts, IP Group and its subsidiaries are referred to as ‘IP Group’, the 
‘Group’, or the ‘Company’, as appropriate. The Group’s holdings in portfolio companies reflect the undiluted 
beneficial equity interest excluding debt, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

 
 
 
BUSINESS OVERVIEW.

STRATEGIC REPORT

OUR GOVERNANCE

OUR FINANCIALS

Ideas 
powered.

At IP Group, we understand science. 
We understand its impact today and its 
potential to shape the future.

With more than 20 years’ experience evolving 
great ideas into world-changing businesses, 
we also understand that progress takes 
patience. That is why we choose partners 
with purpose, who, like us, are committed to 
impacting the world’s greatest unmet needs.

Together, we accelerate the impact of 
science to transform ideas into impact, at 
scale. We see a future transformed by human 
ingenuity. And we look to make it happen by 
spotting the opportunities others miss.

We are one of the most active investors 
in university and other research-based 
companies in the world, with a proven 
track record in backing and nurturing 
science and technology-based businesses 
to deliver impact and returns. Since the 
Group was founded, IP Group and Parkwalk 
have backed over 500 companies whose 
compelling ideas, products and services 
will meaningfully contribute to a healthier, 
tech-enriched and regenerative future.

We aim to accelerate the impact of science 
for a better future.

IP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022

01

BUSINESS OVERVIEW.

STRATEGIC REPORT

OUR GOVERNANCE

OUR FINANCIALS

IDEAS POWERED.

Impact potential.
We take a consistent and deliberate approach to 
making investments, aligned to our purpose and 
ethical investment framework. 

Impact is in our DNA. We aim to be the leading 
value-add backer of impactful early-stage 
innovation, differentiated by our track record, access 
to innovation, risk appetite, flexibility, technical 
and commercial acumen, sector expertise and 
long-term partnership model. The Group invests 
in opportunities that offer a market-beating return 
by commercialising breakthrough technological 
innovations that will have a positive societal impact 
in our three thematic focus areas of regenerative 
future, healthier future and tech enriched future. 
To qualify for investment, opportunities must have 
a strong value proposition, defensible technical 
differentiation and a large market opportunity. 

Our technical acumen and sector insight are 
differentiators that enable us to judge the value of 
early-stage innovation better than others. 

believe that both technical and commercial talent 
are critical to success, so we aim to partner with and 
recruit highly talented management teams.

Our investment teams are granted the flexibility 
to decide how best to distribute capital in the 
respective portfolios to optimise returns. Flexibility is 
a core strength. We can back companies with longer 
time to market than more time-limited venture funds. 
By not exclusively restricting ourselves to a specific 
stage, investment quantum or holding size, we can 
be opportunistic in pursuing opportunities to create 
value and impact where others cannot play. 

We aim to initially hold sufficient equity to be an 
influential shareholder, and such that the proceeds 
of success will justify the resources we will dedicate 
to helping each company grow. We work closely 
with the companies we invest in and typically take 
a board seat, assisting with governance, strategic 
planning and many of the other practical elements 
of growing an early-stage venture. In particular, we 

While the Group’s permanent capital structure 
permits a long-term approach to investment, we 
seek to regularly realise cash gains from our portfolio. 
We maintain a proactive approach, typically working 
with portfolio company management teams and 
co-investors to build relationships with potential 
acquirers and anticipate attractive opportunities 
for company acquisition. We keep our holdings 
in any company under constant review, and may 
also divest before the end of the rapid-growth 
phase, when upcoming market/company growth 
expectations fall short of our benchmarks, when 
our proprietary expertise is no longer adding value 
and/or the company reaches a stage of maturity 
where our proprietary insight no longer gives us an 
advantage over the wider market in judging the 
prospects of the asset. Realisations can be made 
through progressive sales or in a single exit event.

Inspiring partners.

International profile.

Innovative people.

We form long-term partnerships with our companies, 
bringing them our: 

•  Deep technical expertise and access to networks
•  Decades of experience nurturing and building 

high-growth businesses

•  Access to capital 
•  Capability in executive search and development
•  Long-term perspective
• 

Imagination and entrepreneurial outlook

Our international footprint gives us access to a range 
of opportunities and provides valuable insight and 
resource to support our portfolio companies as they 
scale and grow. 

Our purpose drives a deep, intrinsic level of 
commitment from our team. We look to be a home 
for exceptional and innovative talent and have built a 
unique and attractive culture to support our goals.

•  UK
•  US
•  Australia and New Zealand

  Read about our people and culture  
on pages 58 to 65

02

IP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022

2022 HIGHLIGHTS.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW.

STRATEGIC REPORT

OUR GOVERNANCE

OUR FINANCIALS

We have continued to see strong 
commercial progress and interest 
in our portfolio this year despite the 
economic headwinds and prevailing 
geopolitical environment. IP Group 
is well financed and our strong 
balance sheet allows us to continue 
to capitalise on opportunities in the 
UK and internationally. Our portfolio 
is also well funded which, together 
with our decades of experience in 
supporting fast growing companies, 
ensures our companies are well-
placed to navigate this environment. 
While the share prices of our publicly 
listed companies and that of the 
Group have come under pressure, 
we remain focused on generating 
returns for all stakeholders and 
are confident that our high-quality 
portfolio will generate significant 
value over time.

Greg Smith
Chief Executive Officer

Significant progress in key 
themes & companies
•  Regenerative future (Cleantech): Strong 
return in the period delivered by uplifts 
at First Light Fusion, which achieved 
world-first fusion result with ‘projectile 
fusion’, externally validated by the 
UK Atomic Energy Authority; and Oxbotica 
which completed a $140m Series C 
financing round at significant uplift

•  Healthier future (Life Sciences): Istesso 

commenced Phase 2b trial for its lead 
drug MBS2320 in rheumatoid arthritis; 
MBS2320 granted Fast Track designation 
by the US FDA for the treatment of 
patients with idiopathic pulmonary 
fibrosis (“IPF”) and also designated it an 
orphan drug for the treatment of IPF

•  Tech-enriched future (Deeptech): 

Featursepace, Garrison, Saltpay, Ultraleap 
all posted double-digit revenue growth; 
sale of Re:Infer to global leader UiPath, 
delivering IRR of 29%

Delivering evolved strategy
•  Deeper thematic focus which included 
the launch of dedicated cleantech 
platform Kiko Ventures 

•  Third-party capital funds under 
management increased to 
£697m vs £575m in 2021, in line 
with long-term strategy

• 

Increased impact, together with Parkwalk, 
IP Group is one of the largest investors 
in university and other research-based 
companies in the world; the most prolific 
investor in deeptech companies in the UK 
and the second most prolific in Europe 

Well financed & resilient portfolio
•  Strong balance sheet and liquidity to 

support new and follow-on investment 
in the portfolio with gross cash and 
deposits at 31 December 2022 of £241.5m 
(2021: £321.9m); total potential liquidity 
(including quoted shares and undrawn 
debt) of over £500m 

• 

Loss in the period of £344.5m 
(2021: profit of £449.3m). Driven primarily 
by a reduction in the value of our public 
companies of £428.5m and in the value 
of ONT in particular, which reduced by 
£369.7m

•  Portfolio companies well-funded; 
total funds raised by portfolio 
£1.0bn (2021: £2.4bn)

•  Private portfolio company valuations 

remained robust with 90% of our portfolio 
funding rounds in 2022 taking place at or 
above previous funding round valuations

•  Recommended final dividend of 0.76p per 
share to give a total 1.26p for FY22 (interim 
dividend of 0.50p per share; 2021 total 
dividend of 1.2p per share), completion of 
£35m share buyback; £20.3m total capital 
returned to shareholders in the year

Post period-end update
•  Appointment of Anita Kidgell, Head 
of Corporate Strategy at GSK plc, as 
independent Non-executive Director

•  The fair value of the Group’s holdings 

in listed companies experienced a net 
fair value decrease of £26.2m in the 
period since 31 December, including 
ONT decreasing by £28.3m

IP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022

03

2022 HIGHLIGHTS.

Impact

Summary financials

Net Asset Value (NAV)

(Loss)/profit

£1,376.1m

2021: £1,738.1m

(£344.5m) loss

2021: £449.3m profit

Net Asset Value (NAV) per share

132.9pps

2021: 167.0pps

Profit excluding ONT1
£25.2m profit

2021: £202.1m profit

Total Portfolio1
£1,258.5m

2021: £1,507.5m

Net portfolio (losses)/gains1
(£309.1m) loss

2021: £499.2m gain

500+

Companies formed and 
supported since 2001

10,000+

Jobs created since 2001

£93.5m

Invested in science-based 
businesses during year

£1.0bn

Raised by portfolio 
companies during year

6

Aligned with UN Sustainable 
Development Goals

World First

Fusion result in 2022

1  Alternative performance measure. See note 29 for definition and reconciliation to IFRS primary statements.

04

BUSINESS OVERVIEW.STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 20222022 HIGHLIGHTS.

Summary financials

Gross cash and deposits

NAV/share p1

£241.5m 

FY 2021: £321.9m

Realisations

£28.1m

FY 2021: £213.9m

Net Assets divided by the number of 
outstanding shares in issue. A useful measure 
to compare to the Group’s share price.

.

p
0
7
6
1

.

p
9
2
3
1

.

p
3
5
2
1

p
0
5
1
1

.

.

p
8
7
0
1

Link to strategy 

Portfolio investment1

2018 2019

2020

2021

2022

Link to remuneration 
Yes

£93.5m

FY 2021: £106.8m

Total dividend2

1.26pps

FY 2021: 1.20pps

1  Alternative performance measure. See note 
29 for definition and reconciliation to IFRS 
primary statements.

2  Total dividend for 2022 subject to approval  
of final dividend of 0.76pps at the Group’s 
2023 AGM

Return on NAV £1
Profit for the year excluding share-based 
payment charges. Shows a summary of the 
income statement gains and losses that directly 
impact NAV. 

.

5
9
8
1
£

.

2
2
5
4
£

.

)
6
5
7
£
(

.

)
7
3
7
£
(

)
1
.
1
4
3
£
(

2018 2019

2020

2021

2022

Link to strategy 

Link to remuneration 
Yes

05

BUSINESS OVERVIEW.STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022INTELLIGENT PORTFOLIO.

Portfolio value

Net Asset Value

Portfolio focus

£1.3bn

£1.4bn 132.9p per share

75%

of portfolio in 
top 20 holdings

Portfolio analysis

What’s in a share?

Portfolio breakdown

Number of 
companies

Fair value
£

Fair value movement/
return on opening 
portfolio in 2022

£

%

(3.5)%

11.3%

NAV
132.9pps

23.3%

29.3%

Healthier future: Oxford Nanopore 

1

£205.5m (£369.7m)

(65%)

Healthier future: Life Sciences

Tech-enriched future: Deeptech

Regenerative future: Kiko Ventures 
(Cleantech)

39.6%

North America

Australia and New Zealand

Platform Investments

Organic and de minimis1

33

28

15

1

13

4

-

£390.8m

(£41.8m)

(10%)

£201.0m

(£18.0m)

£243.8m

£114.6m

£87.1m

£4.2m

£42.8m

£10.8m

(8%)

111%

5%

43%

£43.6m

(£4.3m)

(9%)

£17.0m

(£2.5m)

(25%)

Net cash

Other portfolio

Top 5 portfolio companies

Other net liabilities

Other top 20

06

Total net

95

£1,231.6m (£306.7m)

(21%)

Attributable to third parties

-

£26.9m

(£2.4m)

(8%)

Total gross

95 £1,258.5m (£309.1m)

(21%)

1  De minimis investments are those in which the Group’s holding is valued at less than £0.5m and the Group 
has not invested in for over two years. Organic investments are companies in which the Group acquired its 
holding via the relationship Touchstone had with Imperial College’s Technology Transfer Office.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW.STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022INTELLIGENT PORTFOLIO.

Top 20 investments by fair value

Life Sciences

Cleantech

North America

Deeptech

Platform investments

Australia and New Zealand

Priority companies.
We place meaningful focus on a dynamic list of companies 
which we believe can be material in the context of overall Group 
performance and underpin our self-sustaining model. These include:

Oxbotica
Limited
£65.9m

First Light
Fusion Limited

£114.5m

Nexeon Limited
£16.6m

Bramble Energy
Limited
£20.9m

Salt Pay Co. 
Limited
£16.5m

Ultraleap Holdings
Limited

£37.9m

Garrison 
Technology 
Limited
£27.7m

Interest in LP (UCL
Technology Fund L.P.)
£16.9m

Oxford Science
Enterprises plc
£20.6m

Hysata
Pty
Limited
£18.7m

Featurespace
Limited
£64.1m

Interest in LP
(Cayman Fund LP)
£80.0m

Oxford Nanopore
Technologies plc

£205.5m

Istesso Limited
£95.6m

Crescendo Biologics
Limited
£18.7m

Akamis Bio 
Limited1
£21.3m

Artios Pharma
Limited
£18.3m

Mission Therapeutics
Limited
£18.1m

Hinge Health, Inc.
£53.6m

Ieso Digital
Health 
Limited
£21.8m

1  Previously called PsiOxus Therapeutics Limited

Oxford Nanopore 
Technologies: The world’s 
first and only nanopore DNA 
sequencing platform, which 
is uniquely scalable from 
pocket-sized formats through 
to ultra-high throughput 
devices, enabling the 
genetic analysis of any living 
thing, by any person, in any 
environment. The technology 
offers real-time data analysis 
for rapid, dynamic insights and 
has played a key role in the 
COVID-19 pandemic, having 
been used for rapid distributed 
sequencing of the SARS-
CoV-2 virus in public health 
systems worldwide.

First Light Fusion: Inertial 
confinement approach to 
fusion, aiming to create the 
extreme temperatures and 
pressures required for fusion 
by compressing fuel using a 
hypervelocity projectile. Fusion 
power is safe, clean, and 
limitless with the potential to 
transform the world’s energy 
system. Achieved validated 
world-first fusion event in 2022.

Istesso: Immunometabolism 
drug discovery and 
development aimed at 
reprogramming metabolism 
to treat autoimmune disease. 

Commenced Phase 2b trial 
for its lead drug MBS2320 in 
rheumatoid arthritis in 2022. 

Featurespace: Machine 
learning solutions to prevent 
fraud and financial crime. A 
well-developed business, with 
enterprise grade solutions 
delivering significant revenue. 

Hinge Health: The world’s 
first digital clinic for back and 
joint pain with an expanding 
customer base.

Garrison Technology: 
Anti-malware solutions for 
enterprise cyber defences. 
Recently launched new Ultra 
cloud-based delivery model.

Pulmocide: Treatment of 
respiratory diseases through 
a novel approach to inhaled 
medicines. Currently entering 
Phase 3 trials.

Oxbotica: Global leader in 
autonomous vehicle software 
based on artificial intelligence 
engineering, machine learning 
and modular software design. 

Beyond this list, we also focus 
on 11 additional companies 
that we believe have the 
potential to become priority 
companies over the next 
few years. 

07

BUSINESS OVERVIEW.STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022INVESTMENT CASE.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW.

STRATEGIC REPORT

OUR GOVERNANCE

OUR FINANCIALS

Impact.

Portfolio.

Expertise.

Our purpose focuses us on impact. 
We are committed to backing and 
supporting businesses that will 
meaningfully contribute to a healthier, 
tech-enriched, regenerative future and 
create value.

•  We have invested more than £1.2bn in 

science-based businesses.

We provide differentiated access to 
impactful deal flow and the best IP and 
ideas from our networks, universities, 
and research institutes. This in turn 
offers investors exposure to an exciting 
portfolio of high-growth companies 
operating within the areas of life 
sciences, deeptech and cleantech.

•  The companies we have backed have 

•  We have formed and supported over 500 

created more than 10,000 jobs.

companies since 2001.

•  Our purpose and thematic focus areas 
align us with six of the UN Sustainable 
Development Goals.

•  We have created three unicorns (i.e. with 

a valuation of over $1bn) and have further 
companies in the portfolio with the 
potential to scale at >£1bn in value.

Our investment teams are experts in 
their fields with a deep understanding 
of science and technology as well as 
decades of experience in identifying, 
nurturing, and exiting unique 
high-growth businesses. We can 
mitigate technical risk through our 
technical due diligence capability and 
proprietary knowledge.

•  We are the company behind some 
of the UKs most exciting technology 
companies, including Oxford Nanopore 
and First Light Fusion.

  Read about meaningful impact on pages 46 to 71

  Read about our portfolio on pages 23 to 37

08
08

IP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022

IP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022INVESTMENT CASE.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW.

STRATEGIC REPORT

OUR GOVERNANCE

OUR FINANCIALS

Track 
record.

We have a track record built over more 
than 20 years of turning great ideas 
into world-changing businesses and 
creating value. 

•  £542m cash realised from the portfolio 
in last five years, £64m returned to 
shareholders via dividends and share 
buy-backs.

Permanent 
capital 
structure.

Investing from our balance sheet is 
a significant advantage compared 
to fixed-life funds. It enables us to 
co-found companies, ‘follow our 
money’ through subsequent funding 
rounds, and realise value at the most 
appropriate time. We know that 
supporting early-stage science takes 
time and our structure allows us to be 
flexible and patient.

•  We are the most active investor in the UK 
in our sector and the second most active 
in Europe.

International 
relationships.

We are an international group with a 
network of relationships with advisors, 
investors, co-investors, and partners 
built up over many years with a focus 
on the UK, North America, Australia, 
New Zealand and Greater China.

•  We founded IP Inc. in the US and IP Group 
Australia, which has partnerships with all 
the leading universities in the region.

IP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022

09
09

IP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT.

OUR GOVERNANCE

OUR FINANCIALS

IP Group’s performance and the resilience of its portfolio companies 
in 2022 was impressive given the degree to which unanticipated 
events dominated the year. 

Our agility and willingness to adjust to 
market conditions speaks volumes for the 
strength of our executive leadership during 
challenging times. 2022 turned out to be a 
year in which unanticipated and unexpected 
events dominated, from the geopolitical to the 
economic, from financial market volatility and 
correction to pandemic response. 

War in Europe, heightened geopolitical tension, 
supply chain disruption and reconfiguration, 
increased inflationary expectations, accelerating 
interest rate rises, energy and cost-of-living 
crises, unprecedented political turmoil in the 
UK, fragile capital markets and inconsistent 
COVID responses all impacted. Of most direct 
relevance to IP Group was the dramatic valuation 
decline of technology driven listed companies 
whose growth prospects post-pandemic were 
reappraised downwards, with that decline 
amplified by the impact of significantly higher 
interest rates applied to discount future returns. 
The aggregate of all these conditions contributed 
to a significant tightening of risk appetite 
amongst investors and it was against this 
backdrop that we navigated the year just ended.

The resilience of the vast majority of our unlisted 
portfolio companies, in a year in which the 
availability of venture funding for scale-up 
financing was heavily cut back, was reassuring 
and where funding rounds were concluded, 
90% of these were at valuations consistent with 
or ahead of the last funding round price. The 
£93.5 million we invested in the portfolio in 2022 
was broadly in line with the prior year £106.8m, 
enabled by portfolio realisations over the past 
two years; put into context that investment 
accounted for just 9% of the £1.0 billion that was 

raised in the portfolio from all sources, providing 
external support for valuations. 

During 2022 we adjusted our investment appetite 
to reflect the new economic and market 
realities, investing less than we had planned 
to invest at the beginning of the year. We also 
prioritised support in the year for the companies 
we have designated as priority opportunities. 
Timely and prudent adjustments to investment 
criteria are essential to maintaining capacity 
to be able to offer long-term support to our 
portfolio companies. Pursuant to this, we 
successfully raised private long term fixed-rate 
debt in the summer of 2022, fortuitously ahead 
of the sudden interest rate increases seen in 
the second half of the year. The £120m raised 
protects our ability to support our portfolio 
without having to dispose of listed investments 
at prices below our evaluation of their 
future potential. 

Looking to the future, we remained active 
in reviewing a strong pipeline of investment 
opportunities across all sectors but held fire 
while we waited to see whether the significant 
valuation downgrades seen in public markets 
for technology-related companies would flow 
through to early-stage unlisted companies. It 
is, however, worth noting that the ‘froth’ now 
recognised in the valuation of certain high 
profile listed tech companies was not such a 
feature in early-stage companies in the sectors 
we cover.

Inevitably, after two very strong years of 
divestment success, we had many fewer 
opportunities to take money out of the portfolio, 
realising some £28.1m in 2022 versus £213.9m 
and £191.0m in the two prior years.

We enter 2023 with a 
clear plan of action 
to build on past 
portfolio successes 
through investing in 
what is a maturing 
and exciting range of 
investment opportunities.

Sir Douglas Flint
Chairman

10
10

IP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022

IP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT.

Financial Performance
Our financial results in 2022 were dominated by 
the change in valuation of our stake in Oxford 
Nanopore (“ONT”) essentially reversing the 
unrealised gain booked in 2021. Loss for the year 
amounted to £344.5m, of which £369.7m related to 
ONT. (2021 profit £449.3m of which £297.1m related 
to ONT). 

Excluding ONT, the profit for 2022 was £25.2m, which 
was largely attributable to mark to market gains 
in the private portfolio, offset by some valuation 
declines in our other quoted companies. Our 
unlisted portfolio performed satisfactorily with 
two sizeable gains recorded in the year; in the first 
half we recognised a fair value uplift of £57.3m in 
respect of First Light Fusion following its successful 
achievement of fusion; and in the second half we 
recognised a £45.4m valuation uplift following a 
successful funding round by Oxbotica in which 
they raised $140m. Greg and the investment team 
discuss these companies in more detail in their 
reviews, but I want to highlight three points.

First, the decline in the share price of ONT over the 
year primarily reflects a re-rating of the life science 
tools sector; ONT’s performance and announced 
forecasts have exceeded the projections made at 
the time of its flotation in October 2021. We remain 
highly positive on the company’s prospects, which 
we expect to see reflected in its share price in 
due course.

Second, the fusion event which led to the valuation 
uplift at First Light Fusion (“FLF”) and was validated 
by the UK Atomic Energy Authority was generated 
using physics consistent with that deployed by the 
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (“LLNL”) 
in the United States in December who were the 
first to generate ‘net gain’ to great public acclaim. 
Although the approach being used by FLF uses a 
different method of inertial confinement to that 
of LLNL, their success has greatly encouraged the 
team at FLF.

Third, the fundraise at Oxbotica is evidence of the 
great progress made in the last year and means 
the company is well-capitalised and, we believe, on 
a path to significant future value.

Two other portfolio events in 2022 are also 
important to highlight here. 

First, Istesso began its Phase2b trials for its core 
metabolic reprogramming agent MBS2320 
and in addition attracted FDA Fast Track and 
Orphan Drug designation for the same agent 
for the treatment of patients with IPF. Second, we 
launched Kiko Ventures as the Group’s dedicated 
cleantech platform.

As at the end of 2022, valuation of the Group’s 
portfolio stood at £1,258.5m (2021 £1,507.5m) and our 
cash resources amounted to £241.5 million gross 
and £160.1m net of debt. (2021 £321.9m gross and 
£270.1m net of debt). Our financial position and 
liquidity remain strong, both being areas of key 
focus for the Board. 

Net Asset Value at the end of 2022 stood at £1.4bn, 
down from £1.7bn at the end of 2021 and ahead 
of the position at the end of 2020; most of this 
decline reflected the fall in the ONT share price 
over the year. In terms of NAV per share, our key 
performance metric, at the end of 2022 this stood 
at 132.9p per share. This compares to our share 
price as at the same date of 55.1p evidencing a 
discount to NAV of 59%. We have intensified our 
investor relations engagement as one of the 
measures designed to narrow this gap, delivery of 
which remains a core objective of the Board. 

Board changes
We were delighted to welcome Anita Kidgell to 
the Board with effect from 18 January 2023. Anita 
brings a wealth of experience gained at one of 
the leading pharmaceutical and healthcare 
companies, GSK plc. Currently Head of Corporate 
Strategy at GSK, she brings to the Board a 
rare combination of a scientific background 

together with strategic, investor relations and 
communication experience. Following her 
appointment the Board comprises two executive 
directors, five NEDs and the Chairman: equal 
representation of both male and female.

Outlook
In many ways the outlook for IP Group is 
encouraging, notwithstanding the general 
economic landscape. Support for science-based 
research and development is a key priority of 
the UK Government as it seeks to enable UK-
based business to capture leading positions 
in the investment waves of the future. Delivery 
of climate transition commitments will require 
trillions of dollars of investment including in 
the science needed to decarbonise energy 
production and distribution. Improving health 
outcomes for an ageing population will remain 
a high priority for all governments, through early 
diagnosis and technology that keeps people out 
of hospital or allows them to be looked after at 
home or in a social care environment. Harnessing 
the power of deep tech to improve the quality-
of-life experience and keep data secure in an 
ever more digitalised world will become ever 
more important within society. These are areas 
where IP Group is heavily invested and seeks 
to contribute.

We enter 2023 with a clear plan of action to build 
on past portfolio successes through investing 
in what is a maturing and exciting range of 
investment opportunities. We have the financial 
capacity, the capital allocation discipline and 
the human talent needed to be successful. I 
look forward to updating you on progress in 
due course. 

Sir Douglas Flint
Chairman
7 March 2023

11

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.CEO REVIEW.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT.

OUR GOVERNANCE

OUR FINANCIALS

In my first full year as Chief Executive Officer, I am pleased to 
report that the Group has made excellent progress in its purpose 
of accelerating the impact of science for a better future. IP Group, 
including Parkwalk, is one of the largest investors in university and 
other research-based companies in the world, backing science and 
innovation that shapes our future. Having already helped create 
three unicorns (Oxford Nanopore, Ceres Power, Hinge Health), the 
Group is well placed to support the ‘science superpower’ agenda 
and we aim to replicate our success to date by growing and 
supporting more businesses to values in excess of $1bn. 

This is being done through an increased 
focus of our capital and resource on thematic 
areas where we have experienced and 
specialist investment teams with track record, 
a maturing portfolio and a clearly articulated 
approach to sourcing, growing, supporting 
and exiting businesses. The Group is currently 
focused on businesses and opportunities that 
contribute to a healthier future (biotech and 
healthcare), a tech-enriched future (deeptech) 
and a regenerative future (cleantech).

The work that the leadership team has 
carried out over the last twelve months has 
resulted in a clearly articulated strategy to 
deliver value, which is built on five pillars - 
value creation, impact, insight and access, 
distinctive reputation and exceptional talent, 
which are described in more detail on 
page 18. Today, in line with this strategy, we 
launch our new brand identity which more 
accurately reflects who and what our business 
is today. By articulating our clear sense of 
purpose, expertise and track record, we aim to 
differentiate ourselves for investors, founders 
and co-funders.

As Douglas has described on page 10, and 
as highlighted in our most recent half-
yearly report, 2022 saw a high level of macro 
uncertainty with rising inflation and interest 
rates, fears of recession and ongoing 
geopolitical concerns, greatly exacerbated 
by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Like others, the 
Group is not immune to geopolitical events 
and the resultant volatile equity markets, and 
our public portfolio was impacted by the 
reaction of global stock markets, particularly 
by the rotation out of growth and technology 
stocks. This impacted both the Group’s share 
price as well as that of Oxford Nanopore and 
our other quoted investments.

IP Group was quick to respond to the 
challenging market environment, securing a 
private market debt issue to provide additional 
funding flexibility, while lowering the level 
of capital allocated for investment into the 
portfolio, and the Group ended the year with 
gross cash and deposits of £241.5m. 

The work that the 
leadership team has 
carried out over the 
last twelve months has 
resulted in a clearly 
articulated strategy 
to deliver value, which 
is built on five pillars - 
value creation, impact, 
insight and access, 
distinctive reputation 
and exceptional talent.

Greg Smith
CEO

12

IP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022

CEO REVIEW.

This financial strength enabled us to 
continue to invest into our leading 
companies over the period as well as 
continue to return a proportion of all 
cash exits to shareholders. This year, cash 
returns to shareholders totalled £20.3m, 
more than half of the £28.1m generated 
from portfolio realisations.

We recorded an overall loss in 2022 
of £344.5m (2021: profit of £449.3m), 
driven by a reduction in the value of 
our public companies of £428.5m, and 
in the value of ONT in particular which 
reduced by £369.7m. However, despite 
the worsening market conditions, IP 
Group has seen strong underlying 
progress in the portfolio, contributing to 
our vision of a future enhanced by the 
impact of transformative businesses we 
have identified, backed, and grown as 
long-term partners. Among the many 
highlights in the portfolio were First Light 
Fusion’s world-first projectile-based 
inertial confinement fusion result, which 
was externally validated by the UK Atomic 
Energy Authority, Oxbotica’s $140m Series 
C financing and Istesso starting a Phase 
2b trial for its drug MBS2320 in rheumatoid 
arthritis, with MBS2320 also being granted 
Fast Track and orphan drug designation 
by the US FDA for a second indication, 
the treatment of patients with idiopathic 
pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

It is also important to note that our 
portfolio remains well funded. Despite the 
more difficult portfolio company funding 
environment in 2022, our portfolio raised 
financing at similar levels to those seen 

in 2020 and higher than years before 
that. Some fundings were, however, 
delayed or took longer than anticipated 
to complete. In terms of valuations, our 
private portfolio company valuations 
remained robust with considerably more 
(90%) of our companies who raised 
money in the current period doing so 
at or above previous funding round 
valuations. While we have continued to 
see little direct evidence of the public 
market correction impacting valuations 
in our private portfolio, we are mindful 
of the higher level of uncertainty around 
private valuations and have responded 
by obtaining independent external 
valuations for ten of our largest private 
companies and have reduced the 
valuation of several of our later stage 
holdings where appropriate. Further 
details of our approach are set out in the 
financial review section.

IP Group continues to be well financed 
and is well placed to support its exciting 
portfolio of high-growth companies 
that are at the heart of the ‘innovation 
nation’ agenda. Delivering returns for 
shareholders, alongside impact, is a core 
principle of the Group and narrowing 
the discount to our NAV per share 
remains a key focus. Our shareholder 
value proposition comprises primarily 
capital growth over the medium and 
long term, alongside the return of a 
proportion of cash realisations through 
dividends and other mechanisms such as 
share buybacks.

Strategic objective
Build on our portfolio, track record and talent to play a 
leading role in tackling some of the world’s most significant 
unmet needs. Through this positive contribution, deliver 
market-leading returns on our portfolio and, as a result, 
deliver exceptional value for our shareholders and 
other stakeholders.

Strategy pillars

Accelerating the impact 
of science for a better future.

A future enhanced by the impact of transformative 
businesses we have identified, backed and 
grown as long-term partners.

Have an 
impact on 
the world 
that counts.

Develop 
our unique 
insights, 
expertise 
and access.

Accelerate 
value 
creation.

Build a truly 
differentiated 
reputation.

Be a 
home for 
exceptional 
talent.

Deliver class-leading internal processes,  
services and controls.

  Read about our strategy on pages 18 to 20

13

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.BUSINESS MODEL.

Inputs and resources

01

Our self-sustaining business model, 
coupled with our strategy, enables us to 
systematically build businesses to maximise 
long-term financial and societal return from 
our capital and expertise.

We identify, co-found, or create companies 
based on fundamental scientific innovation 
and provide capital and expertise in return 
for a shareholding in the company. We 
work with the teams at our companies to 
grow the value of our holding over time, 
before selling down in whole or over a 
period to generate funds that enable us 
to both re-invest in the portfolio and make 
returns to shareholders.

The science and innovation on which our 
companies are based has often been 
generated at one or more of the world’s 
leading universities or research institutions. 
Our model and expertise de-risks investment 
in early-stage companies for partner 
capital providers. 

Resources

Intellectual capital
We work with some of the world’s best scientists 
and entrepreneurs in our chosen territories and 
thematic focus areas.

Financial capital 
We combine our balance sheet capital 
with third-party capital to accelerate the 
progress of promising companies.

Human capital 
We look to be a home for exceptional talent 
– attracting the best people to IP Group 
and our portfolio businesses. 

14

IP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT.

OUR GOVERNANCE

OUR FINANCIALS

02

Investment life cycle

We take a consistent 
and deliberate 
approach to making 
investments, aligned 
to our purpose and 
ethical investment 
framework. We focus 
capital, resources 
and expertise 
on investments 
that can make a 
positive difference 
and where we can 
optimise returns 
through leveraging 
our existing 
strengths and 
adding value to the 
growth journey.

START UP 
When investing in start-up 
opportunities, our specialists 
work in partnership to identify 
promising research and 
help create and develop 
business start-ups. Time and 
a limited level of capital are 
then deployed by IP Group, 
often alongside grant funding, 
to develop ideas to early 
commercial and technical 
validation using stringent 
milestones. As incubation 
opportunities show signs of 
traction, an investment case 
is developed for seed funding 
to accelerate technical and 
commercial developments.

SCALE-UP
As companies mature, 
we proactively source 
co-investment. We 
continue to take an 
active role in company 
development, commonly 
through continued 
Board presence and by 
working directly with the 
management team, to 
help grow value over time. 
Resources and capital 
are focused on those 
opportunities that are the 
most attractive from a 
risk/reward perspective. 

PRIORITY COMPANIES
We focus resource on companies which 
we believe have the potential to scale 
at >£1bn in value in the next three to five 
years. Additional resources and capital 
are allocated to these opportunities to 
accelerate development.

EXIT
We hold investments until 
they mature so that we can 
maximise the return we 
generate. Investing from our 
balance sheet enables us to be 
patient and realise value at the 
most appropriate time.

S

R

0-3 Y E A

3-15

+

Y

E

A

R

S

M
A
T
U
R
E

B
U
S

E

I

X

N

I

T

E

I

S

N

S

G

Potential  
opportunity

REINVEST M E N T

RE-INVESTMENT AND RETURNS TO SHAREHOLDERS
We re-invest realised funds into new opportunities and growth 
of our priority companies alongside returns to shareholders.

BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT. 
 
BUSINESS MODEL.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT.

OUR GOVERNANCE

OUR FINANCIALS

03

Our key differentiators 

04

Outcomes with impact

Purposeful thematic focus
Our purpose focuses us on impact. We are focused 
on backing and supporting businesses in our three 
investment themes where we can add value through our 
expertise and experience. 

Access to unique opportunities
We are a global group with a strong networks and 
relationships with world-leading academic research 
institutions, giving us differentiated access to an exciting 
portfolio of high growth companies.

Expert teams
We aim to be a home for exceptional and highly 
motivated talent. Our investment teams are experts 
in their fields with a deep understanding of science 
and technology as well as decades of experience in 
identifying, nurturing, and exiting unique high-growth 
businesses.

Track record
We have a track record built over more than 20 years of 
turning great ideas into world-changing businesses and 
creating value.

Permanent capital structure 
Investing from our balance sheet is a significant 
advantage, enabling us to be flexible and patient. This 
allows us to co-found and build companies and realise 
value at the most appropriate time. 

Imagination and flair 
We are entrepreneurs at heart, bringing imagination and 
flair to supporting our portfolio companies through all 
stages of their development.

Addressing 
the world’s 
greatest unmet 
challenges

•  Genetic sequency in any environment 
– Oxford Nanopore’s nanopore DNA 
sequencing platform

•  Treatment of respiratory diseases  

– Pulmocide’s targeted delivery through 
inhaled medicine

•  Preventing fraud and financial crime  

– Featurespace’s AI (Artificial Intelligence) 
solutions

•  Clean energy to address climate change 

– First Light Fusion’s inertial confinement 
approach to achieving fusion

Economic 
growth and 
innovation

500+ 

companies 

9 new portfolio 

investments in 2022

10,000+ 

jobs

Financial 
returns

ESG

£542m 

cash realised from 
the portfolio over 
five years

£64m  

returned to 
shareholders via 
dividends and share 
buy-backs

•  87% reduction in operational carbon 

emissions since 2019

•  BREEAM “outstanding” headquarters

•  Signatories to Investing in Women Code

IP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022

15
15

IP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.MARKET ENVIRONMENT.

Read about our strategy 
on pages 18 to 20

2022 saw continued evidence of 
recognition amongst policymakers of 
the pivotal role that science-based 
innovation has to play in providing 
solutions to the major challenges 
facing the world. The US government 
announced the Inflation Reduction 
Act, whose aims include accelerating 
commercialisation of regenerative 
technologies and a $280m funding 
package for nuclear fusion. The 
UK government has highlighted its 
intention to increase R&D funding to 
£20bn per year by 2024/25, and a 
policy focus around pension fund and 
regulatory reforms aimed at unlocking 
investment into the innovation 
ecosystem. We continue to believe that 
the Group remains well placed to play 
a key role in delivering on this agenda.

Thematic business sectors

Our three thematic focus areas 
are aligned with significant  
global megatrends.

Whilst Covid-19 remained a feature of 
2022 for some markets, most notably 
Greater China, for much of the rest of 
the world the impact of the pandemic 
shifted to its next phase, with disruption 
in global supply chains and labour 
markets giving rise to sustained 
inflationary pressure to a degree not 
seen since the early 1980s. Events 
in Ukraine exacerbated this picture, 
with natural gas prices in Europe 
quadrupling by August. The resulting 
monetary policy response has seen 
a sharp shift away from a near-zero 
interest rate environment, with the UK 
base rate standing at 3.5% by the end 
of the year.

The majority of the public market 
impact of these macroeconomic 
challenges was felt in the first half 
of the year, with the Nasdaq index 
down by 29.5% to the end of June 
followed by a further 4% fall in the 
second half of the year. Market data 
on private company valuations in 2022 
was mixed, with Pitchbook’s Q4 2022 
valuation surveys indicating continued 
growth in valuations from 2021 levels 
in early-stage companies, but 
flagging declines in late-stage private 
valuations, particularly in the second 
half of the year.

Life Sciences

In our Life Sciences team, we are working 
towards a healthier future with a view to 
curing and preventing disease rather than 
simply treating symptoms and building 
healthier – rather than just longer – lives. 
The three pillars of our approach are 
driven by megatrends in life sciences 
development: reprogramming cells to 
change their behaviour from the diseased 
mode to healthy mode; reconditioning 
tissues to improve response to existing 
therapies; and redirecting patient 
behaviour to reduce risk. 

  Read about Life Sciences on pages 26 to 28

16

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.MARKET ENVIRONMENT.

Deeptech 

Cleantech

The Deeptech team focuses investment 
across four technology subsectors 
underpinned by global societal 
need and macroeconomic trends. 
Applied AI capitalises on the use of a 
new computing paradigm (artificial 
intelligence) to solve problems and create 
opportunities in areas where traditional 
software approaches have proven 
insufficient. Next generation networks 
will enable network operators and their 
wider communities to deliver on the 
promise of super-fast, high bandwidth 
and ultra-reliable networks critical to 
the delivery of everything from edge 
computing to autonomous vehicles. Step 
changes in the human-machine interface 
through the mainstreaming of AR, VR and 
XR (augmented, virtual and immersive 
reality) will unlock vast amounts of value 
from humanity’s combined data and 
future computing solutions will be needed 
to meet intense demand for solving 
complex problems.

Our Cleantech platform, Kiko Ventures, 
is investing in assets that address the 
global climate challenge, targeting 
breakthrough innovators that are creating 
scalable climate technology solutions. 
The urgent nature of climate change and 
the transition to a low carbon society is 
expected to lead to stronger demand 
from clients for fundraising and investing 
solutions that include sustainable 
finance. Our portfolio strongly aligns with 
climate-related opportunities associated 
with energy transformation strategies, 
energy reduction strategies and water 
reduction strategies, all of which will 
become increasingly prevalent in building 
climate-resilient economies. We expect 
to see these opportunities increase with 
the increasing proliferation of corporate 
decarbonisation strategies and overall 
societal decarbonisation. Focus areas 
include carbon-free fuels, mobility and 
transport, heating and cooling, and clean 
power generation. 

  Read about Deeptech on pages 29 to 31

  Read about Cleantech on pages 32 to 33

Competition

We have three main sources of competition  
– for innovation, capital and talent. 

We compete and work with a variety of investors, 
ranging from local angel investors or seed funds, 
sector-specific venture funds, and special purpose 
permanent capital vehicles focused on specific 
universities for access to great innovation with 
significant commercial potential. In seeking 
opportunities, we benefit from relationships built over 
many years and our track record of success. Often, we 
will choose to collaborate on specific opportunities 
rather than compete. However, investing from our 
balance sheet often gives us competitive advantage 
over alternative investors. Each portfolio company also 
faces competition in its chosen market, or they are 
trying to build a new or emerging market or disrupt an 
existing market with a paradigm shift in technology.

The Group and our portfolio companies compete 
in the capital markets for the funds required to 
develop innovations into viable and compelling 
businesses. Earlier stage and development risk 
capital is a narrow sub-set of the broader capital 
markets. The key determining factors that impact on 
our ability to compete for capital are our long-term 
track record and the strength of our opportunity 
sourcing capability. 

Finally, we and our portfolio companies face 
increasing competition for the talent required to make 
our business model work. Fulfilling our ambition is 
entirely dependent on the quality of our people and 
we rely heavily on the calibre of our talent across a 
broad range of disciplines to deliver value for our 
shareholders. Developing global trends, sector and 
local market pressures all impact our and our portfolio 
companies’ ability to attract, retain and motivate 
talent. Our purpose positively differentiates us in this 
area, as does our strong and supportive culture. 

17

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.OUR STRATEGY.

Strategic objective

Our long-term vision is 
to build on our portfolio, 
track record and talent 
to play a leading role 
in tackling some of the 
world’s most significant 
unmet needs. Through 
this positive contribution, 
we aim to deliver 
market-leading returns 
on our portfolio and, as a 
result, deliver exceptional 
value for our shareholders 
and other stakeholders.

  Read about our business model  
on pages 14 to 15

18

IP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022

2022 strategic progress
As the leading investor in impactful early-stage 
innovation with a proven track record, differentiated 
access to innovation and deep sector expertise, we 
believe there is enormous opportunity for IP Group 
to deliver significant financial return through tackling 
some of the world’s most significant unmet needs. 
We will, of course, continue to work in partnership, 
particularly with providers of long-term capital.

Our strategy to deliver financial returns and impact 
is built around five strategic pillars – ‘accelerate 
value creation’; ‘have an impact on the world that 
counts’; ‘develop our unique insight, expertise and 
access’; ‘build a truly distinctive reputation’; and 
‘be a home for exceptional talent’ – underpinned 
by class-leading internal processes, services, and 
controls. The launch of our updated brand today is 
one element of that plan.

There are two distinct phases to our strategy. The 
first, from now to the end of 2025, will see us focus 
on ‘putting IP Group on the map’, aligned to our 
purpose (we accelerate the impact of science for a 
better future) and our vision (a future enhanced by 
the impact of transformative businesses we have 
identified, backed, and grown as long-term partners). 

Performance is essential and over the next 
three years, our strategic priorities comprise 
demonstrating tangible success through the most 
significant companies in our current portfolio, 
delivering measurable impact and financial returns 
for our shareholders and wider stakeholders and 
maintaining our financial strength by judiciously 
balancing investment as well as delivering 
realisations. We are also building our access to 
private capital, developing relationships with new 
capital providers, as we did this year with Phoenix 
Group, to leverage our differentiated deal flow. 

Our investment approach, the keystone of our overall 
approach, sees an increased focus of our capital 
and resource on thematic areas where we have 
experienced and specialist investment teams with 
track record and a clearly articulated approach to 
sourcing, growing, supporting and exiting businesses. 
Our technical acumen and sector insights are 
differentiators that enable us to more effectively 
judge the value of early-stage innovation. The Group 
is currently focused on businesses and opportunities 
that contribute to a healthier future (Life Sciences), a 
regenerative future (Cleantech) and a tech-enriched 
future (Deeptech). We see our flexible approach as a 
key advantage: we can back companies with longer 
time to market than more time-limited venture 
funds. We aim to initially hold sufficient equity to be 
an influential shareholder, typically taking a board 
seat and working closely with our portfolio company 
leadership teams. 

The launch in 2022 of Kiko Ventures, the Group’s 
wholly-owned platform dedicated to supporting 
transformative climate technology, was a clear 
example of this strategy. The Kiko team has delivered 
a strong track record, with a gross IRR of over 30% 
since the establishment of the Cleantech theme and 
more than £150m of gross realisations. The Group 
envisages investment of around £200m into this 
space over a five-year period. 

The Group, through its sector and geographic 
teams, will drive short- to medium-term returns 
via focusing resource and, where appropriate, 
capital onto fewer more developed existing ‘priority’ 
portfolio companies that have the potential 
to disproportionately impact our returns and 
underpin our self-sustaining model. We will also 
continue to curate a differentiated pipeline of 
future opportunities, using our combination of deep 
science expertise, networks and investment track 

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSBUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.OUR STRATEGY.

record to source and de-risk investments 
in early-stage companies. We will 
continue to be an active and influential 
shareholder, with Board presence on most 
of our most valuable companies. 

The strategy has also given consideration 
to which of our activities should be 
deemphasised or ceased. In the UK for 
example, having returned the technology 
transfer activities of Imperial College 
to the university in recent years, we 
no longer directly carry out university 
technology transfer activities. We do 
however remain very active in business 
building and backing the earliest 
innovations from universities, particularly 
through Parkwalk’s managed funds, as 
well as from the Group’s balance sheet. 
In North America, we have incubated a 
vehicle that is fit for being a leader in the 
US market, with deep relationships with 
a number of research institutions and 
a great team with years of experience 
of building science-based companies. 
However, the scale of US markets and 
research output suggest that the 
opportunity and capital requirement 
will be substantially larger than the UK 
market and we are now the largest 
strategic investor in the vehicle, Longview 
Innovation (formerly IP Group, Inc.), 
alongside blue-chip, long-term US capital 
providers, rather than being its sole 
funder. From a broader co-investment 
perspective, we have also deemphasised 
carrying out brokerage-style fund-
raising engagements for individual 
portfolio companies, instead refocusing 

the Group’s personnel and relationships 
towards strategic capital partnerships 
and managed funds, such as that with 
Hostplus in Australia. We will continue to 
review the Group’s business model in light 
of its evolved strategy. 

The quality of our team, and having the 
right combination of scientific rigour, 
venture experience and public market 
skills, is central to our ability to deliver. 
The talent and experience we have in the 
business, and that we aim to attract, will 
help drive higher returns. 

The second phase of our strategy, from 
2026 onwards, will see the Group having 
demonstrated significant value creation 
and a clear impact on key unmet needs; 
building from significant scale with a 
clear presence in sub-sector ecosystems 
and being recognised as a market leader.

I am confident that this approach strikes 
the right balance, building on the track 
record we have carefully built over the 
last 20 years with the additional ambition, 
focus and purpose that will generate 
success over the coming decade and 
beyond, maximising the potential for all 
the Group’s stakeholders.

Strategy pillars

During 2022 we reviewed our strategy to create a framework 
that will better support us to meet our long-term goals.  
The framework has five pillars:

Accelerating the impact 
of science for a better future.

A future enhanced by the impact of transformative 
businesses we have identified, backed and 
grown as long-term partners.

Have an 
impact on 
the world 
that counts.

Develop 
our unique 
insights, 
expertise 
and access.

Accelerate 
value 
creation.

Build a truly 
differentiated 
reputation.

Be a 
home for 
exceptional 
talent.

Deliver class-leading internal processes,  
services and controls.

19

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.OUR STRATEGY.

Strategy pillars

Link to KPIs Objectives for 2023

Have an 
impact on 
the world 
that counts

•  Ensure genuine impact is a core component of our 

processes

•  Focus on thematic areas driven by the intersection of 
commercial opportunity, societal need and IP Group’s 
distinctive strengths

•  Develop industry-leading impact measurement and 

reporting

•  Maintain and develop ethical investment framework and 

approach

03

05

08

•  Maintain or improve current 

outperforming position with rating 
agencies against sector benchmarks 

•  Further develop and apply impact 

measurement framework, including 
portfolio company specific KPIs

•  Convene and/or participate in impact 
and sustainable investment industry 
initiatives 

Develop 
our unique 
insight, 
expertise 
and access

•  Build significant knowledge, presence, and investments 
in thematic areas, maintaining deep relationships with 
innovators, institutions and capital providers

•  Continually develop aligned Group, sector and geographic 

investment strategies 

•  Capture, develop and share institutional insight and 

knowledge

05

08

•  Maintain deal flow of distinctive new 

opportunities

•  Build out sector insight, expertise and 

presence, e.g. through Kiko

•  Efficient capture, development and 
sharing of best practice across and 
among teams

Accelerate  
value 
creation

•  Drive short- to medium- term returns through priority portfolio 

companies that disproportionately impact returns and 
underpin the business model

•  Develop and apply capital allocation framework across sectors 

and geographies, maintaining financial strength through 
balancing investment, realisations and shareholder returns

01

02

03

04

06

07

•  Delivery of priority company milestones

•  Narrow discount between share price 

and NAV/share

• 

Increase managed and advised third-
party capital 

•  Further develop access to capital across the funding spectrum

•  Deliver investment returns and portfolio 

•  Explore bold ways of creating value

realisations

Build a truly 
distinctive 
reputation

•  Develop and maintain a distinctive and authentic brand for 

shareholders, founders and co-funders

•  Establish IP Group as an opinion leader in key ecosystems, 

including through sub-brands

05

06

09

•  Successfully launch new Group brand 

across relevant channels

•  Deliver extensive IR programme 
including flagship science event

•  Actively promote our financial and impact track record

Be a 
home for 
exceptional 
talent

•  Develop, nurture and grow our exceptional people, building 
and maintaining the quality of our relatively small team

08

09

•  Maintain an engaging, motivating employee offer that 

demonstrates our uniqueness

•  Strongly align remuneration with the achievement of our 

vision

•  Build our culture and values, celebrating diversity, inclusion, 
high-challenge/high-support and regenerating success

•  Source, retain and develop talent in 

key roles

•  Update new values

•  Deliver 2023 Inclusion and Diversity 
Project (IDP) masterplan objectives

•  Maintain high team engagement, 
including through IP Connect and 
‘Employee Executives’

20

KPIs KEY

01 NAV/share

02 Return 
on NAV

03 Total 

portfolio 

04 % return  

on portfolio

05 Portfolio 

investment

06 Proceeds from 
sale of equity 
investments and 
debt investments

07 Net 

overheads %

08 Number of 
new portfolio 
investments

09 Employee 

engagement 
and diversity

  Read about  
our KPIs on  
pages 44 to 45 

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE.

Overview of business performance including thematic focus and holdings
The performance of the Group’s business units is summarised below with further detail on the performance of each in the Portfolio Review.

All £m unless stated

Healthier future: Oxford Nanopore

Healthier future: Life Sciences

Tech-enriched future: Deeptech

Regenerative future: Kiko Ventures (Cleantech)

North America

Australia and New Zealand

Platform investments

Organic and De minimis

Total Net Portfolio

Attributable to third parties

Gross Portfolio

Invested Realisations

3.2

35.7

20.4

22.3

2.9

6.8

1.7

0.3

93.3

0.2

93.5

–

15.6

8.7

3.5

–

–

0.2

0.1

28.1

–

28.1

Net portfolio 
gain/(loss)

(369.7)

(41.8)

(18.0)

114.6

4.2

10.8

(4.3)

(3.5)

(306.7)

(2.4)

205.5

390.8

201.0

243.8

87.1

42.8

43.6

17.0

1,231.6

26.9

(309.1)

1,258.5

(65%)

(10%)

(8%)

111%

5%

43%

(9%)

(25%)

(21%)

(8%)

(21%)

Fair value at 
31 December 
2022

Simple 
return on 
capital (%)

During the next one to two years, the focus in each of our thematic areas is anticipated to be as follows: 

•  Healthier future: having consolidated the Life Sciences portfolio into 
approximately 20 ‘core’ holdings, there are eight companies that are 
targeting key clinical milestones, including Istesso, Mission Therapeutics, 
Akamis, Pulmocide and Crescendo. The team envisages focusing 
resource and capital to support the delivery of these milestones and 
driving commercial value for each company while also assessing an 
appropriate level of new opportunities. On the non-therapeutics side, 
delivering continued significant revenue growth is the focus for Oxford 
Nanopore and Hinge Health, with companies such as Genomics plc 
targeting commercial validation. 

•  Tech-enriched future: a number of our leading deeptech companies, 

such as Featurespace, Saltpay and Garrison are targeting value 
accretion through continued double-digit revenue growth, with earlier 
companies such as Diffblue, Audioscenic and Ultraleap seeking to grow 
early revenues. The team also continues to assess an appropriate level 
of new opportunities.

•  Regenerative future: the Kiko portfolio is in a period of asset number 

growth following the commitment of increased allocation to Cleantech 
last year. A focus for 2023 will be adding new companies to the portfolio, 
and there is a strong pipeline of opportunities sourced from university 
and team networks. Despite dry powder remaining in the market prices, 
are now starting to soften, and this will allow the Kiko team to take 
advantage of investment timing flexibility afforded by balance sheet 
capital. In the existing portfolio First Light Fusion plans to raise further 
capital following its inertial fusion result last year, and Hysata is expected 
to deliver significant technical progress de-risking its breakthrough new 
hydrogen electrolysis technology. 

21

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.BUSINESS PERFORMANCE.

Third-party fund management
The Group continues to view the 
management of third-party funds as 
an important element of our business 
model, and we now manage or advise 
approximately £700m in third-party 
capital across our Parkwalk, UK and 
Australian business units, an increase of 
more than 20% compared to 2021. 

Shareholder value creation, 
capital allocation and returns
The Board continues to recognise that 
share price volatility and the discount 
to NAV per share remains a major issue 
for shareholders and therefore remains 
focused on shareholder value creation, 
having introduced an updated approach 
during 2021. Under this approach, 
shareholder returns will continue to be 
driven primarily by long-term capital 
appreciation. Subject always to the 
Group’s capital allocation policy, the 
majority of cash realisations will be 
typically reinvested, and a proportion will 
now be used to deliver a cash return to 
shareholders. 

The Board remains committed to 
delivering a regular dividend income, 
which is intended to comprise a relatively 
small component of total shareholder 
return and will also continue to consider 
share buyback programmes and other 
capital return tools as realisations are 
generated from our portfolio. 

Accordingly, the Board has 
recommended a final dividend of 0.76p 
per share (2021: 0.72pps), to be approved 
at the Company’s forthcoming AGM, 
which would represent a total dividend for 
2022 of 1.26p (2021: 1.20pps). 

In addition, the Board will seek 
shareholder approval to renew the 
authority to purchase up to 10% of the 
Ordinary Shares in issue from the date of 
grant of the authority to the date of the 
Annual General Meeting in 2024.

Outlook
Support for science-based research 
and development is a key priority of 
the UK Government and governments 
in the other key territories in which we 
operate. With a proven track record, built 
over more than two decades, we firmly 
believe there is enormous opportunity to 
play an even greater role in the ‘science 
superpower/innovation nation’ agenda. 
We also continue to see increased 
interest in our main thematic areas and 
remain confident that investor appetite 
for growth companies will return. IP Group, 
which is a leading value-add backer 
of impactful early-stage innovation, is 
well financed with the right strategy and 
expertise to deliver growth and maximise 
value for all our stakeholders. 

Greg Smith
Chief Executive Officer
7 March 2023

22

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.PORTFOLIO REVIEW.

Overview
As of 31 December 2022, the value of the Group’s portfolio was £1,258.5m 
(2021: £1,507.5m) reflecting a net portfolio loss of £309.1m (2021: gain 
£499.2m). Cash invested during the year totalled £93.5m (2021: £106.8m) and 
cash from realisations totalled £28.1m (2021: £213.9m).

Investments and realisations
The Group deployed a total of £93.5m across 46 new and existing 
investments during the year (2021: £106.8m, 65 projects), versus realisations 
of £28.1m (2021: £213.9m), resulting in overall net investment for the year of 
£65.4m (2021: net realisations £109.7m).

The portfolio consists of interests in 95 companies (excluding de minimis 
and organic holdings), of which the top 20 by value comprise 76% of the 
portfolio value (2021: 100, 76%).

Fair value movements
A summary of the unrealised and realised fair value gains and losses is 
as follows:

Quoted equity & debt investments

Private equity & debt investments

Investments in Limited Partnerships 

Foreign exchange movements

Net portfolio (losses)/gains

2022 
£m

(428.5)

101.4

(6.4)

24.4

2021 
£m

286.4

206.3

1.8

4.7

(309.1)

499.2

A summary of the largest unrealised and realised fair value gains and 
losses by portfolio investment is as follows:

Gains

£m

Losses

£m

First Light Fusion Limited

57.3 Oxford Nanopore Technologies plc (369.7)

Largest investments and realisations by portfolio company:

Investments

Featurespace Limited

Istesso Limited

Bramble Energy Limited

Hysata Pty Ltd

Oxbotica Limited

Other

Total

£m

10.0

10.0

9.5

5.7

4.2

54.1

93.5

Cash Realisations

Diurnal Group plc
Reinfer Limited1

Nexeon Limited

Enterprise Therapeutics Holdings Ltd

Cambridge Innovation Capital Limited

Other

Total

£m

13.7

8.6

3.5

1.8

0.2

0.3

28.1

1  Plus, deferred consideration valued at £1.1m (2021: £23.9m) 

Deferred consideration estimated at £48.2m was outstanding at year 
end (2021: £42.3m), predominantly relating to the Group’s realisation of 
WaveOptics (£28.8m, exited in 2021), Enterprise Therapeutics (£12.5m, exited 
in 2020) and Kuur Therapeutics (£5.6m, acquired by Athenex in 2021).

Number of Investments

Oxbotica Limited

Nexeon Limited

Hysata Pty Ltd

Akamis Bio Limited1

Other quoted

Other private

Total

45.4 Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc

8.4

8.4

5.7

Diurnal Group plc

Import.IO, Inc.

Hinge Health, Inc.

0.3 Other quoted

59.5 Other private

185.0

Total

(14.8)

(13.7)

(10.4)

(9.9)

(42.0)

(33.6)

(494.1)

1 January 2022

Additions

Exited & acquired

Being closed/liquidated

Reclassified to de minimis 

31 December 2022

1  Previously called PsiOxus Therapeutics Limited

United 
Kingdom

North 
America

Australia 
& New 
Zealand

88

8

(3)

(3)

(9)

79

1

–

–

–

–

1

14

1

–

–

(2)

13

Total

103

9

(3)

(3)

(11)

95

23

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.PORTFOLIO REVIEW.

Co-investment analysis
Including the £89.8m of primary capital invested by the Group (the Group also invested £3.7m via secondary purchases), the 
Group’s portfolio raised approximately £1.0bn during 2022 (2021: £2.4bn). Co-investment from parties or funds with a greater than 1% 
shareholding in IP Group plc totalled £24.9m. An analysis of this co-investment by source is as follows:

Portfolio capital raised
IP Group1
IP Group managed funds2

IP Group plc shareholders (>1% holdings)

Institutional investors

Corporate, other EIS, individuals, universities and other

Capital into multi-sector platforms

Total

2022 

£m

89.8

35.6

24.9

249.7

364.0

250.0

1,014.0

2021

£m

102.6

9.9

147.1

648.4

1,473.3

25.1

%

9%

4%

2%

25%

35%

25%

100%

2,406.4

%

4%

0%

6%

27%

62%

1%

100%

1  Reflects primary 
investment only; 
during 2022 the Group 
invested £3.7m via 
secondary purchase 
of shares (2021: £1.1m).
Includes Parkwalk 
Advisors and other 
funds managed by 
IP Group.

2 

Portfolio analysis by sector
The Group splits its core opportunity evaluation, investment and business-building team into specialist divisions, Life Sciences, 
Deeptech and Cleantech within the UK, with geographically focused investment teams based in the United States and Australia.  
A small number of investments are categorised as strategic, which principally includes Oxford Nanopore Technologies, and portfolio 
companies, which also invest in other opportunities.

As at 31 December 2022

As at 31 December 2021

Fair value

Number

Fair value

Number

Sector

Healthier future: Oxford Nanopore 

Healthier future: Life Sciences

Tech-enriched future: Deeptech

Regenerative future: Cleantech

North America

Australia and New Zealand

Platform investments

Total

De minimis and organic holdings

Total portfolio
Attributable to third parties1

Gross portfolio

24

£m

205.5

390.8

201.0

243.8

87.1

42.8

43.6

1,214.6

17.0

1,231.6

26.9

1,258.5

%

17%

32%

17%

20%

7%

3%

4%

100%

1

33

28

15

1

13

4

95

%

1%

35%

29%

16%

1%

14%

4%

100%

£m

572.0

414.9

226.3

103.3

80.1

25.2

46.2

1,468.0

10.4

1,478.4

29.1

1,507.5

%

40%

28%

15%

7%

5%

2%

3%

100%

1

36

34

12

1

14

5

103

%

1%

35%

33%

12%

1%

14%

4%

100%

1  Amounts attributable 
to third parties consist 
of £13.9m attributable 
to minority interests 
represented by third-
party limited partners 
in the consolidated 
fund, IP Venture 
Fund II (2021: £16.0m), 
£12.2m attributable 
to Imperial College 
London (2021: 
£11.7m) and £0.8m 
attributable to other 
third parties (2021: 
£1.4m).

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.PORTFOLIO REVIEW.
HEALTHIER FUTURE: OXFORD NANOPORE

Greg Smith
Chief Executive Officer

While the IPO in October 2021 and after-market performance for the remainder of that year was a great 
success, providing fair value gains of £297m on 31 December 2021, shares in Oxford Nanopore performed less 
well throughout 2022, closing down 65%. We believe that this decline in price largely reflected the general 
investor uncertainty in global stock markets and the Life Science tools sector, rather than fundamental 
performance. In this respect, the company reported Life Sciences Research Tools (“LSRT”) revenue of £127m 
in 2021, representing a 94% increase over 2020, and increasing LSRT revenue guidance for 2022 to £145-160m 
from the previous £135-145m. Half-year LSRT revenue was £71m, up 34% year-on-year. This compares to US 
peers that reduced their growth guidance to less than 10% or withdrew it altogether. While the company’s 
trading update in January suggested full-year 2022 LSRT revenue of £147m, representing 16% growth and at 
the bottom end of the updated guidance range (£145-160m), we continue to consider that this represents 
stronger fundamental performance than the peers and we continue to believe in the long-term prospects 
for the company. 

Company name

Description

Oxford Nanopore 
Technologies plc

Enabling the analysis of any living thing, by 
any person, in any environment

Group 
Stake at 31 
December 
2022 
%

Net
investment/ 
(divestment)
£m

Unrealised 
+ realised 
fair value 
movement 
£m

Fair value
of Group
holding
at 31 
December 
2022 
£m

10.1%

3.2

(369.7)

205.5

Oxford Nanopore

Opening

Invested

Cash
Realised

Fair value
movement

Other

Closing

£0.0m

£205.5m

£572.0m

(£369.7m)

£3.2m

£0.0m

25

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.PORTFOLIO REVIEW.
HEALTHIER FUTURE: LIFE SCIENCES

Company name

Description

Istesso Limited

Hinge Health, Inc.

Ieso Digital Health 
Limited
Akamis Bio Limited2

Reprogramming metabolism to treat 
autoimmune disease

The World’s First Digital Clinic for Back 
and Joint Pain

Digital therapeutics for psychiatry

Gene and viral therapies for cancer

Crescendo Biologics 
Limited

Biologic therapeutics eliciting the 
immune system against solid tumours

Artios Pharma Limited Novel oncology therapies

Mission Therapeutics 
Limited

Targeting deubiquitylating enzymes for 
the treatment of CNS and mitochondrial 
disorders

Microbiotica Limited

Gut-microbiome based therapeutics 
and diagnostics

Oxular Limited

Treatments and delivery technology for 
sight-threatening diseases

Other companies 
(24 companies)

Total

Group 
Stake at 31 
December 
20221 
%

Net 
investment/ 
(divestment) 
£m

Unrealised 
+ realised 
fair value 
movement 
£m

Fair value 
of Group 
holding 
at 31 
December 
2022 
£m

56.4%

10.0

1.8%

32.1%

25.0%

14.6%

7.1%

18.4%

18.0%

25.6%

–

–

–

–

–

2.7

4.1

1.3

–

(9.9)

–

5.7

–

0.4

–

1.7

–

(9.9)

(39.7)

95.6

53.6

21.8

21.2

18.7

18.3

18.1

16.1

15.9

111.5

8.2

(41.8)

390.8

1  Represents the Group’s undiluted beneficial economic equity interest (excluding debt), including only the Group’s portion of IPVF II. Voting 

interest is below 50%.

2  Previously called PsiOxus Therapeutics Limited.

Dr Sam Williams
Managing Partner, Life Sciences

IP Group’s Life Sciences 
portfolio comprises 
holdings in 33 companies 
valued at £391m at 
31 December 2022.

26

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.PORTFOLIO REVIEW. 
HEALTHIER FUTURE: LIFE SCIENCES

During the year, the value of the portfolio declined 
by 10%, driven largely by declines in the share prices 
of the division’s publicly listed stocks, with Diurnal 
declining £13.7m, Centessa down £14.8m and 
Athenex down £7.2m. These declines reflected both 
fundamental performance/pipeline setback and 
broader investor uncertainty towards the public 
biotech sector. While we are passive investors in 
Centessa and Athenex, with no representation on 
the board of either company, we exercised our 
more active role in Diurnal by supporting a strategic 
process which led to a sale of the business to 
Neurocrine for 27.5p/share in November, returning 
£13.7m to the Group. While we are disappointed with 
the overall performance of Diurnal since flotation in 
2015, we believe the sale to Neurocrine represents a 
reasonably satisfactory outcome given the situation 
the company found itself in during 2022, which 
involved a precipitous decline in the share price 
following pricing and reimbursement setbacks for the 
company’s largest potential product, Efmody. 

Elsewhere, we saw considerable progress across the 
portfolio, with Istesso initiating its Phase 2b study of 
MBS2320 in rheumatoid arthritis (“RA”) and receiving 
Fast Track designation for the drug in idiopathic 
pulmonary fibrosis (“IPF”). Recruitment into the RA 
study is ongoing while a Phase 2 in IPF could start in 
2023. The Group showed its continuing support for 
this core asset by way of a £10m investment during 
the year. 

Hinge Health continues to significantly grow revenues 
and expand its customer base. The company raised 
a $400m Series E round in October 2021 at a $5.8bn 
company valuation, led by Coatue Management 
and Tiger Global. However, considering public 
market performance in the first half of 2022 we 
engaged a third-party valuation specialist to assess 
the company’s current value. We have valued our 
holding to the low-end of their suggested valuation 

range, a 27% reduction to the Series E price, which 
equates to a £17.0m reduction in the value of the 
Group’s holding. This was partially offset by FX gains, 
resulting in a net £9.9m decrease in the carrying 
value of our investment.

There have been some significant developments 
at several of our other key portfolio names, 
including Microbiotica’s £50m Series B financing 
and Crescendo Biologics’ $750m collaboration with 
BioNTech, which is designed to combine Crescendo’s 
Humabody technology with BioNtech’s mRNA 
platform in the creation of novel therapeutic agents. 

We are pleased to have made several new 
investments during the year, including £3.5m 
into a Series A financing for GripAble, an Imperial 
College-originated company developing digitally 
enabled rehabilitation programmes and devices 
for people with neurological and musculoskeletal 
conditions, and Kynos, an Edinburgh University 
spinout developing novel drugs against kynurenine 
3-monooxygenase (“KMO”), a pivotal enzyme in 
the mediation of autoimmunity and cancer. In 
addition, the Group invested £2.4m into Abliva AB, 
a Stockholm-listed biotech company developing 
novel agents for the treatment of rare mitochondrial 
diseases. Abliva’s lead drug, KL1333, has been 
approved by the FDA to enter a potentially pivotal 
study in primary mitochondrial disease (“PMD”) 
and the company’s recent c.£16m financing round, 
in which the Group participated, is designed to 
enable the company to reach a key inflexion point 
in this study. There are currently 14 companies in the 
portfolio that have drugs in clinical trials.

During 2023, we expect key data for several of our 
companies’ clinical studies to drive valuation, new 
financings and/or possible business development 
activity, including that for Crescendo, Akamis Bio 
and Mission.

27

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.PORTFOLIO REVIEW. 
HEALTHIER FUTURE: LIFE SCIENCES

The below table summarises the Life Sciences therapeutics portfolio by stage of lead programme, split by therapeutic area.

IP GROUP
VALUE £M* COMPANY

PRE-CLINICAL

PHASE 1

PHASE 2

PHASE 3

THERAPEUTICS

Oncology

18.3

18.7

8.3

21.2

12.3

16.1

Inflammation

95.6

18.1

15.9

2.5

14.7

7.8

Other

Artios Pharma1

Crescendo Biologics

Storm Therapeutics

Akamis Bio

Iksuda Therapeutics

Microbiotica

Istesso
Mission Therapeutics2
Oxular3

Kynos

Pulmocide

Enterprise Therapeutics

*  Based on valuation of IP Group’s stake in company at 31/12/22, including debt where applicable.
1  Artios announced the initiation of Phase 2 trial in Feb 2023.
2  Mission Therapeutics announced the completion of Phase 1 trial in Jan 2023. 
3  Oxular announced the acceptance of IND in Jan 2023. 

Life Sciences portfolio

Opening

Invested

Cash
Realised

Fair value
movement

Other

Closing

28

£412.2m

£35.6m

(£15.6m)

(£41.8m)

£0.4m

£390.8m

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.PORTFOLIO REVIEW.
TECH-ENRICHED FUTURE: DEEPTECH

The IP Group Deeptech portfolio covers a breadth of areas aimed at delivering value through growing 
trailblazing companies that enable and secure the digital economy, create new human capability, and 
generate prosperity for all in four key focus areas: Applied Artificial Intelligence, Next Generation Networks, 
Human-Machine Interfaces and Future Computing.

Mark Reilly
Managing Partner,  
Technology

IP Group’s Technology 
portfolio comprises 
holdings in 28 companies 
valued at £201m at 
31 December 2022.

Company name

Description

Featurespace Limited

Leading predictive analytics 
company

Ultraleap Holdings Limited

Contactless haptic technology 

Garrison Technology Limited "feeling without touching"

20.5

17.0

23.4

Salt Pay Co. Limited

Other companies  
(24 companies)

Total

Anti-malware solutions for 
enterprise cyber defences

Not 
disclosed

Group 
Stake at 31 
December 
20221 
%

Net 
investment/ 
(divestment) 
£m

Unrealised 
+ realised 
fair value 
movement 
£m

Fair value 
of Group 
holding 
at 31 
December 
2022 
£m

64.1

31.0

27.7

16.5

61.7

10.0

–

–

–

2.6

(4.5)

2.0

(8.1)

(0.3)

(10.0)

9.7

(18.0)

201.0

1  Represents the Group’s undiluted beneficial economic equity interest (excluding debt), including only the Group’s portion of IPVF II. Voting 

interest is below 50%.

2022 was a challenging year in the global technology sector as public technology markets declined and the 
rate of private investment slowed. Median revenue multiples in the European listed venture sector fell steeply 
from 18.6x to 5.4x.

Considering this, we have been prudent in reducing the holding value of some of our larger assets simply 
to reflect the fact that external comparators and benchmarks imply a lower market valuation. That is not to 
say that those companies are experiencing unexpected difficulties. On the contrary, our top four portfolio 
companies, which make up 70% of the value of the £200.4m Deeptech portfolio, continue to perform very well 
on the commercial front and each is delivering revenue growth. Featurespace, Ultraleap, Garrison and Saltpay 
all posted double-digit year-on-year revenue growth, whilst the sale of Re:Infer to global leader UiPath was a 
stand-out success, delivering an Internal Rate of Return on our investment of 29%.

Our most valuable asset holding, Artificial Intelligence fraud prevention company Featurespace, continues 
to go from strength-to-strength in terms of revenue growth and securing new blue-chip customers. The 
company is now at a scale where it is having a substantial positive impact on society, protecting millions of 
consumers from experiencing the catastrophic effects of fraud and defending our global banking systems. 
The value of our 20.5% holding in Featurespace increased in value by £2.6m over the period and we have 
strong expectations for further growth in this asset as it expands its customer base.

29

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.PORTFOLIO REVIEW. 
TECH-ENRICHED FUTURE: DEEPTECH

On the less positive side, some of our lower value holdings 
felt the effects of market headwinds and, in some cases, 
commercial setbacks. Mirriad, which uses AI to place 
advertising naturally into video content, saw its share price 
fall despite announcing an 800% increase in US campaign 
revenues for the 2021 holiday season compared to 2020. The 
other major losses this year came in the form of a significant 
write down in the value of our holding in Import.io due to 
shifting market conditions severely affecting the company’s 
commercial position, and an £8.1m reduction in the value of 
our holding in payment processing company SaltPay, where 
macroeconomic and scaling challenges led to some short-term 
underperformance which triggered a downwards valuation 
adjustment (albeit we remain confident of this company’s 
long-term prospects).

Our second largest holding, world-leading hand tracking and 
haptics company Ultraleap, continues to make good progress 
following its £60m series D funding round in 2021. The company, 
which is enabling intuitive, touchless gesture control in AR/VR, 
interactive kiosks, digital out-of-home and automotive, delivered 
healthy revenue growth over the period and continues to gain 
traction with enterprise customers that have the potential to 
deliver significant royalty revenue through integration of the 
Ultraleap technology into consumer products. In an important 
milestone, the Lynx R1 Augmented Reality headset, which 
incorporates Ultraleap hand tracking technology, has now 
begun shipping to customers.

Our third largest holding, Garrison Cybersecurity, which powers 
enterprise-wide protection from phishing attacks and malware, 
had a very strong year with healthy revenue growth powered 
by good traction with US and UK governmental customers. The 
company also launched its Garrison Ultra product, which allows 
customers to access their technology using a cloud delivery 
model, which should add further to the bottom line.

Other major highlights in the portfolio in 2022 included the sale 
of University College London spin-out Re:Infer. This company, 
which uses machine learning technology to interpret massive 
volumes of conversational data and identify efficiencies through 
automating processes, was sold to the global market leader 
in Robotic Process Automation, UiPath, yielding £8.6m cash 
proceeds to IP Group and delivering an Internal Rate of Return on 
our investment of 29.0%.

30

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.PORTFOLIO REVIEW. 
TECH-ENRICHED FUTURE: DEEPTECH

The below table summarises a selection of the larger investments in the Deeptech portfolio by size of revenues, split by sub-sector. 

TECH-ENRICHED 
FUTURE

IP GROUP
VALUE £M COMPANY

PRE-REVENUE
(<£1M)

EARLY REVENUE 
(£1M–£10M)

OVER 
£10M REVENUE

OVER £20M 
REVENUE

Applied AI

Next Generation 
Networks

Human 
Machine 
Interface

Future 
Compute

Other

64.1

5.5

3.1

1.5

27.7

8.5

0.8

37.9

2.0

4.6

3.9

3.5

1.3

16.5

Featurespace

Diffblue

Navenio

Monolith

Garrison

Accelercomm

Quantum Dice

Ultraleap

Slamoore Slamcore

Audioscenic

Quantum Motion

Intrinsic Semiconductors Technologies

Lumai

Saltpay

*  Based on valuation of IP Group’s stake in company at 31/12/22, including debt where applicable.
1  Artios announced the initiation of Phase 2 trial in Feb 2023.
2  Mission Therapeutics announced the completion of Phase 1 trial in Jan 2023. 
3  Oxular announced the acceptance of IND in Jan 2023. 

Deeptech portfolio

Opening

Invested

Cash
Realised

Fair value
movement

Other

Closing

£213.2m

(£8.7m)

£20.4m

(£18.0m)

(£5.9m)

£201.0m

31

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.PORTFOLIO REVIEW.
REGENERATIVE FUTURE: KIKO VENTURES (CLEANTECH)

Company name

Description

First Light Fusion Limited

Oxbotica Limited

Solving fusion with the simplest 
possible machine

Software to enable every vehicle to 
become autonomous

Bramble Energy Limited

The fuel cell company with 
Gigafactories

Silicon anodes for next generation 
lithium-ion batteries

Nexeon Limited

Other companies  
(11 companies)

Total

Group 
Stake at 31 
December 
20221 
%

Net 
investment/ 
(divestment) 
£m

Unrealised 
+ realised 
fair value 
movement 
£m

Fair value 
of Group 
holding at  
31 December 
2022 
£m

27.5

12.1

31.5

5.5

–

4.2

9.5

(3.5)

8.5

18.7

57.3

45.4

3.5

8.4

–

114.6

114.5

65.9

20.7

16.3

26.4

243.8

1  Represents the Group’s undiluted beneficial economic equity interest (excluding debt), including only the Group’s portion of IPVF II. Voting 

interest is below 50%.

We were delighted to launch Kiko Ventures, the 
Group’s first sector-specific investment platform 
dedicated to cleantech, in 2022. With Kiko we are 
demonstrating our strategy to increasingly focus 
our capital and resource on the opportunities that 
we consider to represent the most attractive risk/
reward and our commitment to action on climate 
change with a substantial investment budget of 
approximately £200m over the next five years. Kiko is 
a wholly owned IP Group platform, with our Cleantech 
team continuing to manage existing Cleantech 
assets and make new investments in this dynamic 
space. Kiko is differentiated from other climate 
investors by its ability to leverage the Group balance 
sheet to be an evergreen venture investor, providing 
flexibility that is very useful in the development 
of clean energy and other climate solutions and 
creating long-term alignment with climate tech 
entrepreneurs. Our Cleantech team has delivered a 
gross IRR of over 30% since the establishment of the 
Cleantech theme and gross exit proceeds of over 
£160m. The team, led by partners Robert Trezona, 

Jamie Vollbracht and Arne Morteani, will, under the 
Kiko Ventures brand, continue to support and build 
category-leading companies in the field as well as 
managing the existing Cleantech portfolio, which 
was valued at over £175m at launch.

Global investment in cleantech reached an all-
time high of $40bn in 2021 and events during 2022 
have further increased momentum for new energy 
technologies. We intend to capitalise on this market 
with Kiko as the world’s first evergreen cleantech 
investor, leveraging the flexibility enabled by the 
Group’s balance sheet capital. This evergreen 
structure provides exceptional flexibility and 
strong, long-term alignment with climate tech 
entrepreneurs. Kiko Ventures’ portfolio performance 
has been strong in 2022, primarily because of 
progress in First Light Fusion and Oxbotica. The value 
of the Kiko portfolio more than doubled in 2022, 
from £114.8m to £245.8m, reflecting net investment 
of £19.2m and a fair value increase of £111.6m. In 
addition, the portfolio has been expanded with 
investments in five new cleantech companies.

From Left to right: 

Robert Trezona,  
Arne Morteani,  
Jamie Vollbracht
Founding Partners, Kiko Ventures.

The Kiko Ventures 
portfolio comprises 
holdings in 15 companies 
valued at £244m at 
31 December 2022.

32

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT. 
 
PORTFOLIO REVIEW. 
REGENERATIVE FUTURE: KIKO VENTURES (CLEANTECH)

In April, First Light Fusion announced that it had 
achieved fusion, the first time that the reaction 
has been demonstrated using projectile-based 
inertial confinement. First Light achieved their 
result having spent less than £45m, and with 
a rate of performance improvement faster 
than any other fusion scheme in history. The 
result led to a revaluation of our stake in the 
company, and based on recent comparatives 
and third-party valuation, the Group recorded 
a net fair value gain of £57.3m. Including our 
participation in the Company’s (pre-fusion) 
Series C funding round, the Kiko Ventures stake 
in First Light is now valued at £114.5m. Following 
its fusion breakthrough, the company is working 
with UBS Investment Bank to raise a substantial 
Series D to take the technology towards a 
demonstration of gain (net energy generation). 
If successful, this would be one of the biggest-
ever funding rounds by a British energy start-up. 
In December 2022 researchers at the National 
Ignition Facility (“NIF”) at the Lawrence Livermore 
labs announced that they had achieved gain 
using inertial confinement, the same underlying 
physics as First Light. Gain from inertial fusion 
has significant implications for the fusion sector, 
and for First Light in particular. First Light’s 
approach leverages the physics now proven by 
NIF but uses new engineering that can achieve a 
competitive cost for energy generation. Pursuing 
inertial fusion using a projectile - instead of the 
expensive ($4bn) laser used by NIF - is simpler, 
lower-cost and has an easier pathway to a 
power plant.

In December, Kiko company Oxbotica, a global 
leader in autonomous vehicle software, raised 
$140m (£115m) in a Series C investment round. 
Kiko supported the round with an investment 
of £4.2m joined by other investors including 
bp ventures, Hostplus, Ocado Group, Tencent 

and ZF. The Series C takes total funds raised by 
Oxbotica to $225m. The new funding will drive 
Oxbotica’s geographical expansion in North 
America, EMEA and APAC, and accelerate the 
deployment of its autonomy operating system 
in domains such as agriculture, airports, energy, 
goods delivery, mining and shared passenger 
transportation. The Group recorded a net fair 
value gain of approximately £45m following the 
round. Parkwalk, IP Group’s wholly owned EIS fund 
manager, has also invested £9.9m in Oxbotica to 
date on behalf of its clients.

Other significant transactions included fund 
raises for Bramble Energy, Nexeon and Hysata. 
In February, hydrogen fuel cell company 
Bramble completed a £35m Series B with 
Kiko committing approximately £10m, one of 
the Group’s largest cleantech investments to 
date. Nexeon, an Imperial College spin-out 
developing materials for lithium-ion battery 
anodes, also raised significant funding in this 
period with a strategic consortium led by SKC 
investing $80m (£67m) in the company, which 
led to an £8.4m increase in the fair value of our 

Kiko Ventures portfolio

holding. Kiko also invested alongside IP Group 
Australia in hydrogen electrolyser company 
Hysata. In August, the company completed an 
oversubscribed $A42.5m (£24.3m) Series A round, 
of which £5.1m was committed by Kiko. Funds will 
be used to develop a pilot manufacturing facility 
aimed at delivering the world’s lowest cost green 
hydrogen. Hysata is developing a completely 
new type of electrolyser using the world’s most 
efficient electrolysis cell. The Hysata electrolyser 
operates at 95% system efficiency (41.5 kWh/kg), 
delivering a leap in performance and cost over 
incumbent technologies, which typically operate 
at 75% or less. We also made five investments in 
new companies in the period across a range of 
cleantech application areas from heat pumps to 
green ammonia.

In less welcome developments, we took an 
impairment totalling £3.5m in three of the smaller 
assets in the Kiko portfolio. These followed 
setbacks in commercial progress and in two 
cases strategic interest from a large corporate 
falling away.

Opening

Invested

Cash
Realised

Fair value
movement

Other

Closing

£109.9m

£22.3m

(£3.5m)

£114.6m

£243.8m

£0.5m

33

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.PORTFOLIO REVIEW.
NORTH AMERICA

The Group’s activities in North America are 
carried out through a 58% strategic holding 
in a dedicated evergreen fund which we 
formed as a wholly-owned subsidiary in 
2013 and deconsolidated in 2021 following 
its incubation within the Group. The Group’s 
holding is now treated as a single investment 
in our financial statements. 2022 was a 
strong year for the North American platform. 
The team announced five external funding 
rounds totalling more than $111m from new 
and existing blue-chip institutional investors. 
The platform’s investment and operational 
teams were strengthened to support 
growth. This year saw the resumption of 
the annual Hard Science Innovation Forum 
in-person in Philadelphia, which hosted a 
series of informative panels and portfolio 
presentations to an audience that included 
investors, partners, and founders. Following 
its deconsolidation from the Group and 
concurrent with the overall rebranding, 
the platform has changed its name to 
Longview Innovation.

The developments within Longview 
Innovation’s portfolio include:

Carisma Therapeutics, Inc. entered into 
a definitive merger agreement with 
publicly traded Sesen Bio, Inc., an all-stock 
transaction. Carisma shareholders will own 
over 75% of the combined company, which 
will remain listed on the NASDAQ following 
completion. Sesen Bio will be contributing 
approximately $70 million to the combined 
company, while Carisma and its investors 
will be contributing approximately $74 million, 
including $30 million from concurrent 
financing by Carisma, which is expected 
to fund the combined company through 

34

multiple potential value inflection points over the 
next 18 months.

Exyn Technologies, Inc. completed a $35 million 
Series B round led by Reliance Industries. Exyn will 
utilize this investment to expand its global footprint 
into India, Latin America, Australia, and Africa and 
build out its new market verticals. 

As it looks to 2023, Longview Innovation is 
seeing encouraging interest in its platform 
from institutional investors, despite anticipated 
economic headwinds and is well-positioned to 
continue to make transformative investments. 

Company name

Description

MOBILion Systems, Inc.

A platform technology for conducting ion mobility 
separations with lossless ion transfer and manipulation

Carisma Therapeutics, Inc.

Cancer immunotherapy treatments

Uniformity Labs, Inc.

Equipment, materials, and software for additive manufacturing

Exyn Technologies, Inc.

Unmanned aerial systems

Other companies (26 companies)

Total

North America portfolio

Opening

Invested

Cash
Realised

Fair value
movement

Other

Closing

Fair value of  
Group holding at  
31 December 20221 
£m

20.4

13.8

13.6

13.3

26.0

87.1

£80.0m

£2.9m

£0.0m

£4.2m

£0.0m

£87.1m

1  Represents the Group’s undiluted beneficial economic equity interest (excluding debt), including only the Group’s interest in 

IPG Cayman LP, which is no longer consolidated. Voting interest is below 50%.

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.PORTFOLIO REVIEW.
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

In Australia and New Zealand, the Group has 
continued to make strong progress across the 
portfolio and building third-party funds under 
management. The Australian portfolio delivered a 
net fair value uplift of £10.8m which included major 
funding rounds at Hysata, AMSL Aero and Additive 
Assurance alongside write-downs in a small number 
of assets, and the portfolio is now valued at a total 
of £42.8m. The pipeline of opportunities from our 
partnership with the Group of Eight and Auckland 
Universities continues to be strong. We believe that 
the platform is well-positioned for continued growth 
and returns over the next 3-5 years. 

The ANZ portfolio now stands at 13 portfolio 
companies with an active pipeline of prospective 
investments, with a number achieving significant 
operational and financial milestones. Hysata 
continued to make strong progress in the 
development of its novel capillary-fed electrolyser 
with market-leading efficiency, announcing 
major additions to its team including former 
Chief Commercial Officer of BHP Dean Dalla Valle 

Australia and New Zealand portfolio

Opening

Invested

Cash
Realised

Fair value
movement

Other

Closing

Michael Molinari
Managing Director,  
IP Group Australia

The ANZ portfolio now 
stands at 13 portfolio 
companies with an active 
pipeline of prospective 
investments, with a 
number achieving 
significant operational 
and financial milestones. 

as Chair, and former Australian Chief Scientist Alan 
Finkel to Chair the Global Advisory Council. These 
announcements follow on from the A$42.5m Series 
A funding round announced in July. AMSL Aero, 
the developer of the world’s most efficient eVTOL, 
announced an A$23m Series B funding round led by 
St Baker Energy Innovation Fund. Additive Assurance 
announced an A$4.1m funding round to continue the 
commercial development of its product providing 
quality assurance for additive manufacturing.

£25.2m

£6.8m

£0.0m

£10.8m

£0.0m

£42.8m

35

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.PORTFOLIO REVIEW.
PLATFORM INVESTMENTS

IP Group’s Platform Investments 
portfolio comprises holdings 
in two companies and two 
interests in Limited Partnerships, 
valued at £43.6m at 
31 December 2022.

The Platform Investments portfolio contains holdings in multi-sector platform companies that operate in 
a similar way to IP Group, but focus on a specific university, such as OSE and CIC, and the UCL Technology 
Fund (“UCL”) all three of which IP Group was a founding investor of. As at 31 December 2022, IP Group has 
a 1.8% holding in OSE valued at £20.6m and a 1.0% holding in CIC valued at £3.5m (2021: 2.3%, £23.3m, 0.9%, 
£2.7m), and a 46.7% stake in the UCL fund, valued at £16.9m (2021: 46.7%, £17.7m).

Company name

Description

Group 
Stake at 31 
December 
20221 
%

Net 
investment/ 
(divestment) 
£m

Unrealised 
+ realised 
fair value 
movement 
£m

Fair value 
of Group 
holding 
at 31 
December 
2022 £m

Oxford Science Enterprises plc University of Oxford preferred 

1.8

IP partner under 15-year 
framework agreement

Interest in UCL Technology 
Fund L.P.

Commercialising world class 
research from UCL

46.7

Other companies  
(2 companies/LPs)

Total

-

1.7

–

1.7

(2.7)

20.6

(2.6)

1.0

16.9

6.1

(4.3)

43.6

1  Represents the Group’s undiluted beneficial economic equity interest (excluding debt), including only the Group’s portion of IPVF II. 

Voting interest is below 50%.

36

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.PORTFOLIO REVIEW.
THIRD-PARTY FUND MANAGEMENT

Moray Wright
CEO, Parkwalk Advisors

Parkwalk, the Group’s 
specialist EIS fund 
management subsidiary, 
now has assets under 
management of £477m 
(2021: £388m) including 
alumni funds managed 
in conjunction with the 
universities of Oxford, 
Cambridge, Bristol, and 
Imperial College London. 

We are aiming to continue growing the level of 
funds under management in the coming years. 
As of 1 January 2023, we have appointed Joyce 
Xie as Managing Director, Global Capital, to lead 
the Group’s strategic capital initiatives with global 
capital partners and further build our third-party 
funds platform.

Parkwalk Advisors
Parkwalk, the Group’s specialist EIS fund 
management subsidiary, now has assets under 
management of £477m (2021: £388m) including 
alumni funds managed in conjunction with the 
universities of Oxford, Cambridge, Bristol, and 
Imperial College London. Parkwalk raised £64m in 
2022 compared with £76m in 2021 (which was a 
record year for the firm), despite somewhat difficult 
global macroeconomic conditions and some UK-
specific issues with both government and tax rate 
changes. A particularly strong fundraising in Q1 
helped the year overall. Parkwalk invested £57.4m in 
2022 compared with £52.2m in 2021 and Parkwalk EIS 
Funds returned £21.9m to investors during 2022 from 
three exits, generating returns of between 3x and 10x 
(excluding EIS reliefs), and several companies were 
written off. The firm has now generated cash returns 
to investors of more than £120m since inception.

In March 2022 Parkwalk closed its second HMRC-
approved Knowledge Intensive EIS Fund, and the first 
Knowledge Intensive EIS Fund was fully invested by 
May 2022.

Parkwalk invested £57.4m in 2022 (HY22: £38.0m; 2021: 
£52.2m) in the university spin-out sector across 31 
companies (2021: 40 investments). Beauhurst named 
Parkwalk as the most active investor in the sector. 
In November Parkwalk won ‘Best EIS Investment 
Manager’ at the Growth Investor Awards.

Ten new companies joined the Parkwalk portfolio, 
and three successful exits were achieved generating 
returns of between 3x and 10x. Parkwalk has now 
generated over £120m in realisations for investors 
in total. Several portfolio companies were wound 
down over the year. Fifteen portfolio companies 
closed funding rounds at uplifts in valuation, one 
unchanged and two at lower valuations than 
previously held value. The portfolio raised in excess of 
£350m in funding this year.

Through Parkwalk, we liaised closely with BEIS, 
HMT and HMRC on the financial ecosystem for 
knowledge-intensive spinout companies and the UK 
Government’s ‘science superpower’ agenda.

Australia
We were pleased to announce the commitment 
of a further A$100m from Hostplus late in the year, 
reflecting the strong performance of the existing 
portfolio and potential for further growth. The Group 
now manages a total of (A$310m) on behalf of 
Hostplus. The IP Group HostPlus Innovation Fund has 
invested in several of IP Group’s portfolio companies 
in Australia and around the world, providing additive 
growth capital for companies as they scale. We also 
continue to extend our relationship with TelstraSuper 
through a co-investment mandate.

Greater China
In China, we expect the first close of Fund I from ICCV, 
our Joint Venture with China Everbright in the first half 
of 2023. 

37

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.CFOO REVIEW.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT.

OUR GOVERNANCE

OUR FINANCIALS

•  Loss for the period of (£344.5m) 

(2021: profit of £449.3m)

•  Net assets were £1,376.1m (2021: £1,738.1m)

•  Net assets per share were 132.9p 

(2021: 167p)

•  Final 2022 dividend of 0.76pps and 2022 

interim dividend of 0.5pps

•  New debt placing of £120m agreed 

primarily with Phoenix Group 

Financial results
As at 31 December, the Group’s Net Asset Value was £1,376.1m, or 132.9p per share, 
compared with £1,738.1m, or 167.0p per share, at 31 December 2021. IP Group’s 
public portfolio recorded a fair value reduction of £428.5m in the year (2021: 
gain of £286.4m), of which £369.7m related to the fall in the share price of Oxford 
Nanopore Technologies plc (2021: gain of £297.1m). In the private portfolio, the 
Group has seen fair value gains of £108.6m (2021: £206.3m). Overall, the Group 
therefore recorded a net loss of £344.5m in the period (2021: profit of £449.3m).

At year end, IP Group had gross cash and deposits of £241.5m (2021: 321.9m), 
having deployed £93.5m of capital during the year including investments into 
portfolio companies Istesso Ltd (£10m) and Bramble Ltd (£9.5m) as well as several 
smaller size investments into current and new opportunities across all three of 
our thematic areas.

The prevailing market conditions also impacted realisations which reduced to 
£28.1m from a record of £213.9m in 2021. The Group closed the year with net cash 
(i.e., gross cash and deposits less borrowings) of £160.1m (2021: £270.0m).

A strong financial position, with 
£242m of gross cash, £60m of 
undrawn debt and a further 
£229m of listed securities giving 
total potential liquidity of over 
£0.5bn. Delighted to secure a new 
relationship with Phoenix Group 
as long-term capital partners.

David Baynes
CFOO

38

IP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022

CFOO REVIEW.

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
A summary analysis of the Group’s performance is provided below:

Net portfolio (loss)/gain1
Net overheads2

Administrative expenses – consolidated portfolio companies 

Loss on disposal of subsidiary

Administrative expenses –share-based payments charge

Carried interest plan provision charge

Net finance income/(expense)

Taxation

(Loss)/profit for the year

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive (loss)/profit for the year

Exclude:

Share-based payment charge
Return on NAV1

Year 
ended 31 
December 
2022 
£m

Year 
ended 31 
December 
2021 
£m

(309.1)

(20.2)

(0.1)

-

(2.9)

(12.0)

0.8

(1.0)

(344.5)

0.5

(344.0)

2.9

(341.1)

499.2

(19.5)

(0.1)

(3.8)

(2.6)

(17.2)

(1.4)

(5.3)

449.3

0.3

449.6

2.6

452.2

1  Defined in note 29 Alternative Performance Measures. 
2  See net overheads table below and definition in note 29 Alternative Performance Measures.

Net portfolio gains/(losses) consist primarily of realised and unrealised fair value gains and losses from the Group’s equity and debt 
holdings in spin-out businesses, which are analysed in detail in the portfolio analysis from page 23. 

Net overheads

Other income

Administrative expenses – all other expenses

Administrative expenses – annual incentive scheme

Net overheads

Year 
ended 31 
December 
2022 
£m

Year 
ended 31 
December 
2021 
£m

7.1 

(24.3)

(3.0)

(20.2)

13.6

(28.3)

(4.8) 

(19.5) 

39

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.CFOO REVIEW.

Other income
Other income comprises fund management fees and licensing 
and patent income. In 2022 other income totalled £7.1m (2021: 
£13.6m), a decrease from 2021, primarily due to a £3.3m decrease 
in performance fees in respect of third-party funds managed 
within our Australian business, a £1.4m decrease in fund 
management revenues within Parkwalk, and a £1.3m decrease 
in revenues from the Group’s patent and license portfolio. 
Across all three areas, these decreases were largely because 
of the strong revenues delivered in 2021, which have reverted to 
average levels in 2022.

Carried interest plan charge
The carried interest plan charge of £12.0m (2021: £17.2m charge) 
relates to the recalculation of liabilities under the Group’s 
carry schemes. As at 31 December 2022, 67% of the Group’s 
equity & debt investments were included within carry scheme 
arrangements (2021: 44.8%). The liabilities are calculated based 
upon any excess of current fair value above cost and hurdle 
rate of return within each scheme or vintage. Any payments 
will only be made following the full achievement of cost and 
hurdle via cash realisations and are only paid on the event of a 
cash realisation. 

Other central administrative expenses
Other central administrative expenses, excluding performance-
based staff incentives and share-based payments charges, 
have reduced by £3.9m from the prior year to £24.4m (2021: 
£28.3m). Most of this reduction resulted from the deconsolidated 
of the US division, whose cost base was £4.0m in 2021, this 
reduction has been partially offset by other inflationary cost 
increases and some increases in our team size.

The charge of £3.0m in respect of the Group’s Annual Incentive 
Scheme, reflects a provisional assessment of performance 
against 2022 AIS targets which include Group, Team, and 
Individual performance elements as described in the Directors 
Remuneration Report (2021: £4.8m).

Other income statement items
The share-based payments charge of £2.9m (2021: £2.6m) 
reflects the accounting charge for the Group’s Restricted Share 
Plan, Long-Term Incentive Plan and Deferred Bonus Share Plan. 
This non-cash charge reflects the fair value of services received 
from employees, measured by reference to the fair value of the 
share-based payments at the date of award, but has no net 
impact on the Group’s total equity or net assets.

Consolidated statement of financial position
A summary analysis of the Group’s assets and liabilities is 
provided below:

Portfolio

Other non-current assets

Other net current assets/(liabilities)

Cash and deposits

Borrowings

Other non-current liabilities 

Total Equity or Net Assets (“NAV”)

NAV per share

Year 
ended 31 
December 
2022 
£m

Year 
ended 31 
December 
2021 
£m

1,258.5 

1,507.5

7.7 

33.2 

241.5 

(81.4)

(83.4)

1,376.1 

132.9p

32.0

(6.4)

321. 9

(51.8)

(65.1)

1,738.1

167.0p

The composition of, and movements in, the Group’s portfolio are 
described in the portfolio review from page 23.

40

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.CFOO REVIEW.

Portfolio valuations
Given the public market valuation reductions in the year 
(particularly notable in the first half) and slowdown in private 
company fundraise activity, we have carried our year-end 
private portfolio valuations against a backdrop of heightened 
valuation uncertainty. As a response, we have carried out an 
enhanced valuation process in the period, including obtaining 
external valuations for ten of our largest private assets (First Light 
Fusion, Istesso, Featurespace, Hinge Health, SaltPay, Ultraleap, 
Garrison, Mission Therapeutics, MOBILion and Akamis Bio) 
accounting for 44% of the private portfolio value. 

In the case of First Light Fusion, Featurespace, Garrison and 
Akamis Bio, our third-party valuers recommended an increase 
in valuation in the year, because of strong performance against 
milestones including revenues and technical progress. In the 
case of Hinge Health, SaltPay, Ultraleap and MOBILion they 
recommended a reduction in our carrying values, largely 
reflecting the impact of reduced public market valuations. 
Valuations of Istesso and Mission were unchanged. In all 
cases, our carrying values reflect the mid-point or below 
of the valuation ranges we received from our external 
valuation consultants.

To date we have seen limited evidence of the public market 
correction impacting earlier-stage private valuations both within 
broader market data, and in our portfolio. While funding activity 
in the period was weaker than in 2021, our portfolio continued 
to raise significant amounts of capital in funding rounds, the 
majority of which happened at higher valuations than the 
previous funding round. An analysis of funding rounds within our 
portfolio is as follows:

Year ended 
 31 December 2022

Year ended  
31 December 2021

No.

18

8

3

29

%

62%

28%

10%

100%

No.

16

10

3

29

%

56%

34%

10%

100%

Up round

Flat round

Down round

Total

Most of our portfolio remains well funded, with many of our 
more mature companies evidencing commercial progress or 
anticipating technical or funding milestones in the next 12-18 
months, therefore we remain confident around the resilience of 
our portfolio. 

The table below summarises the valuation basis for the Group’s 
portfolio. Further details on the Group’s valuation policy and 
approach can be found in notes 13 and 14. 

Year 
ended 31 
December 
2022 
£m

Audited 
Year 
ended 31 
December 
2021 
£m

228.7

289.8

117.8

40.7

306.3

97.7

77.9

99.6

662.7

388.6

71.6

39.5

71.6

85.6

19.2

92.9

1,258.5

1,507.5

Quoted

Recent financing (<12 months) 

Recent financing (>12 months) 

Other: Future market/commercial events

Other: Adjusted recent financing price 
based on past performance

Other: DCF

Other: Revenue Multiple

Statements from LP

Total Portfolio

Other assets
The majority of other long-term and short-term assets relate 
to amounts receivable on sale of equity and debt investments, 
representing deferred and contingent consideration amounts to 
be received in more than one year.

Other long-term liabilities relate to carried interest and revenue 
share payables, and loans from LPs of consolidated funds. 
The Group consolidates the assets of a fund in which it has a 
significant economic interest, IP Venture Fund II LP. Loans from third 
parties of consolidated funds represent third-party loans into this 
partnership. These loans are repayable only upon these funds 
generating sufficient realisations to repay the Limited Partners.

41

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.CFOO REVIEW.

Borrowings
On 2 August 2022, the Group signed a Note Placing Agreement 
(“NPA”) to issue a £120m debt private placement to London-
based institutional investors (primarily Phoenix Group). £60m of 
this was drawn in December 2022 and the balance will be drawn 
in June 2023, with three equal maturities in December in 2027, 
2028 and 2029. The interest rate is fixed at an average of 5.25%. 
Approximately £15m of the proceeds was used to repay early 
the shorter-dated portion of our EIB debt, leaving £22m of EIB 
debt to be progressively repaid between now and January 2026 
(£6.3m of the EIB debt will be repaid within twelve months of the 
period end).

Under the terms of the NPA, the Group is required to maintain 
a minimum cash balance of £25m at any time, equity must 
be at least £500m and gross debt less restricted cash must 
not exceed 25% of total equity as at the Group’s 30 June and 31 
December reporting dates. The NPA also includes ‘Cash Trap’ 
provisions which stipulate that the Group is required to maintain 
cash and cash equivalents of not less than £50m at any time 
equity must be at least £750m, gross debt less restricted cash 
must not exceed 20% of total equity as at the Group’s 30 June 
and 31 December reporting dates. In the event of the Cash Trap 
being triggered, the Group is not permitted to pay or declare a 
dividend or purchase any of its shares. In addition, investments 
are restricted to £2.5m per calendar quarter other than those 
legally committed to. The Group is also required to place the 
net proceeds of all realisations (over a threshold of £1m) into a 
blocked bank account. Entering a Cash Trap does not constitute 
a default under the NPA.

For further details of the Group’s loans including covenant 
details see note 18.

Cash and deposits
At 31 December 2022, the Group’s cash and deposits totalled 
£241.5m, a decrease of £80.4m from a total of £321.9m at 31 
December 2021, predominantly due to outflows of investing 
activities of £93.5m, a £23.6m net cash outflow from operations 
and a £30.4m cash outflow from the repayment of debt, 

£20.3m of dividend payments and share buy-backs, offset by a 
drawdown of loan notes if £60m and realisations of £28.1m. 

It remains the Group’s policy to place cash that is surplus to 
near-term working capital requirements on short-term and 
overnight deposits with financial institutions that meet the 
Group’s treasury policy criteria or in low-risk treasury funds 
rated prime or above. The Group’s treasury policy is described 
in detail in note 2 to the Group financial statements alongside 
details of the credit ratings of the Group’s cash and deposit 
counterparties. 

The principal constituents of the movement in cash and 
deposits during the period are as follows:

Net cash (used)/generated in operating 
activities 

Investments

Realisations

Other investing

Cash disposed via disposal of subsidiary 
undertaking

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from investing 
activities

Dividends paid

Purchase of treasury shares

Repayment of debt facility

Drawdown of loan notes

Other financing activities

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing 
activities

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes

Movement during period

Year 
ended 31 
December 
2022 
£m

Year 
ended 31 
December 
2021 
£m

(23.5)

10.0

(93.5)

28.1 

(0.3)

(106.7)

213.4

0.3

–

(7.1)

(65.7)

99.9

(12.3)

(8.0)

(30.4) 

60.0

(0.5)

8.8

–

(80.4)

(14.9)

(27.2)

(15.4)

-

(0.8)

(58.3)

0.1

51.7

42

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.CFOO REVIEW.

On 31 December 2022, the Group had a total of £0.1m (2021: 
£1.5m) held in US Dollars, £nil (2021: £7.5m) held in Euros, £0.7m 
(2021: £0.7m) held in Australian Dollars and £0.7m (2021: £nil) held 
in Hong Kong Dollars.

Dividend
In addition to the interim dividend of 0.50p per ordinary share 
paid in September 2022, the Board of Directors is recommending 
a final dividend of 0.76p per share, subject to the approval of 
shareholders at the Company’s forthcoming annual general 
meeting to be held on 15 June 2023. If approved, the proposed 
dividend will be paid on 22 June 2023 to shareholders who are 
on the register of members at close of business on 26 May 2023. 
The proposed dividend has not been included as a liability as 
at 31 December 2022, in accordance with IAS 10 “Events after the 
reporting period”. 

The Directors have exercised their discretion to terminate the 
Company’s Scrip Dividend Programme, based on historic 
low numbers of shareholders electing to receive the scrip 
dividend together with the fact that a significant proportion 
of the Company’s shareholders were unable to make such an 
election as they hold their shares via a nominee arrangement 
that does not provide a scrip election service. The Directors 
are therefore of the view that the administrative cost burden 
to the Company of running the scrip programme cannot be 
justified, therefore all shareholders will receive the proposed 
final dividend in cash. As set out in the Terms and Conditions 
of the Scrip Dividend, any residual cash balance accrued by 
a shareholder under a previous scrip dividend, will be paid 
to a charity of the Company’s choice on termination of the 
Scrip Dividend Programme.

Taxation
The Group’s business model seeks to deliver long-term value to 
its stakeholders through the commercialisation of fundamental 
research carried out at its partner universities. To date, this has 
been largely achieved through the formation of, and provision 
of services and development capital to, spin-out companies 
formed around the output of such research. The Group primarily 

seeks to generate capital gains from its holdings in spin-out 
companies over the longer term but has historically made 
annual net operating losses from its operations from a UK 
tax perspective. Capital gains achieved by the Group would 
ordinarily be taxed upon realisation of such holdings; however, 
since the Group typically holds more than 10% in its portfolio 
companies and those companies are themselves trading, 
the majority of the portfolio will qualify for the Substantial 
Shareholdings Exemption (“SSE”) on disposal. 

This exemption provides that gains arising on the disposal 
of qualifying holdings are not chargeable to UK corporation 
tax and, as such, the Group has continued not to recognise a 
provision for deferred taxation in respect of uplifts in value on 
those equity holdings that meet the qualifying criteria. Gains 
arising on sales of holdings which do not qualify for SSE will 
ordinarily give rise to taxable profits for the Group, to the extent 
that these exceed the Group’s ability to offset gains against 
current and brought forward tax losses (subject to the relevant 
restrictions on the use of brought-forward losses). In such cases, 
a deferred tax liability is recognised in respect of estimated tax 
amount payable.

The Group complies with relevant global initiatives including the 
US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”) and the OECD 
Common Reporting Standard.

Alternative Performance Measures (“APMs”)
The Group discloses alternative performance measures, such 
as NAV per share and Return on NAV, in this Annual Report. The 
Directors believe that these APMs assist in providing additional 
useful information on the underlying trends, performance, and 
position of the Group. Further information on APMs utilised in the 
Group is set out in note 29.

43

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS.

Our KPIs measure performance against 
our strategy.

01  NAV/share p1

Net Assets divided by the number of 
outstanding shares in issue. A useful 
measure to compare to the Group’s 
share price.

02  Return on NAV £1
Profit for the year excluding share-based 
payment charges. Shows a summary of 
the income statement gains and losses 
that directly impact NAV. 

.

p
0
7
6
1

.

p
9
2
3
1

.

p
3
5
2
1

p
0
5
1
1

.

.

p
8
7
0
1

.

5
9
8
1
£

.

2
2
5
4
£

Link to strategy 

Link to strategy 

2018 2019

2020

2021

2022

Link to 
remuneration 
Yes

.

)
6
5
7
£
(

.

)
7
3
7
£
(

)
1
.
1
4
3
£
(

2018 2019

2020

2021

2022

Link to 
remuneration 
Yes

Link to strategy

Have an impact on the world that counts

Develop our unique insight, expertise and access

Accelerate value creation

Build a truly differentiated reputation

Be a home for exceptional talent

44

03  Total portfolio
Equity and debt investments plus 
investments into limited participation 
interests. Shows assets under the 
Group’s control.

04  % return on portfolio
Net portfolio gains and (losses) as a % of 
total portfolio value. A useful measure to 
compare annual returns.

.

5
7
0
5
,
1

.

5
8
5
2
,
1

.

5
5
4
1
,
1

.

0
7
6
0
,
1

.

9
4
8
1
,
1

2018 2019

2020

2021

2022

Link to strategy 

Link to 
remuneration 
Yes

%
2
4

%
1
2

Link to strategy 

%
)
4
(

%
)
4
(

%
)
0
2
(

2018 2019

2020

2021

2022

Link to 
remuneration 
Yes

1  Alternative performance measure. See note 29 for definition and reconciliation to IFRS primary statements.

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT. 
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS.

05  Portfolio investment1
The purchase of equity and debt investments 
plus investments into limited participation 
interests. A useful measure to compare annual 
investment in the portfolio.

.

7
5
0
1

.

7
6
0
1

.

4
3
9

5
.
1
7

.

0
2
7

2018 2019

2020

2021

2022

Link to strategy 

Link to 
remuneration 
Yes

07  Net overheads %1
The Group’s core overheads less operating 
income as a percentage of net assets. Reflects 
the Group’s controllable ‘cash-equivalent’ cost 
base in proportion to net assets.

%

1
.
2

%
0
2

.

%
6
.
1

%
5
.
1

%

1
.
1

2018 2019

2020

2021

2022

Link to strategy 

Link to 
remuneration 
Yes

06  Proceeds from sale of equity and 

09  Employee engagement

debt investments

and diversity

A hybrid people metric measuring the rolling 
12-month average eNPS, % of actions identified 
in the annual engagement survey completed, 
the Gender Pay Gap trend, diversity of decision-
making forums and the level of regretted 
employee turnover. The total score represented 
as a percentage is a weighted average for 
each subjective and objective element. All 
elements were weighted equally in 2021.

%
5
8

%
0
8

%
0
7

%
0
7

Link to strategy 

20182

2019 2020

2021

2022

Link to remuneration 
Yes

The total amount received from the disposal 
of interests in portfolio companies. A measure 
of realisation success. Realised funds are 
invested into new opportunities or returned to 
shareholders.

.

4
3
1
2

0
.
1
9
1

Link to strategy 

.

5
9
7

.

5
9
2

1
.
8
2

2018 2019

2020

2021

2022

Link to remuneration 
Yes

08  Number of new portfolio 

investments

The number of portfolio investments that 
received initial capital from the Group during 
the year. A measure of the Group’s ability to 
find and invest in new opportunities.

0
1

9

9

8

7

Link to strategy 

2018 2019

2020

2021

2022

Link to remuneration 
Yes

1  Alternative performance measure. See note 29 for definition 

and reconciliation to IFRS primary statements.

2  Not measured in 2018.

45

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT. 
 
 
 
 
 
MEANINGFUL IMPACT.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT.

OUR GOVERNANCE

OUR FINANCIALS

Our starting point

Environment and climate
IP Group’s carbon footprint and exposure 
to climate risk as an organisation is 
low but, through our investments in 
carbon capture, nuclear fusion and 
hydrogen technology, we have a 
significant opportunity to support the 
global transition away from fossil fuels 
and enable organisations to achieve 
Net Zero goals and achieve a balance 
in greenhouse gasses produced with 
that taken out, sooner, in support of the 
Paris Climate Agreement. In addition, 
IP Group’s Deeptech investments 
include technologies that are working 
to improve product performance whilst 
reducing energy consumption, from 
new computing architectures to next 
generation wireless networks. Science, 
technology, and innovation funding have 
also been identified by the UN as one of 
the main means of implementation for 
the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable 
Development Goals (“SDGs”).

Social
We are a responsible organisation that 
seeks to have a positive impact on people 
and society through our investments and 
the way we operate. We conduct all of our 
operating and business activities in an 
honest, ethical, and socially responsible 
manner, acting professionally, fairly and 
with integrity in all business dealings and 
relationships. Our culture and internal 
frameworks guide our behaviour and help 
us focus on the things that really matter 
such as meeting our commitments, 

developing, and supporting our people, 
furthering our diversity and inclusion, and 
making a difference in our communities. 
We are building companies in our Life 
Sciences portfolio for a healthier future 
and in our deep technology portfolio that 
will support current and future societal 
needs in computing, communication, and 
mobility. Our investments in the human-
machine interface are just one way we 
seek to make a positive social change, for 
example by allowing all human users the 
ability to interact digitally through means 
other than a keyboard - through touch, 
sound, and immersion.

Governance
IP Group endeavours to conduct business 
in accordance with established best 
practice, to be a responsible employer, 
and to adopt appropriate values and 
standards. The Group’s Board of Directors 
oversees the Group’s approach to 
ESG and ensures that ESG factors are 
incorporated into the Board decision 
making process. Further detail on 
the day-to-day responsibility for ESG 
matters is set out on page 68. The ESG 
and Ethics Committees report to the 
Executive Committee which, in turn, 
reports up to the Board. A written report 
is included in each Executive Committee 
and Board pack, and relevant issues 
will be discussed at the Executive 
Committee and/or Board where relevant. 
Furthermore, the Group’s Head of ESG 
attends the Board on a bi-annual basis to 
present on the Group’s ESG workstreams 
and progress.

We are focused on 
having an impact 
on the world that 
counts.

Driven by our purpose, we are working at the 
cutting edge of sectors that are changing 
the world. Our three investment themes align 
our efforts with some of the most pressing 
challenges facing humanity and our planet: 
curing and preventing disease; managing 
complex data to solve complex problems; 
and the decarbonisation of energy systems 
to limit climate change. At the same time, we 
consider how the way we run our business can 
maximise impact – through strong governance 
and ethical practice; for our exceptionally 
talented people; for our communities and the 
environment; and by supporting our portfolio 
companies to do the same.

46
46

IP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.MEANINGFUL IMPACT.

Our impact competencies

Our access: 
Our deep relationships provide us access to a unique set of 
opportunities from around the world to invest in world-leading 
science and technology companies that derive from our 
networks, relationships, and brand. 

Our expertise: 
Our experience and expertise in every stage of business building 
allows us to bridge the gap between various groups at all stages 
of the process, as well as having IP know how, legal structure 
expertise, key recruitment, and capital market access. We have 
a network of trusted relationships with advisors, customers and 
partners built up over years. 

Our insight: 
Our international experience, expertise, networks, and 
relationships mean that we have unique insight that enables us 
to understand the potential of a given technology or innovation 
that others cannot see, or at least that we can see first. 

Our perspective: 
Our permanent capital structure allows us to take a long-term 
perspective. This perspective is a critical component of our 
expertise and insight and, if not unique, is a very unusual skill set 
in the often short-term investment world. We take a long-term 
perspective on value creation. We are mindful of, but not driven 
by, short-term fund cycles and are focused on maximising long-
term financial and societal return.

Our entrepreneurship:
We can be flexible and open-minded in our approach, allowing 
us to be both entrepreneurial and creative in our response to 
opportunities. We are innovative in our approach and do it the 
IP Group way, adapting to what best suits the collective aim. We 
are prepared to take significant, yet intelligent, risk in terms of 
the early stage of development of the technologies we back, the 
structures we might use, and the timelines that we are prepared 
to take in seeing them realised. We have a co-founder mindset 
and are aligned with founding teams.

Read about our  
business model on 
pages 14 to 15

47

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.MEANINGFUL IMPACT.

Thematic focus areas

Life Sciences

Deeptech

Cleantech

48

£6bn+

investment in scientific 
development

87% 

reduction in operational 
carbon emissions since 2019

Read more in our 2022 
Meaningful Impact 
Report

+500

companies backed

+10,000 

jobs created

Signatories to Investing in 

Women Code

BREEAM

“outstanding” 
headquarters building

Invested in UK 

Woodland 
creation 

since 2018

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.OUR ESG FORWARD AGENDA.

We have established a strong foundation for our ESG agenda, putting in place the 
infrastructure, governance and processes that fully embed ESG considerations in 
decision making at IP Group. 

Read about our 
stakeholders on  
pages 99 to 108

Our 
stakeholders

In 2023, we will implement our ESG 
Forward agenda which aims to 
accelerate our impact, while increasing 
the transparency by which we 
demonstrate and communicate our ESG 
performance to our stakeholders. 

ESG integration is the baseline for all 
responsible investors. We seek to go 
further, building on our thesis that 
the issues currently faced by society 
require radical, innovative and impactful 
solutions, rather than incremental 
change. We will achieve this through 
strong partnerships with our portfolio 
companies and by focusing on the 
way we run our business and further 
developing our strong and supportive 
culture.

This approach speaks to our fiduciary 
duty as active, responsible investors 
and stewards, and to delivering clear 
outcomes that marry both financial 
and social returns and generate long-
term sustainable value across the triple 
bottom lines of social, economic and 
environmental impact.

Our stakeholders
Meaningful impact through 
engagement with our 
stakeholders

Our Group
Meaningful impact through 
the way we run our business

Our investments
Meaningful impact through 
our investments

Our community
Meaningful impact in the 
communities in which 
we operate

IDEA methodology

Innovate

Back impactful companies, funding research and developing 
solutions to clear societal and environmental issues.

Demonstrate

Co-create KPIs working with our investors and stakeholders, that 
are meaningful, appropriate and transparent.

Elevate

Raise the profile of ESG matters in our organisation and in our 
portfolio companies.

Accelerate

Provide the tools, funding, support and management expertise 
to help companies achieve impact, incorporating a just and 
equitable approach.

49

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.OUR ESG FORWARD AGENDA.

Progressing our ESG Forward agenda.

Focus areas in 2021

Progress in 2022

Accelerating in 2023

Further integrate ESG into IP Group’s overall 
strategy and across all of our business units

•  Design of a ‘joined up’ ESG and impact 
approach for the investment life-cycle

•  Work with investment directors 

and stakeholders to refine ESG and 
impact framework and integrate into 
investment process

Engage internal stakeholders with ESG 
including relevant training

Improve data collection and reporting, 
particularly around material factors as identified 
by our materiality assessment

•  ESG engagement sessions with members of 
staff and portfolio companies, to provide an 
overview of core ESG concepts and leading 
practice

•  Roll out additional content on ESG awareness 
and increase internal engagement on ESG 
matters

•  Performed second annual ESG data collection 

•  Update ESG materiality map, with input from 

exercise with portfolio companies 

our stakeholders

• 

Invest in an ESG data platform to collate 
ESG and climate-related data from portfolio 
companies

Consider formal environmental targets aligned 
to Net Zero at operational and portfolio level 

•  Committed to submit data to CDP and 

•  CDP submission

provided initial disclosure of Group data 
during the year

•  Collaborate with portfolio companies 
to create a meaningful approach to 
emission reduction

Explore ways in which the positive impact of our 
portfolio can be further tracked, measured, and 
disclosed. Engage portfolio companies on key 
ESG factors such as diversity

•  We have begun to work with portfolio 

companies to identify relevant KPIs and are 
`building out our impact framework to use for 
impact reporting

•  Extend and roll out IP Group’s impact 
framework for portfolio companies

•  Develop company and sector specific  

impact KPIs

50

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.

Our investment themes and the way we run our business align us closely with six of the 
UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. We have committed to undertake the SDG ambition 
programme in 2023 to help us to broaden our commitment to the SDGs. 

UN SDG

Our contribution

•  Through our investments in life sciences, we back innovative research and companies working to address 

unmet health needs across the globe

•  Oxford Nanopore is the world’s first, and only, DNA sequencing platform that enables the genetic analysis of 

any living thing in any environment

•  We provide all employees and their families with health insurance to ensure that they have access to 

medical advice and treatment when needed

•  We provide targeted wellbeing and fitness sessions to staff across themes including stress management 

and resilience, individual coaching, work-life balance and sleep management

•  We are committed to equal opportunities for all and have an inclusion and diversity masterplan, which we 

began implementing in 2022

•  We have equal male and female members on our Board

•  We have two female Employee Executives on our Executive Committee 

•  52% of our employees are female

•  We are signatories to the Investing in Women Code

•  Our Women’s Networking Group focuses on ensuring women’s full participation and equal opportunities at all 

levels of decision-making and connecting, inspiring and elevating women across the Group

•  Our cleantech portfolio companies focus on technologies and innovations that seek to meet the growing 

demand for clean energy and a regenerative society and planet

•  First Light Fusion achieved a validated world-first fusion event in 2022

•  Hysata’s unique electrolyser technology promises an efficiency gain in the production of green hydrogen 
that will bring the cost of production down to the point where it is economical and competitive with other 
green energy sources

3.3 Fight communicable diseases

3.4 Reduce mortality from 
non-communicable diseases and 
promote mental health 3D Improve 
early warning systems for global 
health risks

5.1 End discrimination against women 
and girls

5.5 Ensure full participation in 
leadership and decision-making

7.2 Increase global percentage of 
renewable energy

7.4 Promote access to research, 
technology and investments in clean 
energy

51

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT. 
 
 
UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.

UN SDG

Our contribution

8.1 Sustainable economic growth

8.2 Diversify, innovate and upgrade for 
economic productivity

8.6 Promote youth employment, 
education and training

8.7 End modern slavery, trafficking 
and child labour

•  Through our investment in early-stage companies, we support job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and 

innovation. We encourage the formalisation and growth of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises

•  Featurespace machine learning solutions prevent fraud and financial crime

•  We are a responsible employer and reward colleagues in a fair, open and meaningful way. 100% of our 

employees earn a living wage

•  Our employees have access to learning and development opportunities that will support them in the short, 

medium and long term

•  We support productive employment opportunities for young people via our active support and sponsorship 

of IntoUniversity, and 10,000 Black Interns 

•  We believe that human rights are non-negotiable and have clear policies on human rights and modern 

slavery which we share with our portfolio companies

8.8 Protect labour rights and promote 
safe working environments

• 

In 2022 we increased our inflationary pay settlement for employees earning less than an agreed threshold. 
We also made a one-off cost-of-living supplement payment to a number of employees

•  We invest in new technologies and innovative solutions that support upgrading of technological capabilities 

and diversification, and sustainable, resource efficient, clean infrastructure

•  Ultraleap technology is being used for safety critical flight attendant training

9.2 Promote inclusive and sustainable 
industrialisation

9.4 Upgrade all industries and 
infrastructures for sustainability

9.5 Enhance research and upgrade 
industrial technologies

9.7 Universal access to information 
and communications technology

•  Kiko Ventures, our Cleantech platform was launched in 2022 to focus on climate change and energy transition

•  Our head office is powered entirely by renewable energy and is rated BREEAM “outstanding”

•  Our flexible working policy reduces employee commuting

13.2 Integrate climate change 
measures into policies and planning

13.3 Build knowledge and capacity to 
meet climate change

•  Our total emissions (tCO2e) have fallen by 87% since 2019. We continue to make efforts to reduce this to over 90%

•  We incorporate climate risk and action into our broader governance processes and ESG framework

•  Since 2018 we have invested in UK woodland creation projects that will capture CO2. Our 2022 credits fund the 

planting of more than 12,000 trees

52

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT. 
 
 
OUR STAKEHOLDERS.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT.

OUR GOVERNANCE

OUR FINANCIALS

Meaningful impact 
through engagement 
with our stakeholders.

Engaging and maintaining open channels of communication 
with our stakeholders is an integral part of our business 
and decision making processes. We collaborate with our 
stakeholders to define material ESG issues which, in turn, informs 
our focus areas, targets and supports ESG planning. This process 
supports our goal to achieve positive outcomes and meaningful 
impact on real, practical issues and enables the definition of 
clear roles and responsibilities to achieve them.

Read about how we work with our stakeholders on pages 99 to 108

IP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022

53
53

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.BUSINESS OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT.

OUR GOVERNANCE

OUR FINANCIALS

OUR INVESTMENTS.

Meaningful impact 
through our 
investments.

We can achieve meaningful impact through the business 
sectors and types of business we invest in; by ensuring we  
invest responsibly and by supporting our portfolio companies  
to adopt appropriate ESG-related practices. 

Our ethical investment approach
Our Ethical Investment Framework 
(“EIF”) guides our approach to 
investment, ensuring it is responsible 
and aligns with our values. Our Ethics 
Committee meets twice a year under 
the independent Chairmanship of 
Professor Gordon Clark. 

Committee if any companies are 
considering operating in those 
sectors

•  A policy toolkit provides policy 

templates for portfolio companies 
for key ESG areas such as data 
protection, health and safety, 
equal opportunities and diversity 

IP Group and Parkwalk are 
signatories to the Investing in 
Women Code, a commitment 
made by certain financial services 
firms to support the advancement 
of female entrepreneurship in the 
United Kingdom. The Code aims 
to increase female representation 
on investment committees, 
boards of portfolio companies, 
and company founders selected 
for investment

We launched Kiko Ventures to contribute to tackling 
climate change with an approach to venture that’s 
fit for purpose as well as profit. The technologies that 
we are investing in and working on with our portfolio 
partners are critical for the green transition, such 
as carbon capture, home energy optimisation and 
hydrogen production and use. To say that the impact 
that these technologies will have is sizable is an 
understatement, and over the next few years we aim 
to double down on our commitment in accelerating 
society’s transition to a decarbonised, regenerative and 
equitable future for all.

Jamie Vollbracht
Founding Partner, Kiko Ventures

Read about our Ethics Committee  
on page 68

• 

ESG is embedded into our investment 
process in the following ways:

•  An ESG assessment is undertaken 
as an early part of our investment 
decision making process

•  We include undertakings in our 
investment agreements with 
portfolio companies, which 
contain a list of excluded sectors 
that companies should avoid 
doing business with and provides 
for assistance from the Ethics 

5454

IP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022

54

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.OUR INVESTMENTS.

First Light Fusion – safe, clean and limitless fuel

“First Light was set up in 2011, and IP Group has been with the business from the start. IP Group understood the 
science and the promise it held, and we backed it not just as an investor but also as a business builder, providing 
support and help along its journey. We were the first institutional investor and then led the next two investment 
rounds. We also used our internal talent function to complement the team’s brilliant scientists with people from 
the worlds of business and energy. We recruited the company’s Chairman and COO and placed Sir David King, the 
former UK Government Chief Scientific Advisor and world-renowned clean energy expert on the company’s Advisory 
Board. We have been on the company board for over a decade and set up First Light’s governance structure and 
helped them create their IP and information security strategies. Over the years, we have introduced many other 
investors to the company and helped them achieve prominence in the climate and energy policy communities.”

Robert Trezona
Founding Partner, Kiko Ventures

First Light Fusion’s mission is to 
enable clean fusion power with 
the simplest machine possible. 
Its inertial confinement approach 
aims to create the extreme 
temperatures and pressures 
required for fusion by compressing 
the fuel using a hypervelocity 
projectile. Fusion, which is safe, 
clean, and virtually limitless, has 
the potential to transform the 
world’s energy system and, unlike 
existing nuclear fission, there is no 
long-lived waste, no meltdown risk 
and raw materials can be found in 
abundance.

Idea
First Light Fusion’s journey started 
in nature, with the pistol shrimp. 
The pistol shrimp has an oversized 
claw, which it can click at very 
high speed. The motion is so fast 
that it launches a shock wave 
into the water and stresses it 
so much that it rips apart and 
forms a cavity. As the cavity then 

collapses in a process called 
cavitation, the vapour inside is 
heated to thousands of degrees 
and emits a bright flash of light. 

Two scientists at Oxford, Dr Nick 
Hawker and Professor Yiannis 
Ventikos, were modelling this 
process and discovered that, in 
principle, this sort of shock-driven 
cavity collapse could achieve 
fusion conditions. This led to the 
founding of an Oxford spin out 
company in July 2011. IP Group led 
the first investment in the new 
company, alongside Parkwalk 
Advisors and a number of angel 
investors. The company changed 
its name to First Light Fusion in 
2014 and proceeded to embody its 
technology in proprietary designs 
which shape input shockwaves 
from a projectile into hypersonic 
implosions that heat and 
compress fusion fuel. In 2022, the 
company demonstrated fusion 
from the reaction with a projectile 
for the first time.

Nurture
IP Group led the first three 
investment rounds for First Light 
Fusion and used its internal 
executive search function to 
add business and engineering 
personnel to the team. High-
profile venture investor and serial 
entrepreneur Bart Markus was 
recruited to Chair the company 
and Sir David King, the former 
UK Government Chief Scientific 
Advisor and world-renowned 
clean energy expert joined First 
Light Fusion’s Advisory Board.

Impact
First Light Fusion’s approach to 
fusion has the potential to make 
clean fusion power practical and 
cost effective. If the technology 
can be successfully brought to 
market over the next two decades, 
it will make a significant impact on 
the transformation of the global 
energy system.

© First Light Fusion

One of IP Group’s unique 
strengths is they really 
genuinely understand 
science. They’ve supported 
us right from the beginning 
and we wouldn’t be here 
without them.

Dr Nicholas Hawker
CEO, First Light Fusion

55

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.SUPPORTING OUR PORTFOLIO COMPANIES IN ESG.

Our ESG Forward agenda recognises the role that the Group can play in supporting portfolio 
companies to integrate ESG matters into their own businesses through the provision of 
resources and advisory support. Our direct involvement in many of our companies through 
Board and management positions gives us great scope to engage on these matters and 
accelerate efforts to maximise impact. Ultimately, this will support our goal of creating an 
authentic and authoritative set of measures to understand, target and report impact.

Read about our  
ESG forward agenda  
on page 49

Work to date suggests 
we can maximise 
outcomes in the 
following areas, all three 
of which align to focus 
areas at Group-level:

Carbon reduction 
measurement and initiatives

Diversity and inclusion

Good governance

We are addressing this through engagement and collaboration 
on matters such as human rights, employee relations and 
ESG planning. We are able to provide training for our portfolio 
companies on ESG topics and we have created a Policy, which 
includes policy templates for critical legal and governance 
areas such as equal opportunities, anti-bribery and corruption, 
and data privacy. Finally, we are providing support to our 
portfolio companies to understand their carbon footprints and 
other environmental impacts and put strategies in place to 
reduce them.

56

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.OUR APPROACH TO SOCIAL.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT.

OUR GOVERNANCE

OUR FINANCIALS

Meaningful impact 
through the way  
we run our business.

The way we run our business creates meaningful impact for a 
wide range of stakeholders and particularly for our employees 
and our communities. We have a strong culture that we seek 
to build every day by focusing on the things that matter to our 
employees including ethical behaviour, engagement, inclusion 
and diversity, and reward. We also seek to maximise impact by 
supporting our portfolio companies in their own ESG journeys.

IP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022

57
57

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.OUR APPROACH TO SOCIAL.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT.

OUR GOVERNANCE

OUR FINANCIALS

Our Group

Developing a culture 
that contributes to 
our purpose.

Fulfilling our purpose is entirely dependent upon the quality of 
our people. Identifying, backing and growing transformational 
businesses based on disruptive scientific innovation can only be 
achieved by leveraging the capability and experience of highly 
motivated individual experts.

Our culture, and the values that underpin it, play a significant 
role in achieving this by creating an environment which allows 
us to attract, retain and engage exceptional people, and 
enables them to do their best work. We aspire to be best-in-
class in all areas of operation, developing our people and 
culture offer in key areas including learning and development, 
reward, inclusion and diversity and communication to 
support this.

Our approach to the day-to-day management of our people 
reflects this. We take a highly individual approach to the 
management of each person, within frameworks that ensure 
that every one of our people is treated fairly and equitably. We 
focus on continuous improvement, placing a very high level of 
importance on the opinions of employees, which we actively 
seek out and listen to across a number of different channels.

58
58

IP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022

We believe our culture is and will remain a key contributor to our long-term 
performance and sustainability.

During 2022, our successes have included:

•  A significant increase in 

• 

employee engagement, with our 
eNPS score increasing over 2021 
from +28 to +50

•  An agreed Inclusion and 
Diversity Masterplan; a 
three-year programme of 
improvement led by our  
employees, which aims to make 
IP Group a market leader in 
inclusion, diversity and equality

Increased investment in skills, 
knowledge and wellbeing 
across the workforce, with 
over 60 courses run during 
2022 and over 90% of our 
people attending at least 
one non-statutory learning 
programme

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.OUR APPROACH TO SOCIAL.

Ethical behaviour
We strive to always conduct our business activities in 
an honest, ethical, and socially responsible manner 
and to comply with all laws, regulations and rules 
applicable to our business. We expect our portfolio 
companies, co-investors, employees and suppliers to 
hold the same high standards when conducting their 
respective businesses.

We are committed to acting professionally and 
with integrity in all of our business dealings and 
relationships and with consideration for the needs of 
all of our stakeholders.

We have adopted policies and standards designed 
to help and guide employees in their conduct and 
business relationships. We take a zero-tolerance 
approach to breaches of our policies and implement 
and enforce effective systems to mitigate risk. We 
provide mandatory training on critical areas such as 
anti-bribery and corruption, market abuse and data 
privacy matters.

Copies of our key policies can be found on our 
website www.ipgroupplc.com

Human rights and modern slavery
We believe that human rights are universal and 
non-negotiable. We seek to promote a working 
environment where workers are treated with respect, 
dignity and consideration and their fundamental 
human rights are protected. We comply fully with 
applicable human rights legislation in the countries 
in which we operate, which includes upholding 
freedom of association and the right to collective 
bargaining, equal remuneration and protection 
against discrimination. 

We are committed to implementing and enforcing 
effective systems and controls to ensure modern 
slavery is not taking place anywhere in our business 
or supply chain. We expect the same high standards 
from our contractors, suppliers and other business 

partners. We have adopted principles and policies 
which are relevant to the prevention of modern 
slavery in our organisation. These are overseen and 
monitored by our ESG and Ethics Committees.

Our Modern Slavery Statement can be found on our 
website www.ipgroupplc.com

Engaging our team
Ensuring our people remain engaged, motivated, 
and aligned with our purpose is as critical as ever. We 
clearly see the benefits of engaging with the wider 
team regularly via a range of channels and on a 
two-way basis insofar as possible.

Our primary measure of engagement is taken from 
our Voice of IP Group (“VIP”) surveys. These surveys 
take place on a quarterly basis, with the main survey 
in Q2 supplemented by three pulse surveys. We 
carefully monitor both the objective and subjective 
feedback from these surveys and use the outcomes 
to inform our focus and priorities for development.

It is significant that survey scores continued to 
improve through 2022. At +28, our eNPS score was 
already classified as high at the start of the year, so 
we are very proud to have moved to an all-time high 
score of +50 at the year end.

eNPS: Improved from  
+28 to +50 during 2022
Measured using responses to “I would 
recommend IP Group as a great 
place to work” in our quarterly Voice 
of IP Group surveys

Question answered on a scale of 1–5

eNPS = % employees answering 5, less 
% answering 1, 2 or 3.  
Outcomes range from -100 (low) to 
+100 (high)

Example survey responses:

“We have a strong culture with a clear 
vision and goals.”

“I really believe in what we are looking 
to achieve.”

“IP Group is a great team with positive 
attitude and mutual respect between 
members of the team. I am happy to 
work here!”

“I have the opportunity to work 
on amazing technology with the 
potential to change the world.”IP has 
a flexible working culture and is open 
to new ideas and ways of working.”

59

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.OUR APPROACH TO SOCIAL.

We believe this increase in active employee 
engagement contributed to our continued 
ability to attract and retain high-quality people 
across the team. As with many companies, the 
phased return to more normal working patterns 
in 2022 combined with cost-of-living pressures, 
difficult macroeconomic conditions and a tight 
labour market meant that both attraction and 
retention have been more challenging than in 
previous years.

We were therefore pleased to note that, whilst 
16 colleagues left the business during 2022, 
only nine leavers were unplanned. Two of these 
individuals took up key positions with portfolio 
companies and one has since re-joined the 
Group. Each of the remaining six individuals left 
the firm on good terms in order to pursue career 
opportunities not available within the Group or 
our portfolio.

Workforce engagement is a key part of the 
culture at IP Group. We use multiple channels to 
ensure we are able to develop a positive two-
way dialogue with individual employees and 
representative groups.

Our regular cycle of VIP surveys generates 
meaningful insights which inform the 
development of our culture, as well as enabling 
us to monitor our progress in key areas. With a 
small team, we are also able to ensure that all of 
our people have direct and consistent access to 
leadership, informally on a day-to-day basis and 
through more formal channels and regular all-
employee events.

Our Designated Non-Executive Director, Aedhmar 
Hynes, remains directly responsible for workforce 
engagement, acting as a conduit between the 
Board and the wider team. Anthony York, Group 
People Director, fulfils this role for the Executive 
Committee.

60

As we move into 2023, our commitment to seek 
out, engage with and act upon the feedback of 
our employees remains as strong as ever. The 
membership and constituency structure of IP 
Connect has recently been refreshed to ensure 
that all employees are well represented and have 
an equal voice. The refreshed group will continue 
to meet regularly, representing the views of our 
employees to the Executive Directors and the 
wider Executive Committee and Board.

Outside of this forum, our employees are 
easily able to access our Executive team, our 
wider leadership group or the HR lead, and are 
encouraged to do so.

Employee Executives
In 2021 IP Group announced it would be including 
two Employee Executives on the Executive 
Committee, a pioneering move with the primary 
purpose of bringing more diversity of thought 
into the decision making process at the top of 
the organisation. These positions were assigned 
to employees who put themselves forward 
for selection, with the initial two Employee 
Executives being Lisa Patel, a Partner in the Life 
Sciences team and CEO of Istesso, and Joyce Xie, 
Managing Director, IP Group Greater China. 

We believe we are one of the first FTSE250 
companies to introduce this type of initiative.

Employee forum
Engagement is partly facilitated through IP 
Connect, our employee forum. IP Connect is a 
group of employees elected by the employee 
group to represent workforce views. It is consulted 
regularly for both general and specific feedback 
on cultural development as well as other matters. 
It is the responsibility of both Aedhmar and 
Anthony to represent these views appropriately 
during Board, Committee and Executive 
Committee meetings. The CEO and CFOO also 
regularly attend IP Connect meetings to hear 
views directly and share and request feedback 
on key Group work such as the development of 
our five strategic pillars.

During 2022, the forum provided feedback on 
a broad range of topics, including Executive 
remuneration, our working environment, group 
values, work/life balance, the (various) results 
of our quarterly engagement surveys, Group 
strategy, and our approach to learning and 
development.

This feedback directly influenced our approach 
in a number of areas. We were able to put our 
Remuneration Policy to shareholder vote during 
the year with confidence that our employees 
were in full support. Improvements were made to 
the environment at our new headquarters and 
to our approach to flexible working to ensure our 
approach worked for everyone. Our development 
and (particularly) communication/engagement 
of the new Group strategy was significantly 
influenced by feedback from IP Connect, as was 
the development of the values and behaviours 
which will underpin it. These will be finalised and 
launched with further feedback from this group 
during 2023.

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.OUR APPROACH TO SOCIAL.

Speaking up
All employees also have access to our anonymous, 
third-party hosted speak up hotline which is 
available 24-7. Employees are encouraged to use 
the hotline to report concerns of any description 
including unethical practice, bullying/harassment or 
any behaviour not in line with our policies and values. 
There were no incident reports to the hotline in 2022.

Rewarding success
We believe that a fair, equitable and motivating 
reward structure plays a central role in inspiring our 
people to do exceptional things and contributes 
significantly to overall employee satisfaction.

During 2022 we implemented planned changes to 
our Executive Director reward structures, particularly 
the change in target structure and weighting in 
our Annual Incentive Scheme (bonus) and the 
introduction of a new Restricted Share Plan (“RSP”). 
These changes were also rolled out to the wider 
employee group and were very positively received.

Read the Directors’ remuneration report  
on pages 140 to 162

With a relatively small number of employees, all 
of whom contribute tangibly to the success of our 
business, we are particularly sensitive to external 
pressures which might distract or otherwise impact 
our people. During 2022, this has included the acute 
cost-of-living pressure. We believe that it was both 
morally and commercially responsible to directly 
respond to these pressures to protect the most 
vulnerable employees.

As such, during 2022, we increased our inflationary 
pay settlement in April to a minimum of 5% for 
all qualifying employees earning less than and 
agreed threshold. The overall increase in like-for-like 
salary during the year was above 8%, a significant 
investment for the Group.

In response to persistent high inflation through the 
second half of the year, we also made one-off “Cost-
of-Living Supplement” payment in November 2022 
to a limited number of employees. The payment 
was to help people deal with the significant impact 
of inflation, particularly increases in heating and 
utility costs during the winter months. The payment 
was considered especially important given our 
commitment to flexible working, meaning more of 
our people are spending more time at home.

Cost-of-Living Supplement payments of £2,000 
were granted to all employees with a base salary 
at or below an agreed threshold. Payments were 
pro-rated for part-time employees, but no minimum 
service criteria or other qualifying conditions were 
applied.

We operate an HMRC-registered SAYE share save 
scheme for all UK employees.

Improving inclusion and diversity
Maintaining a diverse and inclusive working 
environment and employee group is central to our 
culture and something we remain highly committed 
to achieving. Our success depends on the quality of 
the management and investment decisions we make 
and the advice we give, both of which are improved 
when influenced by a wide and representative range 
of views.

Our ambition is to be diverse and inclusive across 
all characteristics and to create a work environment 
where all talent thrives. We believe this approach is 
both responsible and sustainable. 

Our commitment to this approach is exemplified by 
the Employee Executives positions on our Executive 
Committee. See page 60.

We believe that the 
broadest group of inspired 
innovators has the 
greatest capacity to create 
the brightest future. We are 
committed to pioneering 
I&D best practice because 
we strongly believe that 
diversity in its broadest 
sense leads to optimal 
decision making, and that 
a supportive inclusive 
environment brings out 
the best in our employees, 
founders and industry 
partners.

Anthony York
Group People Director

61

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.OUR APPROACH TO SOCIAL.

We remain committed to driving wider improvements 
in inclusion, diversity and equality across the Group. 
Our approach is defined and implemented by an 
employee-led group, the Inclusion and Diversity 
Project (“IDP”) group.

The IDP group was formed following an I&D gap 
analysis undertaken in 2021 by Equality Group, the 
I&D consultancy specialist. The group comprises 16 
members from across IP Group, tasked with driving 
I&D progress. It is Chaired by Lois Day, from the 
Deeptech team at IP Group.

The IDP spent much of the first part of 2022 
developing, refining and agreeing our Inclusion 
and Diversity (“I&D”) Master Plan. The Plan explains 
in detail recommended actions for the first twelve 
months and then the subsequent three years across 
four specific areas:

1.  Education & Awareness 

With the goal of building a culture that celebrates 
I&D, feels special and reinforces IP Group’s 
success; providing relevant and ongoing 
education to the organisation on I&D; and instilling 
positive behavioural norms in the organisation 
based on fair engagement practices.

2.   Positioning & Communication 

With the goal of communicating inclusively and 
promoting the organisation’s culture and benefits 
internally and externally.

3.  Guidelines & Toolkits 

With the goal of creating relevant guideline 
documents that will establish a behavioural 
framework and provide resources for the 
implementation of the best inclusive practices 
internally and externally, including for the benefit 
of our portfolio companies.

4.  Accountability & Metrics 

With the goal of exploring and implementing 
specific input-focused targets to improve 
firm-wide representation and decision-
making through increased diversity of thought 
and embedding a measurement system to 
capture individual behaviour and its impact on 
organisational culture.

These medium- to long-term priorities and objectives 
were developed with significant employee input and 
feedback and were approved by both the Executive 
Committee and Board in Q2 2022. Significant 
progress was made in the implementation of early 
priority areas in the second half of the year.

During the implementation phase, emphasis was 
placed on the Education & Awareness pillar, the 
cornerstone of which is the IDP Champions initiative. 
An IDP Champion was appointed in every internal 
team, taking responsibility for engaging team 
members with the importance of knowledge and 
understanding of these complex issues. We believe 
this knowledge first approach will be key to unlocking 
sustainable, long-term cultural change.

Our IDP Champions were tasked with leading 
regular I&D discussions with their teams, based on a 
targeted curriculum designed in collaboration with 
Equality Group, our external expert partners. During 
2022, discussion topics included diversity, inclusion 
and belonging; bias; privilege; and allyship. 

Our Women’s Networking Group (“WNG”) was another 
priority development in 2022 and held its launch 
event on 13 July. The aim of the WNG is to connect, 
inspire and elevate women across the Group and 
Parkwalk. Three WNG events were held in 2022 and 
a full curriculum of events has been developed 
for 2023. Invitations to events are also extended to 
WNG allies.

62

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.OUR APPROACH TO SOCIAL.

Our Education & Awareness efforts also led to firm-wide roll out of 
Conscious Inclusion workshops; continued support for our regular, 
employee-led “Ted Talks and Tea” discussion group, which focuses on I&D 
topics; and the launch of our “I&D Hero” award. 

Whilst Education & Awareness has been our priority theme in 2022, we have 
made significant progress across a number of areas, including:

• 

I&D hub: The launch of a dedicated I&D hub on our employee intranet 
site for I&D resources and the integration of I&D highlights into our social 
media plan

•  Employee Guidance: Development of inclusive communication 

guidelines, an inclusive leadership guide, and our behavioural code of 
conduct was led by the IDP. We expect all of these initiatives to launch 
during 2023

•  Recruitment: Protocols have been established to ensure adherence 
to a firm-wide shortlisting policy which focuses on diversity-friendly 
recruitment practices. An I&D audit of external recruiting firms was 
conducted by the HR team and free training support has been offered to 
partner recruitment agencies to improve knowledge, understanding and 
our overall candidate experience

•  How we engage: All internal meetings and interactions are positively 

influenced by our agreed engagement practices which encourage our 
people to think positively, build up others, challenge biases, practice a 
growth mindset and listen actively in their interactions with both internal 
and external stakeholders

•  Ted Talks and Tea: A regular programme of challenging discussion 
events continued during 2022. The programme is run directly by 
members of the team and is open to all employees. Subjects covered in 
2022 include female representation in the media; LGBTQ+ rights; mental 
health and depression; being Muslim and British; facing disability; and 
the relative impact(s) of determination and IQ on success

•  Data/Monitoring: To ensure we have a full understanding of our current 
position and can monitor our progress in this area as we move forward, 
gender diversity data has been gathered for assessment at the IP Group 
employee level, for our Board, and at the portfolio level

A huge amount of work went into driving gender diversity at IP Group 
in the second half of 2022 and an ambitious programme of priority 
actions has been identified for 2023 including the roll out of an Inclusive 
Communications workshop, the launch of a Code of Conduct document, 
an assessment of IP Group policies versus I&D best practice, and the 
development of a reverse mentoring scheme.

Gender diversity
In the recent past we have focused on gender representation as a proxy 
of our progress in this area and, with appropriate data, will seek to move 
beyond this narrow definition of diversity. That said, it is encouraging to note 
that senior female representation within IP Group remains at a very high 
level across all cohorts and that, overall, the organisation employs more 
females than males.

Gender split as at 31 December 2022

Board

Executive Committee

Other Senior Management/
Partners

Combined SLT

All employees

Male

Number

4

7

16

23

45

%

57%

64%

64%

64%

48%

Female

Number

3

4

9

13

49

%

43%

36%

36%

36%

52%

This gender diversity data is the information submitted to FTSE Women 
Leaders. Greg Smith (CEO) and David Baynes (CFOO) are included in data 
for the Board and for the Executive Committee.

In January 2023 we appointed Anita Kidgell as a Non-executive Director, 
bringing 25 years of pharmaceutical experience spanning multiple 
disciplines to our Board. Anita’s appointment makes IP Group one of only a 
minority of FTSE 250 companies with an even gender split on its Board. 

63

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.OUR APPROACH TO SOCIAL.

Board and Executive Management diversity
Listing Rules LR 9.8.6(10) and (11) require the Group to publish information on 
Board diversity. Data is for the IP Group Board and Executive Management 
on 7 March 2023.

Numbers in this table are based on how individuals identify themselves, 
based on data which is a subset of data collected regularly from all 
individuals on a wholly voluntary basis. This approach differs from the data 
submitted to FTSE Women Leaders presented on page 63.

Developing our talent
We continue to focus on ensuring our people have access to an exceptional 
learning and development offer. Our approach is based around “curating” 
an effective mix of learning programmes for each individual employee over 
the short, medium and longer term. The plan supports both current role and 
individual career aspirations.

Each individual plan is based upon an exploration of learning/development 
needs in three distinct areas:

In the tables below, Executive Management data is for the Executive 
Committee. Greg Smith (CEO) and David Baynes (CFOO) are included in 
Board data but not the Executive Management data. 

•  Build: Underpin the establishment in role and then career progression 

of our people by supporting formal learning directly relevant to the role 
they undertake within the business

Gender

Number of Board members

Percentage of the Board

Number of senior positions on the Board 
(CEO, CFO, SID and Chair)

Number in Executive Management

Percentage of Executive Management

Ethnic background

Men

4

50%

Women

4

50%

3 (75%)

1 (25%)

5

56%

3

33%

Not specified/
prefer not to 
say

–

–

–

1

11%

White British 
or other White 
(including 
minority-white 
groups)

Asian/Asian 
British

Not specified/ 
prefer not to 
say

Number of Board members

Percentage of the Board

Number of senior positions on the 
Board (CEO, CFO, SID and Chair)

Number in Executive Management

Percentage of Executive 
Management

7

87.5%

4 (100%)

7

78%

1

12.5%

–

1

11%

–

–

–

1

11%

•  Empower: Train and embed the more transferable skills so that our 

people are able to maximise the impact and value of their professional 
capability

•  Protect: Integrate the skills, knowledge and training that our 

people require in order to stay physically and mentally healthy into 
management conversations and personal targets, ensuring our people 
remain willing and able to deploy the skills they have learned to the 
benefit of our business and wider stakeholders

Individual learning plans are co-owned by employees and management, 
with our People team providing advice, curation and course management 
in the background.

During 2022 we supported development across a wide range of specialist 
areas and target cohorts. From sponsorship of employees on a Venture 
Capital Fellowship programme in the UK to the asynchronous Venture 
University programme in Australia and MBA studies at Chicago Booth 
Management School, we ensure that our people are able to build a solid skill 
base to support performance and progression.

Courses like Executive Presence for Women, delivered by RADA, and our 
internal curriculum of communication, presentation and influencing skills 
ensures that our people are able to leverage their professional capability 
with maximum impact. And our targeted wellbeing programmes, across 
themes including stress management and resilience, individual coaching, 
work-life balance and sleep management ensure our people remain 
fit, healthy and able to work in the face of both stress and competing 
external pressures.

64

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.Protecting our people
All our people are responsible for the promotion of, and adherence to, 
health and safety measures in the workplace. Our CFOO has overall 
responsibility for the implementation of the Group’s health and safety 
policies and procedures.

The primary purpose of the Group’s health and safety policy is to enable all 
of our people to go about their everyday business at work in the expectation 
that they can do so safely and without risk to their health. During the year 
ended 31 December 2022, no reportable accidents occurred under UK 
Health and Safety regulations. We also run a range of wellbeing initiatives 
for employees focusing on physical and mental health.

OUR APPROACH TO SOCIAL.

Flexible and open working
We have continued to evolve our working environment, with the aim 
of ensuring each employee is able to choose the environment most 
appropriate to achieving their targets and goals and to best support their 
colleagues. This might be at home, in the office, or elsewhere – and we 
understand that this might change depending on their current projects 
and tasks, whether they need to work with others or alone, or whether they 
simply desire a change for their own wellbeing. 

Our approach is based around a flexible and adaptable mix of office and 
home working. We do not mandate any particular working pattern, rather 
emphasise employee choice and responsibility to develop a pattern which 
works for them and their stakeholders.

The significant reduction in commuting and business travel since we 
introduced this approach has allowed people to use their time more 
productively and has also resulted in a meaningful decrease in both 
financial and environmental costs. However, we are also aware of the 
importance of physical office space and regular co-working, which we 
believe contributes to both efficiency and employee wellbeing. Our global 
office spaces, working patterns and supporting technology have continued 
to evolve during 2022, and we believe this evolution will continue over the 
coming years. 

We believe a shared space to work together will always form part of our 
approach and our office spaces represent the heart of our business, 
embodying our mission, vision, and values. We aim for our spaces to 
function as a magnet rather than relying on mandated attendance. We 
work hard to ensure that our workspace offering is conducive to the needs 
of all of our people.

65

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.OUR APPROACH TO SOCIAL.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT.

OUR GOVERNANCE

OUR FINANCIALS

Supporting our 
communities.

We recognise that we do not operate in a vacuum and that it 
is important to look outside of our organisation and consider 
the bigger picture. This is the right thing to do, but we also see 
a benefit for ourselves in terms of understanding the deeper 
long-term impact of our strategies, operations and investments 
and building employee engagement. Bringing our ethos and 
passion to make a positive difference to those around us is 
enjoyable and helps us build a strong and empathetic team. 
To maximise impact, we typically partner with organisations we 
believe have a similar purpose to us and address societal and 
environmental needs. 

6666

IP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.OUR APPROACH TO SOCIAL.

A key area of focus is to increase equity 
for underserved groups, including those 
from underrepresented ethnic and 
different socio-economic backgrounds 
by supporting relevant community 
organisations and providing access to 
pathways into venture capital and private 
equity. We involve our employees in 
choosing partners, working through our 
Group charity liaison team. Our current 
partner charity IntoUniversity was chosen 
by an employee vote from a shortlist of 
four charities sourced from an original 
pool of employee suggestions.

IntoUniversity
IntoUniversity is an educational charity 
that supports young people to access 
higher education or other ambitions 
through a network of learning centres 
across the UK. The Group is partnering 
with IntoUniversity Brixton to transform 
the lives of young people from 
disadvantaged backgrounds in this area 
of London. In 2022 IntoUniversity Brixton 
supported more than 1,400 students 
through a wide range of programmes 
covering academic and personal 
development.

IP Group funds IntoUniversity’s 
STEM-themed centre in Brixton and our 
employees actively volunteer to support 
individual students. In early 2023, we 
hosted 22 students at a Business in 

FOCUS workshop.

Read more about 
IntoUniversity and 
the Black Interns 
programme in our 
Meaningful Impact 
Report

10,000 Black Interns
We continue to actively support the 
10,000 Black Interns programme, which 
recruits Black students and graduates 
into paid internships in sectors including 
finance and technology, as we have 
done since its inception. Our latest intern, 
Malaq-Neo Daniel worked alongside 
our Deeptech team over the summer of 
2022. Mal found the experience valuable, 
and he contributed to the success of 
the team during his placement period 
to such a degree that we look forward 
to welcoming him back as a permanent 
employee once he completes his studies 
in 2023. 

67

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.BUSINESS OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT.

OUR GOVERNANCE

OUR FINANCIALS

Governance.

As a publicly listed entity, we have a strong and 
robust governance framework, flowing from the 
Board down to the Executive Committee and 
the Group’s underlying business. The Board has 
delegated responsibility for ESG matters to the 
Executive Committee, with the CEO retaining 
accountability for ensuring that ESG factors are 
properly considered and incorporated within all 
aspects of the Group’s business. The Executive 
Committee is responsible for reporting on ESG 
matters (including any Ethical considerations) to 
the Board.

The governance structure in relation to ESG 
matters specifically is set out right. The Executive 
Committee delegates day-to-day responsibility 
for ESG matters to both the ESG and Ethics 
Committees and receives regular updates from 
each committee. The ESG Committee, is chaired 
by the CEO and attended by the CFOO, Head 
of Communications, General Counsel UK and 
representatives from the investment partnerships. 

The ESG Committee meets quarterly to discuss 
progress on ESG matters across all elements 
of the Group’s business, which helps to ensure 
the integration and alignment of the Group’s 
ESG strategy and investment processes with 
that of the overall strategy of the Group. The 
ESG Committee is responsible for overseeing 
and implementing the Group’s ESG and 
Sustainability policy. 

68
68

IP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022

The Group also operates a separate Ethics 
Committee, which provides guidance on 
ethical issues and monitors compliance with 
the Group’s Ethical Investment Framework. The 
Ethics Committee meets twice a year, but will 
also consider matters that arise at the Group 
or portfolio company level on an ad-hoc basis 
where necessary.

The oversight function and executive play 
complementary roles in managing ESG matters, 
including climate-related risks and opportunities. 

Oversight

Board

Executive Committee

Delegated Authority

ESG  
Committee

Ethics  
Committee

Our governance framework is supported by a 
range of policies and our Ethical Investment 
Framework described on page 54. Copies of 
our key policies can be found on our website 
www.ipgroupplc.com

Cyber security 
The threat of a cyber-attack is considered a 
principal risk facing the Group. The Board and 
our Committees have placed particular focus 
on mitigating this risk, driving the institution and 
implementation of cyber security systems and 
processes along with an ongoing programme of 
employee testing and training. We take the threat 
of a cyber incident very seriously and endeavour 
to mitigate the risk wherever possible.

The Audit and Risk Committee and Risk Council 
are provided with regular Cyber Security Reports. 
In 2022 a Cyber Security Strategy was developed 
and will be followed over the course of the next 
three years. 

Read about governance at IP Group  
on pages 109 to 177

Execution

Responsible Investment Working Group

Read about cyber security  
on page 96

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.BUSINESS OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT.

OUR GOVERNANCE

OUR FINANCIALS

Our commitment 
to climate.

IP Group’s carbon footprint and exposure to climate risk is 
low but, as a responsible business, we continue to focus on 
managing and reducing the entirety of our environmental 
footprint. We are targeting Net Zero for Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions 
by 2030 (by reducing our emissions by 90% or more, compared 
to that of our base year) and have broadly aligned our reduction 
plan with Science-Based Targets thinking. For the fifth year 
running we have chosen to invest in carbon mitigation schemes.

IP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022

6969

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.OUR COMMITMENT TO CLIMATE.

Sustainable London HQ
Our headquarters in Kings Cross is one of the most energy 
efficient and sustainable developments in the UK. The building 
has been awarded a BREEAM “outstanding” rating and uses the 
most efficient route to create clean localised heat and power. 
Over and above being located in a highly efficient building, our 
environmental impact has benefited from our move to flexible 
working described on page 65 and an increase in the proportion 
of meetings held virtually.

Scope 3 emissions
Our Scope 3 emissions inventory is currently limited to emissions 
arising from business travel. We are in the process of reviewing 
Scope 3 categories to determine which are material and 
measurable for the Group and, therefore, what additional data 
we may be able to disclose in the future, including aggregating 
data from our portfolio companies.

Whilst we are able to hold many meetings virtually, face-to-face 
interaction is an important part of what we do. We therefore 
expect business travel to be a continuing source of emissions for 
the Group. 

Environmental disclosures
IP Group is required to report on its annual greenhouse gas 
(“GHG”) emissions as part of the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic 
Report and Directors’ Report) Regulations 2018. IP Group is also 
required to report in line with Streamlined Energy and Carbon 
Reporting (“SECR”) requirements for the first time for the period 
1 January 2022 to 31 December 2022, in line with our financial 
reporting period. These requirements include an overview of 
GHG emissions, intensity ratios, energy consumption and energy 
efficiency actions taken by IP Group over the reporting period 
for operational office locations. These disclosures can be found 
right. See our Annual Report for our Task Force on Climate-
Related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”) disclosure. 

We assess our carbon footprint in order to identify practical 
steps to further reduce our direct emissions. Moving our head 
office to a BREEAM “outstanding” rated building supplied 

70

by renewable energy was a key step in our journey to be 
carbon neutral in our direct operations and signals our clear 
commitment to climate. 

The table below shows IP Group’s annual energy consumption 
for global operations, associated relevant greenhouse gas 
emissions and additional related information. This encompasses 
energy and emissions from office use and has been expanded 
beyond the minimum requirements to include emissions 
associated with all business travel and staff commuting. 

The methodology used for the calculation of Greenhouse Gas 
emissions is the “GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and 
Reporting Standard”. An “operational control” boundary has 
been applied. Carbon conversion factors have been taken 
from “UK Government GHG Conversion Factors for Company 
Reporting – 2022”. Emissions are reported as tCO2e. Scope 2 
emissions are reported as “location based”. Of our total reported 
energy consumption 290,730kWh was directly related to our UK 
operations, producing GHG emissions of 56tCO2e, 44% of our 
total.

Energy consumption and emissions

On-site combustion (kWh)

Electricity (kWh)

Road Transport (kWh)

2019

42,592

385,759

n/a

2020

n/a

67,165

n/a

2021

n/a

% Difference 
vs 2021

–

2022

n/a

169,604 

122,880 

-27.55 

17,463 

n/a

–

Total Energy (kWh)

428,351

67,165

187,067 

122,880

-34.31

Scope 1 Emissions (tCO2e)

Scope 2 Emissions (tCO2e)

Scope 3 Emissions (tCO2e)

Total Emissions (tCO2e) 

Emissions Intensity tCO2e/FTE
Emissions Intensity tCO2e/m2

8

114

852

974

8.7

0.4

–

21

118

139

1.4

0.07

– 

41

42 

83 

0.9 

0.05

–

24

103

127

1.46

0.15

–

-41.50

+145.30

+53.01

+62

+200

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.OUR COMMITMENT TO CLIMATE.

Emissions intensity
IP Group reports two metrics; emissions/staff number in FTE, 
and emissions per unit of office floor area in m2. The resulting 
emission intensity calculations for 2022 are: 

1.46 tCO2e/FTE 
• 
•  0.15 tCO2.e/m2

These have increased by 62% and 200% respectively versus 2021 
due to the return to office working following the lifting of COVID 
restrictions, with a greater number of employees commuting 
and spending more time in the office and a resumption of 
essential business travel.

Over a longer period, our total operational emissions (tCO2e) 
have fallen by 87% from our 2019 base year total of 974. We 
continue to make efforts to reduce this to over 90%.

Energy efficiency actions
As described on page 70, our offices incorporate a number of 
energy efficient technologies: the majority of light fittings are low 
energy LED, and motion sensors are installed to maximise energy 
efficiency. Other appliances and large office equipment such as 
printers and laptops are of energy efficient design.

Carbon mitigation 
Since 2018 we have invested in UK woodland creation projects 
that will capture CO2. The UK woodland creation is certified 
under the government’s Woodland Carbon Code and delivers 
independently certified woodland creation projects that 
offer tangible social and environmental benefits. It is the only 
standard of its kind in the UK. 

Our 2022 credits will support two UK woodland projects through 
the planting of more than 12,000 trees across nearly five 
hectares of land accounting for 2126 tonnes of CO2.

Read more about the woodland creation projects in our 
Meaningful Impact Report

71

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.TASK FORCE ON CLIMATE-RELATED FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES.

Read about our purpose 
on page 01

IP Group’s carbon footprint and overall 
exposure to climate risk is low. Through 
our investments we have a huge 
opportunity to lead in the transition away 
from fossil fuels and enable organisations 
and governments to meet their Net 
Zero goals and achieve a balance in 
greenhouse gasses produced with 
that taken out, sooner, and support the 
Paris Agreement on climate. Science, 
technology, and innovation, combined 
with funding, have also been identified 
by the UN as one of the main “means 
of implementation” for achievement of 
the 2030 SDG agenda, which includes 
climate change.

We are well positioned on each of the 
four elements of climate-related financial 
disclosures recommended by the TCFD. 
We see these disclosures as an important 
journey for all organisations and we 
are committed to continuing to make 
progress on them. 

Governance
Our Board and various Committees 
ensure active and ongoing oversight of 
the Group’s management of climate-
related risk and opportunities. 
See page 73. 

Strategy
Climate-related risks and opportunities 
are integrated into our broader Group-
level strategy and operational processes. 
Our Group’s strategy, taking into 
consideration different climate-related 
scenarios is resilient. Our Group’s purpose 
focuses us on impact and we back and 
support businesses that will meaningfully 
contribute to a healthier, tech-enriched, 
and regenerative future, including 
businesses whose technologies support 
action on climate. 
See page 74. 

Risk Management
We adopt a multifaceted approach 
to understanding potential risks to our 
business and portfolio companies and 
ensuring that appropriate mitigations and 
controls are enacted for material issues. 
Climate-related risks are an important 
part of these efforts.  
See page 80.

Metrics and Targets
We have reduced our overall operational 
emissions by various strategies, including 
the implementation of remote working, 
moving offices to more sustainable 
premises, undertaking business travel 
only when necessary, and working 
with our suppliers to reduce Scope 3 
emissions. Overall, our total operational 
emissions (tCO2e) have fallen by 87% to 
127 from our 2019 base year total of 974. 
We continue to make efforts reduce 
emissions by more than 90%.  
See page 82 

A summary of our compliance with the 
recommended disclosures can be found 
on page 83 to 84.

72

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.TASK FORCE ON CLIMATE-RELATED FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES.
GOVERNANCE

Our approach to ESG and responsible 
investment and our related policies 
are overseen by the Board of 
Directors. Accountability for climate 
risk and strategy rests with Executive 
management. Our investment process 
considers ESG matters using our Ethical 
Investment Framework (“EI Framework”), 
which is overseen by our Ethics 
Committee. We have quarterly meetings 
(or on an ad hoc basis when required) of 
the ESG Committee, the Ethics Committee, 
and our Responsible Investment Working 
Group. The role of the different groups 
is described in the table right and our 
governance structure for all aspects of 
ESG, including climate, can be found 
on page 68.

We understand that operating and 
investing responsibly requires a 
strengthened focus on climate change, 
particularly with respect to risks and 
opportunities that may have a material 
impact on the Group and our wider 
portfolio. We have in place reporting 
processes to ensure that climate-related 
risks and opportunities are identified and 
communicated to management and 
Board level at the earliest opportunity. 

Committee mandates and responsibilities

Committee name

Mandate and scope of responsibilities

Frequency of 
reporting to the Board 

Board

The Board of Directors oversees the implementation and 
execution of the Group’s ESG strategy.

Quarterly

The ESG Committee includes two members of the Board, 
who take an active part in the functioning and duties of the 
ESG Committee. 

The Head of ESG also provides regular updates to both the 
Board and to the Executive Committee. 

Key matters pertaining to ESG and climate-related risks are 
discussed at the Executive Committee and at Board, and any 
decisions are recorded in the minutes.

ESG Committee

The ESG Committee defines the Group’s ESG risk policy, reviews 
climate risks, monitors adherence to climate risk tolerance, 
and reviews all key climate related issues and exposures.

Quarterly

The ESG Committee also oversees related policies, 
programmes, targets and performance metrics. It reviews 
IP Group’s responsible investing frameworks, including those 
that consider climate risks and opportunities. Commit-tee 
members include IP Group’s Investment Directors, the CEO 
and CFOO. There is a clear line of escalation to the Executive 
Committee and the Board.

Our Ethics Committee reflects the importance placed 
on ethics and how we conduct our business. The Ethics 
Committee is chaired by an independent external chair and 
oversees the Group’s ethics framework, which is our guiding 
star on conduct with respect to our clients, employees, 
partners and our communities.

Bi-annually

Ethics Committee

Responsible 
Investment 
Working Group

The Responsible Investment Working Group oversees the 
integration of ESG factors within the Group’s portfolio, as well 
as the collection of data with respect to ESG and climate-
related factors. 

Quarterly

73

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.The capacity to adapt is considered in 
recognition of the two overarching TCFD 
climate-related risk categories: 

•  Adaptive capacity – the ability of 

organisations, assets, societies, processes, or 
systems to alleviate the level of physical risks 
through actions and transition capacity; and 
the ability of organisations, assets, societies, 
processes, and systems to alleviate the level 
of transition risks through actions

•  Vulnerability – which is determined as a 
function of risk exposure, sensitivity, and 
adaptive/transition capacity, is, therefore, 
the degree to which organisations, assets, 
societies, processes, or systems will be 
negatively affected by risk, or have the 
propensity to be negatively affected

TASK FORCE ON CLIMATE-RELATED FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES.
STRATEGY

Our approach to assessing and 
managing climate-related risks and 
opportunities
IP Group carries out a climate risk and 
opportunities analysis of its operations and 
those of the top 20 companies in the portfolio 
on an annual basis. The methodology used 
within this climate risk and opportunities analysis 
aligns to the TCFD recommendations and 
reporting framework. 

Analysis approach
1.  Materiality analysis: map materiality 

analysis of risk and opportunity likelihood and 
magnitude 

2.  Scenario analysis: model and detail potential 
high-impact risks and opportunities over the 
short, mid, and long term, aligned with the 
Network for Greening the Financial System 
(“NGFS”)

3.  Gap analysis: determine the maturity of 
disclosure frameworks and focus areas 
for TCFD implementation in coming years 
(currently underway)

4.  Disclosure: summarise key findings and 

development plans 

Transition risks and physical risks are scored 
following the best practice methodology 
advocated by the Intergovernmental Panel on 
Climate Change (“IPCC”) to provide an indication 
as to the materiality of each risk over near-
term (<5 years) and long-term (>5 years) time 
horizons. The magnitude and likelihood of each 
risk is considered across three climate scenarios 
proposed by NGFS. 

•  Orderly Transition Scenario. This scenario 
represents early and decisive global policy 
action to limit greenhouse gas emissions

•  Disorderly Transition Scenario. This scenario 
represents delayed, disruptive, sudden and/
or unanticipated global policy action to limit 
greenhouse gas emissions

•  Hot House World Scenario. This scenario 

represents insufficient global policy action 
to limit greenhouse gas emissions, leading 
to a hot house world with significant global 
warming and, as a result, significantly 
increased exposure to physical risks

The term risk signifies the possibility of adverse 
effects in the future, driven by the occurrence 
of a hazard. The level of vulnerability to risk is 
determined using three dimensions: exposure, 
sensitivity, and capacity to adapt. Sensitivity 
reflects the predisposition of organisations, 
assets, societies, processes, or systems to be 
adversely affected by risk. Capacity to adapt 
refers to characteristics or actions that may 
reduce the level of risk posed by a hazard and 
thereby alleviate vulnerability. 

74

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.TASK FORCE ON CLIMATE-RELATED FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES.
STRATEGY

The Group’s strategy with respect to climate change is underpinned by our 
purpose, which focuses us on impact, including investing in technologies and 
innovative solutions that will accelerate the move to a decarbonised planet. 

•  Our core portfolio strongly aligns with climate-related financial opportunities 

associated with energy transformation strategies, energy reduction strategies 
and water reduction strategies, which will become increasingly prevalent in 
building climate-resilient economies

•  We expect to see these opportunities increase with the growing proliferation 

of corporate decarbonisation strategies and overall societal decarbonisation. 
These portfolio companies can, therefore, capitalise on market- and 
product-related opportunities with minimal to no adjustment to their existing 
business models, brands or skillsets. 

Through our decisions we seek to also reduce our own operational emissions 
and introduce frameworks to our portfolio companies that will enable them to 
do the same.

We see three global themes relevant to our portfolio:

Global themes

01

Increasing societal 
imperative for a 
regenerative world

02

Increasing climate 
regulation

03

Increasing 
capital flow into 
climate transition 
technologies 

Societal imperative to limit 
global climate warming 
to 1.5°C, accelerating the 
demand for changes in 
industry structure and social 
and economic reforms 

Increasing global 
regulation around 
decarbonisation 
and caps on 
carbon and GHG 
emissions

Increasing capital 
flow from private and 
public sectors into 
clean technology 
and supporting 
infrastructure

Our opportunity
The changing landscape offers a sizable opportunity for IP Group to not only 
do good but also realise value for stakeholders via the Group’s long-term 
investment strategy, which seeks to address societal needs of the future 
including climate change.

Our climate-related risks and opportunities 

Risks and resilience
To determine our climate risk exposure, we conducted a 
scenario analysis based on the methodologies described on 
page 74 to understand the impact of climate change on the 
business models of our portfolio companies. 

We conducted analysis to estimate the short-term impact 
of climate change for both market risk and credit risks using 
climate scenarios published by NGFS. As a result of our analysis, 
we believe that the impact of climate change on the Group’s 
finances will be limited. 

Once the relevant risks were identified:

•  Estimated climate risk to IP Group’s direct operations and 

probability was assigned from small to significant, with the 
results shown in the matrix on page 76.

•  Mitigation measures were designed and put in place to 

address any risks identified, and to allow for resilience to any 
potential risks.

75

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.TASK FORCE ON CLIMATE-RELATED FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES.
STRATEGY

Summary of key risks

Risk description

IP Group plc: Policy/legal risk from increasingly stringent reporting 
requirements around climate risk, including TCFD and SECR.
TCFD Risk category: Policy and Legal Risks (Transition Risks)

IP Group plc: Risk of failing to incorporate climate change fully into 
investment screening and due diligence process.
TCFD Risk category: Market Risk and Reputation Risk (Transition Risks)

IP Group plc: Business interruption because of extreme weather 
events taking electricity or telecommunications networks offline.
TCFD Risk category: Acute Risk and Chronic Risk (Physical Risks)

Portfolio: Risk of supply chain disruption which limits the availability 
of component parts required for manufacturing for certain 
companies.
TCFD Risk category: Acute Risk and Chronic Risk (Physical Risks)

Portfolio: Risk of increased cost of raw materials and production 
costs.
TCFD Risk category: Acute Risk and Chronic Risk (Physical Risks)

Portfolio: Risk of product failure due to extreme weather conditions 
driven by climate change for companies with products operating in 
harsh environments exposed to extreme weather conditions.
TCFD Risk category: Acute Risk and Chronic Risk (Physical Risks)

Portfolio: Reputational risks associated with the decommissioning, 
recycling and non-recyclable waste associated with renewable 
energy products and/or energy storage systems e.g. fuel cells and 
batteries. 
TCFD Risk category: Policy and Legal Risks, Reputational Risks 
(Transition Risks)

Portfolio: Risks to product deployment where companies are 
exposed to harsh weather conditions that may be exacerbated by 
climate change.
TCFD Risk category: Acute Risk and Chronic Risk (Physical Risks)

76

Climate scenario

Orderly 
Transition

Disorderly 
Transition

Hot House 
World

Mitigation measures

KEY

Small risk

Significant risk

Ensure robust climate governance structure is in place, 
which appropriately manages climate risks throughout 
the organisation, including specifying which climate 
considerations should be considered as part of pre-
investment due diligence.

Formalise the incorporation of climate change specific 
risk screening questions in the pre-investment due 
diligence process.

Develop back up and resiliency plans which account for 
potential impacts of climate change.

Support portfolio companies to review supplier sourcing 
strategies; encourage companies to develop contingency 
plans for when one supplier is affected; and encourage 
companies to avoid over concentration of risk with key 
suppliers.

Support portfolio companies to explore whether certain 
inputs can be substituted for others that may be more 
cost effective or have higher availability; and encourage 
portfolio companies to develop diversified supplier 
sourcing strategies.

Review product design and testing with portfolio 
companies that may be exposed to this risk.

Support portfolio companies to develop business models 
and strategies that reduce waste, and encourage re-use 
and facilitate recycling.

Support portfolio companies where this risk may apply to 
factor climate conditions into product design and testing.

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.TASK FORCE ON CLIMATE-RELATED FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES.
STRATEGY

Mitigation
At Group level, we have strengthened our governance and due diligence process. We have also developed 
a playbook for business resiliency to respond to business interruption caused by extreme weather events. At 
a portfolio level, we are implementing a programme of increased engagement and support to our portfolio 
companies, with their broader approach to climate risks and opportunities. 

Portfolio companies with transition or physical risk scores over defined thresholds of over 
60 (out of a score of 100)

Time horizon

Companies with transition or  
physical risk score >60/100.

SCENARIO

Orderly Transition

Disorderly Transition

Hot House World

Near term 
(<5 years)

Long term 
(>5 years)

Near term 
(<5 years)

Long term 
(>5 years)

Near term 
(<5 years)

Long term 
(>5 years)

–

–

–

–

–

3

Three long-term physical risks were identified relating to product deployment in the field, where portfolio 
companies may be exposed to the impacts of a changing climate, particularly in higher-emissions/higher-
warming scenarios. 

No company in the portfolio scored over 45/100 (below the 60 score threshold that we had set) for transition 
risks, over both near and long-term time horizons.

In summary, our portfolio 
analysis exercise found 
no “red flags”, but 
three companies were 
flagged as being more 
predisposed to physical 
risks than others and are 
more likely to experience 
adverse effects from 
climate-related risk in a 
Hot House World.

77

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.TASK FORCE ON CLIMATE-RELATED FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES.
STRATEGY

Opportunities 
IP Group’s portfolio is well positioned to 
benefit from the transition to a lower carbon 
economy because of the large number 
of companies in our portfolio whose 
core technology and/or product offering 
responds to likely demand growth as the 
world decarbonises. This is particularly 
true of holdings in the cleantech sector. 
Technologies backed by the Group, include 
renewable energy, hydrogen, electric 
mobility, and energy storage.

Categorising our opportunities
The matrix (right) categorises the key 
environmental themes over the long 
term, where we feel we have the most 
opportunity to build and grow, based on 
our core competencies and expertise. 

Climate-related R&D and innovation, 
expansion of low emission goods 
and services across the portfolio, and 
successful investment in new technologies 
were identified as the most material 
opportunities for IP Group. 

Climate-related opportunities were 
identified using opportunity scores based 
on two dimensions: 

•  The size of the opportunity
•  The ability to execute the opportunity

Opportunity scores were given to 
companies in the portfolio where the core 
technologies and products of the company 
aligned with climate-related opportunities. 
When applying this scoring methodology 
to our top holdings, 37 portfolio companies 
were rated “high” in both opportunity size 
and execution capability. 

78

Opportunity 
categories

Low carbon 
energy 
generation

Opportunity context

TCFD categories

We expect to see continuing increase in demand for low 
carbon energy generation such as fusion energy as the world 
transitions to zero carbon. We also expect to see significant 
demand for small-scale, localised wind energy generation.

•  Products and services

•  Markets

•  Energy source

Portfolio companies in this category: First Light Fusion, Spinetic 
Energy

Energy use 
reduction

In addition to a different energy paradigm, there will also be a 
drive for reduction and efficiency in energy usage. This will be 
from both a retail perspective as homeowners seek to lower 
their energy costs and reduce emissions as well as in industrial 
applications and the transport sector.

•  Products and services

•  Markets

•  Resource efficiency

Energy 
storage

Portfolio companies in this category: Helio Display Materials, 
Mixergy

There will be growing need for storing various forms of 
renewable energy from solar, wind and hydrogen. We see a 
significant opportunity as demand for fuel cell technology 
grows and we expect the demand for low cost and long 
duration fuel cell storage will grow significantly as the world 
decarbonises and electric vehicles proliferate.

Portfolio companies in this category: RFC Power, Bramble 
Energy

•  Products and services

•  Markets

•  Resource efficiency

Carbon 
capture

There will be increasing demand for emissions reduction 
technologies including carbon capture. 

•  Products and services

•  Markets

Portfolio companies in this category: C-Capture 

•  Resource efficiency

Water 
availability

Water availability will become increasingly uncertain in the 
future, particularly under warmer climate scenarios. Many 
locations across the globe will experience an increase in water 
scarcity resulting in growing demand for technologies that 
help in the conservation, cleaning and filtering of water. 

Portfolio companies in this category: Xeros Technology Group 
(A company that was co-founded by IP Group)

•  Products and services

•  Markets

•  Resource efficiency

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.TASK FORCE ON CLIMATE-RELATED FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES.
STRATEGY

Integrating climate risks and 
opportunities into businesses, 
strategy, and financial planning
Any climate risks and opportunities that 
are identified are assessed in terms of how 
they may affect the Group’s business model 
and performance. 

We have established two key strands in 
integrating climate risks and opportunities into 
business strategy and financial planning. 

Strand 1: Reduce and mitigate 
climate risk
We collate key findings and learnings from the 
assessments that we undertake with respect to 
our operations and portfolio. Any key risks are 
integrated into our Risk Register Framework, with 
a view to strengthening our resilience, mitigation, 
and adaptation responses. 

New issues relating to climate and other ESG 
factors are discussed at the ESG Committee and 
escalated to the Executive Committee or the 
Board as appropriate. A materiality assessment 
is carried out, where we engage with external 
stakeholders to better understand the issues 
that are of most concern to them. For each issue, 
the assessment rates the degree of stakeholder 
concern and potential business impact.

Strand 2: Capitalise on climate 
opportunities
Growing interest in climate change and the 
transition to a low carbon world is expected 
to lead to stronger demand from investors for 
solutions that genuinely provide long lasting 
impact for people and the planet. Of the 
assessed companies in the portfolio of our 25 
most material companies, 13 of the 25 companies 
analysed (46%) are companies associated with 
cleantech and are developing new technologies 
to meet the predicted demand for energy 
transformation, storage, and carbon reduction.

Summary
•  There were no red flags identified and overall 
climate risk at Group and portfolio level is low

•  Climate-related R&D and innovation, 

expansion of low emission goods and 
services across the portfolio, and successful 
investment in new technologies were 
identified as the most material opportunities 
for IP Group

•  The portfolio is well positioned to benefit 
from the transition to a low carbon world 
due to its low exposure to climate-related 
risks and because of the large number of 
companies whose core technology and/or 
product offering address opportunities for 
energy transition

79

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.TASK FORCE ON CLIMATE-RELATED FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES.
RISK MANAGEMENT

Lever 2: Scenario analysis
IP Group applies the three references from the 
NGFS as a framework for considering climate 
change risks over different scenarios. The NGFS is 
a group of approximately 121 members (including 
the Bank of England and United States Federal 
Reserve) mobilising mainstream finance to 
support the transition towards a sustainable 
economy. The assessment of climate-related 
risks is done using the NGFS scenarios to 
determine the potential impact of issues over 
various time horizons.

•  Orderly scenarios assume climate policies are 
introduced early and become gradually more 
stringent. Both physical and transition risks are 
relatively subdued

•  Disorderly scenarios explore higher transition 

risk due to policies being delayed or divergent 
across countries and sectors. Carbon prices 
are typically higher for a given temperature 
outcome

•  Hot House World scenarios assume that some 
climate policies are implemented in some 
jurisdictions, but global efforts are insufficient 
to halt significant global warming. Critical 
temperature thresholds are exceeded, leading 
to severe physical risks and irreversible 
impacts like sea-level rise

Lever 3: Landscape scanning
IP Group also undertakes an external scanning 
exercise to determine any critical elements 
that may have a negative impact on portfolio 
companies, in the form of:

•  Climate regulations 

•  Carbon pricing

•  Additional disclosures and reporting 

requirements

Managing climate-related risks
Given limited risk to the Group itself, IP Group 
has increasingly focused on stewardship of the 
portfolio to ensure that investee companies are 
mindful of issues such as climate change and 
strong governance. We recognise the importance 
of ensuring that the businesses we help create 
comply with all applicable environmental, ethical, 
and social legislation. Furthermore, our direct 
involvement in many of these companies allows 
greater scope to engage with their management 
teams and offer guidance. 

•  We engage with portfolio companies to 

assess and validate their approach to climate 
risk and any potential impact to their business 
model

•  The monitoring of climate issues is done 
via direct engagement with our portfolio 
companies at revenue stage, using the 
NGFS scenarios. The Responsible Investment 
Working Group will highlight any specific risks 
pertinent to the portfolio

Levers to managing our 
climate-related risks
Lever 1: Risk review
•  As described on page 74 a review of climate-
related risks and opportunities is performed 
to identify material risks. The ESG Committee 
reviews findings and coordinates any 
mitigation plans and strategies identified as 
being required. If necessary, issues will be 
escalated to the Audit and Risk Committee or 
the Board

•  We perform a company-wide risk assessment, 
which looks at the exposure of the firm and 
portfolio companies to transition and physical 
risk, under various scenarios looking at short, 
medium, and long-term time horizons. See 
page 74

•  A business impact analysis is conducted on 

each business line and its attached activities 
to determine the impact potential of various 
disruption scenarios such as unavailability of 
premises, of people, of IT or of suppliers 

•  We evaluate material ESG risks, including 

climate-related risk, during our regular reviews 
with portfolio managers to provide oversight 
over their consideration of these risks in their 
investment processes. This helps to ensure 
that such risks are understood, deliberate and 
consistent with objectives 

•  The Board reviews ESG risks, including climate-
related risk, exposure at the portfolio level, 
providing rigour and consistency across our 
diverse investment portfolio, while seeking to 
ensure that risk taking is deliberate, diversified 
and scaled 

80

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.TASK FORCE ON CLIMATE-RELATED FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES.
RISK MANAGEMENT

•  There is a “look back” review to assess key 

issues over the year and incorporate learnings 
into IP Group’s broader governance structure 
and framework

•  During 2022, we have continued to build on 
our existing risk management framework, 
enhancing risk management and internal 
control processes and working with PwC in an 
outsourced internal audit capacity. In doing 
so, we supported the Board in the exercising of 
its responsibilities relating to risk management

Integration of climate-related risks 
into our overall Group risk processes
•  An internal risk register is maintained to 

capture and review key climate related and 
broader ESG risks. There are regular reviews to 
assess the design and ongoing effectiveness 
of internal controls over the Group’s key 
risks, which includes an assessment of the 
operating effectiveness and appropriateness 
of the controls in place. Risk management 
activity in the year included refreshing the 
Group’s key risk register

•  Overall responsibility for the risk framework 
and definition of risk appetite rests with 
the Board who, through regular review of 
risks, ensure that risk exposure is matched 
with an ability to achieve the Group’s 
strategic objectives 

•  The ESG Committee operates to establish, 

recommend, and maintain a fit-for-purpose 
risk management framework appropriate 
for the Group and oversees the effective 
application of the framework across the 
business. The ESG Committee is chaired by the 
CEO, with representation from our operational 
and investment teams 

81

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.TASK FORCE ON CLIMATE-RELATED FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES.
METRICS AND TARGETS

Scope 3: Scope 3 encompasses indirect 
GHG emissions in IP Group’s value chain. 
These emissions arise from the Group’s 
business travel and commuting. The 
Group’s Scope 3 emissions in 2022 were 
103 tCO2e. The Group does not currently 
collate data on financed emissions. 

We also use the following emission 
intensity calculations to monitor progress:

Intensity calculation

2022 data

tCO2e/FTE (full time equivalent 
employee)
tCO2e/m2 (of office space)

1.46

0.15

The Group does not generate significant 
quantities of waste in the delivery of 
services that create material sources of 
emissions.

Our total GHG emissions (tCO2e) have 
fallen by 87% to 127 from our 2019 base 
year. We continue to make efforts to 
continue this reduction to over 90%.

We are also progressing the capture of 
operational emissions data from our 
portfolio companies. 

Read our GHG emissions 
disclosure on page 70 

GHG emissions
The methodology used to determine 
the Group’s greenhouse gas (GHG) 
emissions is the ‘Greenhouse Gas 
Protocol: A Corporate Accounting and 
Reporting Standard’ (revised edition). 
An ‘operational control’ boundary has 
been applied. Carbon conversion factors 
have been taken from ‘UK Government 
GHG Conversion Factors for Company 
Reporting – 2021’. Emissions are reported 
as tCO2e.

Scope 1: IP Group does not own or operate 
vehicles, infrastructure, real estate, boilers, 
or power generators. The Group therefore, 
does not produce direct GHG emissions 
which would be Scope 1 emissions.

Scope 2: Scope 2 emissions are reported 
as “location based” based on the 
emissions intensity of the local grid area 
where the electricity usage occurs. The 
Group’s Scope 2 emissions in 2022 were 
24 tCO2e.

82

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.TASK FORCE ON CLIMATE-RELATED FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES.
COMPLIANCE WITH TCFD RECOMMENDATIONS

IP Group considers climate-related risk to be financially immaterial in the context of the Company’s overall financial statements.

IP Group has complied with the requirements of LR 9.8.6R by including climate-related financial disclosures consistent with the 
TCFD recommendations and recommended disclosures other than the instances noted in the table below where we have partially 
complied with the requirements. The table below describes our compliance with each area of the disclosure and where this 
information can be found in this Annual Report.

Recommendation

Reference

Further work planned in 2023

2022 
disclosure 
level

DISCLOSURE LEVEL 
KEY

Full

Partial

Omitted

Page 73

•  We have separate ESG Committee, which 

Governance
Disclose the 
organisation’s 
governance 
around 
climate-related 
risks and 
opportunities.

Strategy
Disclose the 
actual and 
potential 
impacts of 
climate-related 
risks and 
opportunities 
on the 
organisation’s 
businesses, 
strategy, and 
financial 
planning 
where such 
information is 
material.

a.  Describe the Board’s oversight 
of climate-related risks and 
opportunities.

b.  Describe management’s role 
in assessing and managing 
climate-related risks and 
opportunities.

a.  Describe the climate-related 
risks and opportunities the 
organisation has identified over 
the short, medium, and long 
term.

Page 73

Pages 76 
to 78

b.  Describe the impact of climate-

Page 79

related risks and opportunities 
on the organisation’s 
businesses, strategy, and 
financial planning.

c.  Describe the resilience of the 

Page 79

organisation’s strategy. Taking 
into consideration different 
climate-related scenarios, 
including a 2°C or lower 
scenario.

specifically focuses on ESG matters, including 
climate-related risk

•  The ESG committee includes two members from 
the Board, and any climate-related risks are 
escalated to the Board in a timely manner

•  Management is apprised of ESG considerations, 

including climate-related risks via regular 
updates

•  There were no red flags identified and overall 
climate risk at Group and portfolio level is low
•  Climate-related R&D and innovation, expansion 
of low emission goods and services across 
the portfolio, and successful investment in 
new technologies were identified as the most 
material opportunities for IP Group
 The portfolio is well positioned to benefit from 
the transition to a low carbon world due to 
its low exposure to climate-related risks and 
because of the large number of companies 
whose core technology and/or product offering 
address opportunities for energy transition

• 

•  Despite our relatively low risk profile with respect 
to climate change, we take climate change 
seriously and endeavour to follow leading 
practice with respect to climate change risk 
mitigation and management

83

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.TASK FORCE ON CLIMATE-RELATED FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES.
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES

Recommendation

Reference

Further work planned in 2023

2022 
disclosure 
level

Risk 
management
Disclose 
how the 
organisation 
identifies, 
assesses, and 
manages 
climate-related 
risks.

a.  Describe the organisation’s 

Page 74

processes for identifying and 
assessing climate-related risks.

b.  Describe the organisation’s 
processes for managing 
climate-related risks.

c.  Describe how processes for 
identifying, assessing, and 
managing climate-related 
risks are integrated into the 
organisation’s overall risk 
management.

Page 81

Page 81

•  The methodology used within this climate risk 
and opportunities analysis aligns to the TCFD 
recommendations and reporting framework
•  Any risks that are identified are escalated as 

appropriate to the relevant function, committee, 
or Board, for a considered risk mitigation and 
management strategy and approach
•  The overall climate-related controls are 

embedded into the broader ESG governance 
and committee structure and monitored via an 
internal risk register

DISCLOSURE LEVEL 
KEY

Full

Partial

Omitted

Metrics and 
targets
Disclose the 
metrics and 
targets used 
to assess 
and manage 
relevant 
climate-related 
risks and 
opportunities 
where the 
information is 
material.

a.  Disclose the metrics used by 
the organisation to assess 
climate-related risks and 
opportunities in line with its 
strategy and risk management 
processes.

b.  Disclose Scope 1, Scope 2 and, 
if appropriate, Scope 3 GHG 
emissions, and the related risks.

c.  Describe the targets used by 
the organisation to manage 
climate-related risks and 
opportunities and performance 
against targets.

84

Page 82

•  The metrics we use are:

• 
• 

tCO2e/FTE (full time equivalent employee)
tCO2e/m2 (of office space)

•  As our overall emissions are very low, an 

intensity ratio allows us to better gauge our 
energy efficiency and overall strategy to 
increase energy efficiency, as well as compare 
our energy intensity to that of peers

•  Scope 1 does not apply to us
•  We disclose Scope 2. We disclose for our 

Pages 70 
and 82

Page 80

operational boundary

•  We disclose business travel and commuting as 

part of Scope 3

•  We have reduced our emissions within our 

direct operational boundary by over 80% from 
our 2019 base year

•  We do not currently have explicit targets 

and are exploring different approaches to 
meaningfully further reduce our emissions, prior 
to setting additional targets

•  For Scope 3, the Group does not currently 

collate data on financed emissions but we 
intend to do so in future

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.RISK MANAGEMENT.

Managing risk: our framework 
for balancing risk and reward

Governance
Overall responsibility for the risk 
framework and definition of risk appetite 
rests with the Board, who, through regular 
review of risks, ensure that risk exposure 
is balanced with an ability to achieve 
the Group’s strategic objectives. The IP 
Group Risk Council is the executive body 
that operates to establish, recommend, 
and maintain a fit-for-purpose risk 
management framework appropriate for 
the Group and to oversee the effective 
application of the framework across 
the business. The Risk Council is chaired 
by the CFOO, its members include the 
Company Secretary and Finance Director 
and has representation from operational 
business units as required during the year. 
Risk identification is carried out through 
a bottom-up process via operational 
risk registers maintained by individual 
teams, which are updated and reported 
to the Risk Council at least biannually, 
with additional top-down input from the 
Executive Committee and non-executive 
review being carried out by the Audit and 
Risk Committee at least annually.

Risk management process
Ranking of the Group’s risks is carried 
out by combining the financial, 
strategic, operational, reputational, 
regulatory and employee impact of 
risks and the likelihood that they may 
occur. Operational risks are collated 
into strategic risks, which identifies 
key themes and emerging risks, and 

ultimately informs our principal risks, 
which are detailed in the Principal Risk 
and Uncertainties section of this report. 
The operations of the Group, and the 
implementation of its objectives and 
strategy, are subject to a number of 
principal risks and uncertainties. Were 
more than one of the risks to occur 
together, the overall impact on the Group 
may be compounded.

The design and ongoing effectiveness of 
the key controls over the Group’s principal 
risks are documented using a “risk 
and control matrix”, which includes an 
assessment of the design and operating 
effectiveness of the controls in question. 
The key controls over the Group’s 
identified principal risks are reviewed as 
part of the Group’s risk management 
process, by management, the Audit 
and Risk Committee and the Board 
during the year. However, the Group’s 
risk management programme can 
only provide reasonable, not absolute, 
assurance that principal risks are 
managed to an acceptable level.

During 2022, the Risk Council has 
continued to build on the Group’s existing 
risk management framework, enhancing 
risk management and internal control 
processes and working with PwC in an 
outsourced internal audit capacity, 
and in doing so supported the Board in 
exercising its responsibility surrounding 
risk management. The Risk Council 
has continued to support the Board in 
exercising its responsibility surrounding 
risk management through its regular 
meetings. 

Read about the  
Audit and Risk 
Committee 
on pages 163 to 171

The risk management activity in the 
year included updating the Group’s 
risk appetite statements and key risk 
indicators incorporating the updated 
Group strategy launched in the 
year, refreshing the Group’s existing 
operational, strategic, and principal risk 
registers, performing a full refresh of the 
key controls and an assessment of the 
strategic risks and the appropriateness of 
our principal risks.

The Group adopted a “Cyber Response 
Guide” and “Strategic Ransomware 
Response Playbook” in December 2021 
detailing how the Group would respond 
to a cyber crisis following a project led by 
the Risk Council to address the growing 
threat of cyber-attacks. In 2022, the Risk 
Council facilitated extensive one-to-
one and group training sessions for all 
those individuals identified in the Group’s 
Cyber Response Guide as having a role in 
driving the Group’s business response to 
such an incident. 

Our risk management framework ensures 
that risk exposure is balanced with our 
ability to achieve our strategic objectives.

David Baynes
Chief Financial and Operating Officer

85

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.RISK MANAGEMENT.

In total, the Group’s response team, led by 
the CFOO, took part in three simulations 
in the year to embed the response 
plans and practice senior leadership’s 
readiness. Two of these simulations 
were externally facilitated. Each 
simulation saw response teams react 
well to increasingly difficult scenarios; 
however areas for improvement have 
been identified and the Risk Council 
is leading the implementation of the 
actions identified that focus on increasing 
our internal communications capacity 
and a commitment to more regular 
and increasingly challenging training 
simulations. In addition, the Risk Council 
provided training to all staff on what 
a cyber-attack might look like and the 
appropriate steps to take if they identify 
signs of a compromise. 

The Risk Council reviewed the 
Government’s Response Statement 
following its consultation in 2021 “Restoring 
trust in audit and corporate governance” 
and undertook “no regrets” activities to 
ensure the transition to the new regime 
will be smooth while we await the final 
guidelines. This included drafting an Audit 
and Assurance Policy (“AAP”) based on 
the minimum standards outlined by the 
Government and seeking engagement 
from senior leadership as to the key areas 
of focus and direction of travel for external 
engagement if the AAP is adopted. This 
review has identified a priority workstream 
for the Risk Council in 2023 will be 
reviewing the processes for ensuring ESG-
related information reported by the Group 
is robust and designing a fit-for-purpose 
process that provides suitable assurance 
going forward.

Other projects in the year included 
monitoring the set-up of an RMB fund 
from ICCV, the Group’s joint venture 
with China Everbright, to be operated 
by the Group’s Hong Kong subsidiary, 
reviewing risk management disclosures 
in the annual report and accounts, 
updating the Group’s Business Continuity 
Plans, monitoring training and testing 
completion rates by employees, testing 
of key controls over the Group’s principal 
risks, monitoring key risk indicators, 
performing a control investment review 
to ensure the desired levels of controls 
agreed by the Board were in place, 
continued monitoring of internal audit 
remediation points, monitoring progress 
of the Risk Council against its agreed 
objectives, implementing a cyber 
compliance monitoring program and 
continued communication of key outputs 
of the risk management programme to 
operational business heads and the wider 
employee group. 

Internal audit reviews were conducted 
over the following areas: (i) Follow up 
review: all high and medium risk actions 
identified in the ten reviews completed 
since 2019 were reviewed to provide 
comfort that completed remediations 
remained in place; (ii) Business Continuity 
review: a specialist team facilitated the 
development and delivery of a simulated 
exercise to practise the executive 
leadership’s crisis response readiness 
in the face of a serious cyber incident 
such as a ransomware attack; and (iii) 
Key Financial Controls review: following 
on from earlier reviews of the design 
and operating effectiveness of the key 
financial controls covering treasury, 

Group financial reporting, budget 
and planning, investment valuation, 
revenue and receivables, purchases and 
payments, the approval of expenses 
and a review of the valuation process, 
internal audit performed a review 
of the financial close and reporting 
processes. Additionally, at the request 
of management, the PwC internal audit 
cyber team have reviewed completed 
control remediations originating from 
the 2020 cyber maturity assessment 
review to confirm all areas highlighted for 
improvement have been implemented to 
the required standard. 

Priorities for 2023 include further 
business reviews by the internal audit 
function, preparation for anticipated UK 
governance reform changes, delivering 
training and scenario-based testing 
programmes for operational resilience 
workstreams, overseeing the set-up 
of a regulated business in Hong Kong 
and continued enhancement of Group 
risk reporting and communication 
across the business. We continue to 
monitor the impact of the war in Ukraine, 
heightened geopolitical tension, supply 
chain disruption, high levels of inflation, 
increasing interest rate rises, energy and 
cost-of-living crisis and volatile capital 
markets and note the greatest impact to 
the Group has been the marked decline in 
the valuation of technology sector listed 
companies, which we consider heighten 
our principal risks of macroeconomic 
environment and access to capital risks.

86

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.RISK MANAGEMENT.
IP GROUP RISK MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK

KEY

Direct Reporting

Review and Challenge

First Line Of Defence

01

02

Second Line Of Defence

Oversight and challenge by the 
Risk Council, Central Functions and 
Management

Third Line Of Defence

03

Independent assurance

Australia

Parkwalk

Hong Kong

IP Capital

IP Exec

Front Line Operations 

Life Sciences

Technology

Cleantech

Board

Executive 
Management

Risk Council

Collated risk 
registers

Central Functions

HR

Finance

IT

Legal & Cosec

Communications & 
Investor Relations

ESG

Audit and Risk Committee

Internal audit

Committees

The Group has a number of committees 
in place to manage specific risks being:

•  Valuation Committee
•  Capital Allocation Committee
•  Group Cyber Forum
•  ESG Committee
•  Ethics Committee

i

g
n
n
r
a
e

l

,

k
c
a
b
d
e
e
f

,

e
g
n
e

l
l

a
h
C

i

t
h
g
s
r
e
v
o

,

g
n
i
t
r
o
p
e
r

,

l

i

s
s
y
a
n
a

,

n
o
i
t
a
d

i
l

o
s
n
o
C

87

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT. 
 
 
 
 
RISK MANAGEMENT. 

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT.

OUR GOVERNANCE

OUR FINANCIALS

Emerging risk
The Group’s 
management 
and Board 
regularly considers 
emerging risks 
and opportunities, 
both internal and 
external, which 
may affect the 
Group in the near, 
medium, and long 
term. The Board 
considered this 
subject in detail 
at its annual risk 
workshop at the 
Board Strategy 
Day in November 
and continue to 
consider emerging 
risks throughout 
the year. Set out 
to the right are 
examples of some 
of the potential 
emerging risks that 
are currently being 
monitored by 
management and 
the Board:

Near term

Medium term

Longer term

Economic and geopolitical 
uncertainty 
The economic and geopolitical 
environment has changed dramatically 
since the beginning of 2022 and the Group 
is now operating against a backdrop of 
greater geopolitical instability, surging 
inflation recorded at 9.2% in December 2022 
down from its peak of 11.1%in the year, and 
the potential for a global recession. The 
volatility in capital markets has continued, 
most notably interest rate rises, which 
have particularly impacted growth and 
technology stocks, such as IP Group and its 
portfolio. 

Climate change transition risks 
Transition risks can occur when moving 
towards a less polluting, greener economy. 
Such transitions could mean that the Group 
could face higher costs of doing business 
for example new climate-related legislation, 
regulations, and reporting requirements, 
such as TCFD and SECR reporting, will pose 
additional costs as the Group seeks to 
manage these risks by investing additional 
resources to ensure compliance. 

Read about climate change 
risks on page 74

Climate change technology risks 
Climate change continues to be a 
key concern of the Group and all its 
stakeholders. IP Group invests in technology 
that has the potential to have positive 
impacts on the environment and the Group 
is well positioned to take advantage of the 
changing preferences of governments, 
businesses and individuals. 

In addition, IP Group reported against the 
TCFD recommendations in monitoring 
risks and opportunities to the business as 
presented by climate change.

Read our TCFD disclosure  
on pages 72 to 84

Cyber and IT security
Cyber and IT security continue to be areas 
of risk for the Group and its portfolio as we 
continue to invest in intellectual property-
based portfolio companies, which could 
be targets for hackers or competitors 
and the regulatory landscape, which is 
evolving rapidly around data security 
and the increasing powers of regulators 
to impose significant fines on companies 
who inadvertently breach legislation such 
as GDPR. The industry saw an increase 
in cyber-attacks in 2022 and it is against 
this backdrop that the Group continued 
to increase its investment in mitigating 
controls, staff training and cyber incident 
exercising to support our response to this 
risk area. 

Access to talent and diversity
The industry in which the Group operates is 
a specialised area and the Group requires 
highly qualified and experienced employees 
to deliver its strategy. The Group’s access to 
the right talent is, therefore, of paramount 
importance. Increasing shortages across 
the full spectrum of the labour market seen 
in recent years and trends such as the 
“Great Resignation” were considered by 
the Board and access to alternative pools 
of talent and engaging with those pools of 
talent was discussed. 

Read about talent and diversity  
on page 58

88
88

IP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.RISK MANAGEMENT.

Summary of principal risks 
and mitigants
A summary of the principal risks affecting 
the Group and the steps taken to manage 
these is set out in this section. Further 
discussion of the Group’s approach to 
principal risks and uncertainties is given 
on page 127 of the Corporate Governance 
Statement and pages 168 to 169 of the 
Audit and Risk Committee report, while 
further disclosure of the Group’s financial 
risk management is set out in note 3 to 
the consolidated financial statements 
on pages 198 to 201. Following the 2022 
annual review process, the heatmap 
below describes the relative potential risks 
posed by each of the Group’s identified 
principal risks i.e. how the principal risks 
are ranked against each other.

Consideration of risk appetite
The industry the Group operates in 
inherently involves accepting risk to 
achieve the Group’s strategic aims of 
building a future enhanced by the impact 
of transformative businesses we have 
identified, backed and grown as long-
term partners and delivering attractive 
financial returns on those assets and 
third-party funds. The Group accepts risk 
only as it is consistent with the Group’s 
purpose and strategy and where they 
can be appropriately managed and 
offer a sufficient reward. The Board has 
determined its risk appetite in relation to 
each of its principal risks and considered 
appropriate metrics to monitor 
performance to ensure it remains within 
the defined thresholds. 

3

1

2

5

7

t
c
a
p
m

I

6

8

4

Principal risks

1

Insufficient capital: plc

2 Insufficient capital: portfolio

3 Insufficient returns

4 People

5 Macro-economic 
environment

6 Legislation/regulation

7 Cyber and IT Security

8 Operations including 

international operations

2022 principal risk

The Board’s assessment of risk appetite 
is provided in the summary of each 
principal risk below.

Risk appetite ratings defined:

Read about the  
Audit and Risk 
Committee  
on pages 163 to 171

Very low 
Following a marginal-risk, marginal-
reward approach that represents the 
safest strategic route available

Low 
Seeking to integrate sufficient control 
and mitigation methods in order to 
accommodate a low level of risk, 
though this will also limit reward 
potential

Balanced 
An approach which brings a high 
chance of success, considering the 
risks, along with reasonable rewards, 
economic and otherwise

High 
Willing to consider bolder 
opportunities with higher levels 
of risk in exchange for increased 
business payoffs

Very high 
Pursuing high-risk, inherently 
uncertain options that carry with 
them the potential for high-level 
rewards

 Likelihood

89

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.RISK MANAGEMENT. 
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

01

It may be difficult for the Group 
to maintain the required level of 
capital to continue to operate 
at optimum levels of investment 
activity and overheads

The Group’s business has historically been reliant on capital markets, particularly those in the UK; however, 
the Group’s business model is moving towards self-sustainability with realisations from the portfolio funding 
the Group’s ongoing capital needs. The ability of the Group to raise further capital through realisations, or 
potentially through equity issues or debt, is influenced by the general economic climate and capital market 
conditions, particularly in the UK.

Link to strategy
Access to sufficient levels of capital allows 
the Group to invest in its investment 
assets, develop early-stage investment 
opportunities and invest in its most 
exciting companies to ensure attractive 
future financial returns.

Actions taken by management
•  The Group has significant balance sheet capital and managed funds capital to deploy in 

Risk 
appetite

portfolio opportunities

•  The Group regularly forecasts cash requirements of the portfolio and ensures all capital 

allocations are compliant with budgetary limits, treasury and capital allocation policies and 
guidelines and transaction authorisation controls

•  The Group ensures that minimum cash is available to maintain sufficient headroom over 

debt covenants and regulatory capital requirements

Examples of risk
•  The Group may not be able to provide 
the necessary capital to key priority 
assets, which may affect the portfolio 
companies’ performance or dilute 
future returns of the Group

•  The Group may not be able to realise 
capital from its portfolio to fund the 
desired level of investment activity in 
the portfolio

Development during the year
•  The Group created a key role to develop greater levels of access to strategic third-party 
capital in 2022. The Group appointed a Managing Director of Global Capital following a 
robust process of role definition and recruitment an appointment was made in December 
2022

Change 
from 2021

•  The Group’s share price continued to trade below NAV during the year. The Group completed 
a share buyback programme to purchase its own shares up to an aggregate consideration 
of £35m and announced interim and final dividends of 0.5p and 0.76p per share respectively

•  A sub group of the Executive Committee met regularly throughout the year to oversee 

workstreams focused on narrowing the gap between NAV and the share price

•  Perception study completed in the year

•  Debt placement of £120m

•  Capital allocation group met monthly in 2022 responding to the volatile capital market 

environment

•  The quoted portfolio value reduced by £428.5m in the year

KEY

STRATEGIC 
PILLARS

Have an impact 
on the world 
that counts

Develop our 
unique insights, 
expertise 
and access

Accelerate 
value creation

Build a truly 
differentiated   
reputation

Be a home for 
exceptional 
talent

CHANGE 
FROM 2021

Increase

Decrease

No change

RISK APPETITE

Very low

Low

Balanced

High

Very High

90

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT. 
  
RISK MANAGEMENT. 
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

02

It may be difficult for the Group’s 
portfolio companies to attract 
sufficient capital

The Group’s portfolio companies are typically in their development or growth phases and, therefore, require 
additional capital to continue operations. While a proportion of this capital will generally be forthcoming from 
the Group, subject to capital allocation and company progress, additional third-party capital will usually also 
be necessary. The ability of portfolio companies to attract further capital is influenced by their financial and 
operational performance and the general economic climate and trading conditions, particularly (for many 
companies) in the UK.

Link to strategy
Access to sufficient levels of capital 
allows the Group’s portfolio companies to 
invest in its technology and commercial 
opportunities to ensure future financial 
returns.

Actions taken by management
•  The Group operates a corporate finance function, which is experienced in carrying out 

Risk 
appetite

fundraising mandates for Life Sciences and Tech portfolio companies

•  The Group maintains close relationships with a wide variety of co-investors that focus on 

companies at differing stages of development

•  The Group regularly forecasts cash requirements of the portfolio and monitors those with a 

heightened funding risk

•  Parkwalk Advisors continues to have independent investment decision making and is 

anticipated to continue to be an important co-investor with the Group, supporting shared 
portfolio companies

Examples of risk
•  The success of those portfolio 

companies that require significant 
funding in the future may be influenced 
by the market’s appetite for investment 
in early-stage companies, which may 
not be sufficient

•  Failure of companies within the Group’s 
portfolio may make it more difficult for 
the Group or its spin-out companies to 
raise additional capital

Development during the year
• 

IP Group hosted two portfolio company events in 2022 to showcase the Group’s portfolio 
companies. These included a virtual Deeptech showcase and an investor update to 
highlight three of IP Group’s focus companies, Istesso Ltd, First Light Fusion Ltd and 
Featurespace Limited

•  Continued management of an A$310m trust and a separate mandate for A$45m for 

an Australian Super Fund which has a mandate to co-invest with IP Group plc portfolio 
companies. In the year, six Group portfolio companies received funding from these 
investment vehicles. Total assets at the end of the year for the managed trust totalled 
A$199.7m

•  Submitted an application for regulatory permissions in Hong Kong for a licence to raise 

capital from Hong Kong

•  Parkwalk raised £64m in 2022 and had total AUM of £478m at the end of 2022 

Change 
from 2021

KEY

STRATEGIC 
PILLARS

Have an impact 
on the world 
that counts

Develop our 
unique insights, 
expertise 
and access

Accelerate 
value creation

Build a truly 
differentiated   
reputation

Be a home for 
exceptional 
talent

CHANGE 
FROM 2021

Increase

Decrease

No change

RISK APPETITE

Very low

Low

Balanced

High

Very High

91

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT. 
   
RISK MANAGEMENT. 
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

03

The returns and cash proceeds 
from the Group’s early-stage 
companies may be insufficient 

Early-stage companies typically face a number of risks, including not being able to secure later rounds 
of funding at crucial development inflection points and not being able to source or retain appropriately 
skilled staff. Other risks arise where competing technologies enter the market, technology can be materially 
unproven and may ultimately fail, IP may be infringed, copied or stolen, may be more susceptible to 
cybercrime and other administrative taxation or compliance issues. These factors may lead to the Group not 
realising a sufficient return on its invested capital at an individual company or overall portfolio level.

Actions taken by management
•  The Group’s employees have significant experience in sourcing, developing, and growing 

Risk 
appetite

early-stage technology companies to significant value, including use of the Group’s 
systematic opportunity evaluation and business building methodologies within delegated 
board authorities

•  Members of the Group’s investment partnership teams typically serve as non-executive 
directors or advisors to portfolio companies to help identify and remedy critical issues 
promptly

•  The Group has portfolio company holdings across different sectors managed by 

experienced sector-specialist teams to reduce the impact of a single company failure or 
sector decline

•  The Group maintains significant cash balances and seeks to employ a capital efficient 
process deploying low levels of initial capital to enable identification and mitigation of 
potential failures at the earliest possible stage

Development during the year
•  The Group’s portfolio companies raised approximately £1.0bn of capital in 2022

Change 
from 2021

•  Excluding the Oxford Nanopore holding, the Group held board seats on 74.0% of portfolio 

companies valued at greater than £5m by value

•  The Group hired two investment professionals across the Deeptech, Cleantech and Life 

Sciences sectors in 2022. Three investment professionals left the business, of which two took 
up senior roles at IP Group portfolio companies

Link to strategy
Uncertain or insufficient cash returns 
could impact the Group’s ability to deliver 
attractive returns to shareholders when 
our ability to react to portfolio company 
funding requirements is negatively 
impacted or where budgeted cash 
proceeds are delayed.

Examples of risk
•  Portfolio company failure directly 
impacts the Group’s value and 
profitability

•  At any time, a large proportion of the 
Group’s portfolio may be accounted 
for by very few companies, which 
could exacerbate the impact of any 
impairment or failure of one or more of 
these companies

•  The value of the Group’s drug discovery 
and development portfolio companies 
may be significantly impacted by a 
negative clinical trial result

•  Cash realisations from the Group’s 

portfolio through trade sales and IPOs 
could vary significantly from year to 
year

92

KEY

STRATEGIC 
PILLARS

Have an impact 
on the world 
that counts

Develop our 
unique insights, 
expertise 
and access

Accelerate 
value creation

Build a truly 
differentiated   
reputation

Be a home for 
exceptional 
talent

CHANGE 
FROM 2021

Increase

Decrease

No change

RISK APPETITE

Very low

Low

Balanced

High

Very High

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.  
RISK MANAGEMENT. 
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

04

The Group may lose key 
personnel or fail to attract and 
integrate new personnel

The industry in which the Group operates is a specialised area and the Group requires highly qualified and 
experienced employees. There is a risk that the Group’s employees could be approached and solicited by 
competitors or other technology-based companies and organisations or could otherwise choose to leave 
the Group. Scaling the team, particularly in foreign jurisdictions such as Australia and New Zealand and Hong 
Kong, presents an additional potential risk.

Link to strategy
The Group’s strategic objectives of 
developing and supporting a portfolio of 
compelling intellectual property-based 
opportunities into robust businesses 
capable of delivering attractive financial 
returns on our assets is dependent on 
the Group’s employees who work with 
the portfolio companies and those who 
support them.

Examples of risk
•  Loss of key executives and employees 
of the Group or an inability to attract, 
retain and integrate appropriately 
skilled and experienced employees 
could have an adverse effect on 
the Group’s competitive advantage, 
business, financial condition, 
operational results and future 
prospects

Actions taken by management
•  Senior team succession plans 

Risk 
appetite

•  Formal learning and development programme for all employees in place

•  The Group carries out regular market comparisons for staff and executive remuneration 
and seeks to offer a balanced incentive package comprising a mix of salary, benefits, 
performance-based long-term incentives, and benefits such as flexible working and salary 
sacrifice arrangements

•  The Group encourages employee development and inclusion through coaching and 

mentoring and carries out annual objective setting and appraisals

•  The Group promotes an open culture of communication and provides an inspiring and 

challenging workplace where people are given autonomy to do their jobs. The Group is fully 
supportive of flexible working and has enabled employees to work flexibly

•  An employee forum, “IP Connect” with an appointed designated Non-executive Director 

to facilitate dialogue with the Board in both directions. Part of IP Connect’s remit is also to 
support the evolution of the culture and continuous improvement of working life at the Group 

•  An inclusion and diversity committee the “ID Project”, sponsored by the CEO is in place to 

support an inclusive environment to work

Development during the year
•  Launched new remuneration policy, which simplified longer-term performance rewards 

Change 
from 2021

replacing previous LTIP awards with RSPs

•  Record employee engagement (net promoter) scores obtained in the year from employee 

engagement surveys

•  Continued to dedicate senior team time and resources to the development of the Group’s 

inclusion and diversity programme, the ID Project. The IDP Masterplan was launched and all 
staff received training in the year 

•  More than 90% of employees attended a L&D programme sponsored training course

•  Continued high frequency of employee communications from Executive Directors and the 

Head of HR via bi-weekly all-staff meetings

•  The labour market generally remained supply constrained in 2022, which saw resignations 
rise in the market creating pressure in the talent acquisition and retention market. This 
pressure is acutely felt by the Group as front-office investment professionals were in 
particularly high demand

•  Staff attrition was 16.0%

•  Approximately 50.0% of employees have been with the Company for at least five years

KEY

STRATEGIC 
PILLARS

Have an impact 
on the world 
that counts

Develop our 
unique insights, 
expertise 
and access

Accelerate 
value creation

Build a truly 
differentiated   
reputation

Be a home for 
exceptional 
talent

CHANGE 
FROM 2021

Increase

Decrease

No change

RISK APPETITE

Very low

Low

Balanced

High

Very High

93

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT. 
 
  
RISK MANAGEMENT. 
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

05

Macroeconomic conditions may 
negatively impact the Group’s 
ability to achieve its strategic 
objectives 

Adverse macroeconomic conditions could reduce the opportunity to deploy capital into opportunities or 
may limit the ability of such portfolio companies to receive third-party funding, develop profitable businesses 
or achieve increases in value or exits. Political uncertainty, including impacts from Brexit, the COVID-19 
pandemic or similar scenarios, could have a number of potential impacts, including changes to the labour 
market available to the Group for recruitment or regulatory environment in which the Group and its portfolio 
companies operate.

Link to strategy
The Group’s strategic objectives of 
developing a portfolio of commercially 
successful portfolio companies and 
delivering attractive financial returns on 
our assets and third-party funds can 
be materially impacted by the current 
macroeconomic environment.

Actions taken by management
•  Senior management receive regular capital market and economic updates from the 

Risk 
appetite

Group’s capital markets team and its brokers

•  Monthly capital allocation process and on-going monitoring against agreed budget

•  Regular oversight of upcoming capital requirements of portfolio from both the Group and 

third parties

•  The Group’s Risk Council conducts horizon scanning for upcoming events that may impact 

the Group

Examples of risk
•  The success of those portfolio 

companies that require significant 
external funding may be influenced by 
the market’s appetite for investment in 
early-stage companies, which may not 
be sufficient

•  Of the Group’s portfolio value, 18.1% is 
held in companies quoted on public 
markets and decreases in values to 
these markets could result in a material 
fair value impact to the portfolio as a 
whole

Development during the year
•  Macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions remain uncertain in the UK. Inflation peaked 
in the year at 11.2% in the UK and interest rate rises were seen across the UK, Eurozone, US 
and elsewhere, ending an era of low interest rates. The market anticipates further increases 
to interest rates in the short term, albeit at a slower rate than seen in 2022 and continued 
challenges to economic growth in the short and medium term

•  The Group has maintained significant cash reserves and agreed a debt placing in 2022 

raising an additional £120m available for investment and as such is well placed to respond 
to macroeconomic uncertainty

Change 
from 2021

KEY

STRATEGIC 
PILLARS

Have an impact 
on the world 
that counts

Develop our 
unique insights, 
expertise 
and access

Accelerate 
value creation

Build a truly 
differentiated   
reputation

Be a home for 
exceptional 
talent

CHANGE 
FROM 2021

Increase

Decrease

No change

RISK APPETITE

Very low

Low

Balanced

High

Very High

94

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.  
RISK MANAGEMENT. 
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

06

There may be changes to, 
impacts from, or failure to 
comply with, legislation, 
government policy and 
regulation

Link to strategy
The Group’s strategic objectives of 
creating and maintaining a portfolio 
of compelling opportunities to deliver 
attractive returns for shareholders could 
be materially impacted by failure to 
comply with, or adequately plan for, a 
change in legislation, government policy 
or regulation.

There may be unforeseen changes in, or impacts from, government policy, regulation or legislation (including 
taxation legislation). This could include changes to funding levels or to the terms upon which public monies 
are made available to universities and research institutions and the ownership of any resulting intellectual 
property.

Actions taken by management
•  University partners are incentivised to protect their IP for exploitation as the partnership 
agreements share returns between universities, academic founders and the Group

Risk 
appetite

•  The Group utilises professional advisors as appropriate to support its monitoring of, and 

response to changes in, tax, insurance or other legislation

•  The Group has internal policies and procedures to ensure its compliance with applicable 

regulations

•  The Group maintains D&O and professional indemnity insurance policies

Examples of risk
•  Changes could result in universities 

Development during the year
•  Ongoing focus on regulatory compliance, including third-party reviews and utilisation of 

Change 
from 2021

and researchers no longer being able 
to own, exploit or protect intellectual 
property on attractive terms

•  Changes to tax legislation or the nature 
of the Group’s activities, in particular in 
relation to the Substantial Shareholder 
Exemption, may adversely affect the 
Group’s tax position and accordingly its 
value and operations

•  Regulatory changes or breaches 

could ultimately lead to withdrawal of 
regulatory permissions for the Group’s 
authorised subsidiaries, resulting in 
loss of fund management contracts, 
reputational damage or fines

specialist advisors

•  Parkwalk Advisors Ltd applied to the FCA to vary their regulatory permissions with the FCA 

in the year to allow them to increase the level of assets under management in response to 
their success as an EIS investment manager

•  The Group adopted a conflicts of interest policy in the year documenting the Group’s 

approach to identifying and managing conflicts of interest relating to investment and 
divestment decisions

•  Submitted an application for a Type 1 and Type 9 regulatory licence to the Securities and 
Futures Commission (“SFC”) in Hong Kong. The licences, if granted, will allow the Group’s 
Hong Kong subsidiary to raise capital for the Group’s portfolio companies and other similar 
companies and manage a PRC-based fund 

KEY

STRATEGIC 
PILLARS

Have an impact 
on the world 
that counts

Develop our 
unique insights, 
expertise 
and access

Accelerate 
value creation

Build a truly 
differentiated   
reputation

Be a home for 
exceptional 
talent

CHANGE 
FROM 2021

Increase

Decrease

No change

RISK APPETITE

Very low

Low

Balanced

High

Very High

95

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.  
RISK MANAGEMENT. 
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

07

The Group and its portfolio 
companies may be subjected 
to phishing and ransomware 
attacks, data leakage and 
hacking

Link to strategy
The Group’s strategic objectives of 
creating and maintaining a portfolio 
of compelling opportunities to deliver 
attractive returns for shareholders could 
be materially impacted by a serious cyber 
security breach at a corporate or portfolio 
company level.

This could include taking over email accounts to request or authorise payments, GDPR breaches and access 
to sensitive corporate and portfolio company data.

Actions taken by management
•  The Group reviews its data and cyber-security processes with its external outsourced 
IT providers and applies the UK Government’s “ten steps” framework or other national 
equivalents where relevant

Risk 
appetite

•  Regular IT management reporting framework in place

• 

Internal and third-party reviews of policies and procedures in place to ensure appropriate 
framework in place to safeguard data

•  Assessment of third-party suppliers of cloud-based and on-premises systems in use 

•  Annual Cyber and IT training is supplemented by regular bite-sized and interactive cyber 

security training 

•  Network and infrastructure security systems to respond to emerging threats

Examples of risk
•  The Group, or one, or a combination 

Development during the year
•  Ongoing focus on IT security and staff training, including completing the implementation of 

Change 
from 2021

of, its portfolio companies could face 
significant fines from a data security 
breach

•  The Group or one of its portfolio 

companies could be subjected to a 
phishing attack, which could lead to 
invalid payments being authorised or a 
sensitive information leak

•  A malware or ransomware attack 

could lead to systems becoming non-
functioning and impair the ability of the 
business to operate in the short term

remediations agreed from internal audit reviews and utilisation of specialist advisers

•  Continued programme of phishing and penetration testing

•  Three cyber-attack simulations were undertaken in the year to allow executive management 

to practice their planned response to a serious cyber incident, including two externally 
facilitated sessions

•  Additional, regular, bite-sized and interactive cyber security training provided to staff to 

supplement formal annual cyber security training launched in the year

•  Reviewed disaster recovery plans in the year

KEY

STRATEGIC 
PILLARS

Have an impact 
on the world 
that counts

Develop our 
unique insights, 
expertise 
and access

Accelerate 
value creation

Build a truly 
differentiated   
reputation

Be a home for 
exceptional 
talent

CHANGE 
FROM 2021

Increase

Decrease

No change

RISK APPETITE

Very low

Low

Balanced

High

Very High

96

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT. 
RISK MANAGEMENT.  
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

08

The Group may be negatively 
impacted by operational 
issues both from a UK central 
and international operations 
perspective

The potential for a negative impact to the Group arising from operational issues such as business continuity 
and the overseas operations through non-compliance with local laws and regulations, failure to integrate 
overseas operations with the Group, an inability to foresee territory-specific risks and macro-events. The 
Group may also fail to establish effective control mechanisms, considering different working culture and 
environment, leading to significant senior management time requirement, distracting from core day-to-day 
business.

Link to strategy
The Group’s strategy includes building 
a portfolio of compelling intellectual 
property-based companies across the 
UK, US and Australia and New Zealand. The 
scale of the Group’s operations, including 
internationally represents increased 
importance of successful execution of its 
operations.

Actions taken by management
•  Local legal and regulatory advisors have been engaged in the establishment phase of 
overseas operations. US and Australia and New Zealand teams have their own in-house 
legal teams who regularly report to the UK-based General Counsel

Risk 
appetite

•  Business continuity plans are in place for the Group and tested regularly

• 

IP Exec and HR are involved in senior hires for new territories. Senior international personnel 
include current and former UK employees, encouraging a shared culture across territories

•  Video conferencing has temporarily replaced regular travel between the UK and other 
territories to ensure the Group is aligned in its strategy and culture. It is likely that video 
conferencing will continue to be used in place of some travel post pandemic

•  The risk management framework in place across each business unit has been established 
in each international territory and is integrated into the Group’s regular risk management 
processes and reporting

•  Third-party suppliers are used for international accounting and payroll services to reduce 

the risk of fraud within smaller teams

Examples of risk
•  A legal or regulatory breach could 

Development during the year
•  Continued coordination of risk reporting across Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and USA

Change 
from 2021

•  Application for Hong Kong regulatory permissions submitted to local regulator

•  UK, US and Australian travel restrictions generally lifted making travel between the 

Group’s offices possible, which included a CEO visit to Australia to celebrate the Australian 
team’s fifth birthday. China relaxed its COVID-19 policy at the end of the year allowing our 
colleagues based in Hong Kong to travel more easily within Greater China and to the UK

•  Extensive training and testing of the Group’s cyber response plans in the year

•  An internal audit review of the Group’s business continuity plans was undertaken in the year

ultimately lead to the withdrawal of 
regulatory permissions overseas, 
resulting in loss of trust management 
contracts, reputational damage and 
fines

•  Divergent Group cultures may lead 

to difficulties in achieving the Group’s 
strategic aims

•  A major control failure could lead to 

a successful fraudulent attack on the 
Group’s IT infrastructure or access to 
bank accounts

•  Senior management may spend a 

significant amount of time in setting 
up and establishing new territories, 
which could detract from central Group 
strategy and operations

KEY

STRATEGIC 
PILLARS

Have an impact 
on the world 
that counts

Develop our 
unique insights, 
expertise 
and access

Accelerate 
value creation

Build a truly 
differentiated   
reputation

Be a home for 
exceptional 
talent

CHANGE 
FROM 2021

Increase

Decrease

No change

RISK APPETITE

Very low

Low

Balanced

High

Very High

97

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT. 
  
To assess the impact of the principal risks highlighted above on 
the prospects of the Group, the financial plan is stress-tested 
by modelling severe but plausible and intermediate downside 
scenarios where adverse impacts across the Group’s principal 
risks relating to insufficient capital, insufficient investment returns 
and macroeconomic conditions were considered as part of the 
review. Under the severe downside scenario, a 70% reduction in 
planned realisations and a 35% decline in portfolio fair values 
which were considered together with a series of mitigating 
actions, including reducing planned levels of investment. 

Under these stress-testing scenarios, significant reductions to 
portfolio investments are made in the following two years to 
preserve the Group’s remaining cash balances. In all scenarios 
modelled, the Group remains solvent throughout the three-
year period with no breach of debt covenants of a “cash trap 
period” occurring. See Note 19 for further details on cash trap 
arrangements.

Based on this assessment, the Directors have a reasonable 
expectation that the Group will continue to operate and meets 
its liabilities, as they fall due, up to December 2025.

RISK MANAGEMENT.

Viability statement
The Directors have carried out a robust assessment of the 
viability of the Group over a three-year period to December 
2025, considering its strategy, its current financial position and 
its principal risks. The three-year period reflects the time horizon 
reviewed by the Board, and over which the Group places a 
higher degree of reliance over the forecasting assumptions 
used.

The strategy and associated principal risks underpin the Group’s 
three-year financial plan and scenario testing, which the 
Directors review and approve at least annually. As a business 
which seeks to accelerate the impact of science for a better 
future through our portfolio companies, our business model 
seeks to balance cash investments, the generation of portfolio 
returns and ultimately portfolio realisations. The three-year plan 
is built using a bottom-up model using assumptions over: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

the level of portfolio investment

the level of realisations from the portfolio (net of carried 
interest payments) 

the financial performance (and valuation) of the underlying 
portfolio companies 

the Group’s drawdown and repayment of its debt

the Group’s ability to raise further capital

the level of the Group’s net overheads and

the level of dividends and share buybacks

Of the Group’s principal risks, those relating to insufficient capital 
(both Group and portfolio companies), insufficient investment 
returns and macroeconomic conditions are deemed to be 
the most relevant to the Group’s viability assessment due to 
their potential to impact the Group’s liquidity position and 
balance sheet position, both of which directly impact the level of 
headroom over the Group’s debt covenants. Other principal risks 
including; personnel risk; legislation, governance and regulation; 
cyber and IT and international operations could have an impact 
on the Group’s performance but are less likely to have a direct 
impact on viability within the assessment period.

98

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.WORKING WITH THE GROUP’S STAKEHOLDERS.

Third-party
fund
managers

Shareholders 

Governance
bodies including 
proxy advisors 

Employees 

Brokers and
advisors

Environment
and wider
community

Portfolio 
companies

Universities
and research
institutions

Debt 
holders

Co-investors

Regulators

Statement by the Directors in 
performance of their duties 
in accordance with s172(1) 
Companies Act 2006 
The Directors of IP Group plc consider, 
both individually and together as a Board, 
that they have acted in the way that 
they considered, in good faith, would be 
most likely to promote the success of the 
Company for the benefit of its members 
as a whole. This statement describes how 
the Board has had regard to the matters 
set out in s172(1) Companies Act 2006 
when performing its duties under s172 
Companies Act 2006 (“s172”) for the year 
ended 31 December 2022.

Engaging with stakeholders
Engaging and maintaining open 
channels of communication with the 
Group’s stakeholders is an integral part 
of its business and critical to ensuring the 
future success of the business. The Group 
engages with its stakeholders (including 
employees) in various forms and using 
multiple different media. This flexibility 
in methods of engagement enables 
the Company to obtain wider access to, 
and to facilitate constructive two-way 
engagement with, its various stakeholders. 

The following table sets out how the 
Group focuses on its key relationships with 
stakeholders in a way that enables the 
Group to discuss the potential impact of its 
decisions on the stakeholders affected by, 
or relevant to, the issue in question, to take 
action in response to matters raised during 
such discussions and to feedback on the 
actions and their impact, as appropriate. 

99

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.WORKING WITH THE GROUP’S STAKEHOLDERS.

Name of 
stakeholder

Why we engage

How we engage

Shareholders To ensure that: 

•  shareholders have a strong 

understanding of and confidence 
in the Group’s strategy, 
performance, purpose and culture

• 

• 

the Group fosters and maintains 
strong relationships with its 
shareholders 

the Board understands the 
issues that are important to the 
shareholders

•  Direct meetings/calls, primarily with the Executive Directors and Senior 
Management and consultation on various key issues for the Group 
with the Chairman, Senior Independent Director and Board Committee 
Chairs relating to matters within the relevant Committee’s mandate 

•  Results announcements in person and broadcast via the 

‘investormeetcompany’ platform to enable broader audience 
engagement and real-time Q&A, presentations and investor roadshows

•  Group capital markets and sector showcase events 

•  Broker facilitated investor forums/conferences

•  The Group’s website, with investors being able to sign up to regulatory 

and portfolio company alerts

Issues that matter to this 
stakeholder group

•  Financial performance 

•  Strategy

•  The Group’s funding model

•  Capital allocation, including 

approach to shareholder returns

•  The Company’s share price, 

including performance versus NAV

•  Long-term growth

•  ESG factors

•  Culture

•  Meetings with analysts and feedback from the Group’s brokers

• 

Inclusion and Diversity

•  Annual General Meeting (“AGM”)/other General Meetings, with the 2022 

AGM having been held in person, preceded by a shareholder update and 
with both events enabling live remote access, and recordings also being 
available after, via the ‘investormeetcompany’ platform. Shareholders 
were also able to submit questions in advance of the 2022 AGM

•  Annual Report and Accounts

•  RNS and RNS Reach announcements

•  Shareholder circulars

•  Dedicated IR and company secretarial mailboxes  
(IR@ipgroupplc.com and CoSec@ipgroupplc.com) 

•  Commission of an investor perception and shareholder  

engagement study

Shareholders by sector

Q3 •  H1 results presentation*

•  Results roadshow

•  Follow-up consultation exercise 
with shareholders regarding the 
voting outcome at the Group’s AGM 
on the IP Group plc Share Plan and 
Remuneration Policy

Q4 • 

Investor update on our Deeptech 
portfolio*

•  Rothschild roadshow

•  Berenberg European Conference

•  Significant changes to the Board 

and succession planning

•  Remuneration of Directors

•  Share option plans

•  Matters affecting the share capital, 

including dilution events

•  Compliance and governance 

Sector / Owner

 Mutual Funds

 Pensions

 Retail

 Hedge

 SWF

 Insurance

 Charities

 Inv Trusts

 Other

% at 
31/12/2022

30.02

25.29

18.16

5.63

4.80

4.52

3.56

2.75

5.36

Key shareholder activities in 2022

Q1

•  Pre-closed period update

•  Annual results presentation*

•  Results roadshow

•  Consultation with shareholders 

regarding proposed outcomes of 
the triennial review of the Directors 
Remuneration Policy

•  Berenberg UK Corporate conference

Q2 •  AGM statement

•  AGM and investor presentation*

•  Rothschild roadshow

*Available via the ‘Investormeetcompany’ platform 
which is open to all stakeholders.

Details of substantial shareholders as at both 31 December 2022 and 28 February 
2023 can be found on page 174.

100

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.WORKING WITH THE GROUP’S STAKEHOLDERS.

Name of 
stakeholder

Employees

Why we engage

How we engage

To be a home for exceptional talent, 
which is critical to achieving the 
Group’s strategy and vision. 

Meaningful engagement with 
employees also helps to create a 
strong and supportive culture.

• 

IP Connect employee forum

•  Designated Non-executive Director for employees 

•  Regular all-staff meetings in person and via video conference

•  Annual all-staff off-site day

•  Weekly all-staff emails from the CEO

•  Staff intranet

•  Third-party hosted anonymous speaking up hotline and web reporting 

tool

•  Culture and engagement survey and other more regular pulse surveys

•  Regular all-staff social events and TED talk discussions

• 

Internal training sessions

•  Women’s Networking Group (new in 2022)

• 

Inclusion & Diversity Project and the implementation of the Group’s 
Inclusion and Diversity Masterplan

Issues that matter to this 
stakeholder group

•  Strategy, including purpose and 

vision

•  Culture and values

•  Transparency of decision making

•  Opportunities for learning, 

development and progression

•  Talent management

• 

Inclusion and Diversity

•  Employee/workplace policies

•  Strong communication

•  Remuneration and benefits

•  Wellbeing

•  ESG factors

Portfolio 
companies

portfolio 
companies

To identify, back and grow science-
based opportunities into a 
diversified portfolio of transformative 
businesses, which address some of 
the world’s most pressing challenges. 

Part of the Group’s purpose is to build 
businesses that have a positive social 
and environmental impact, and this 
forms an element of the Board’s 
consideration of the long-term 
impact of its decisions.

•  Hands-on approach via portfolio company boards as investor 

•  Strategy

•  Financial performance

•  ESG factors

•  Fundraising 

•  Building strong boards

•  The Group’s funding model

•  Capital allocation

•  Culture

• 

Investment Committee decision 
making process

directors/observers

•  Offering fundraising and capital markets expertise via IP Capital (the 

Group’s fund management and corporate advisory business), executive 
search services to help build strong boards via IP Exec (in-house 
executive search function) and commercial advice and support on IP 
strategy and due diligence via the Group’s in-house IP Team

•  Group capital markets events, including presentations at sector 

showcase events 

•  Portfolio company management team presentations to the Board, 
either at the Group’s head office in London or onsite at the portfolio 
company as part of Board portfolio company tours, which enables 
open and transparent two-way engagement between the Board and 
the relevant portfolio company management teams

• 

Introductions/facilitating access to co-investors 

•  Attending sector conferences and events alongside portfolio 

companies and their management teams

•  Marketing including through the use of social media to amplify 

messaging around the portfolio

•  Parkwalk annual portfolio showcase attended by investors/co-investors, 

advisors and government bodies 

101

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.WORKING WITH THE GROUP’S STAKEHOLDERS.

Why we engage

How we engage

To attract strategic co-investors, 
including third-party fund managers, 
to invest alongside the Group 
either directly or via a vehicle or 
arrangement managed by the Group

To build an investment network 
to support the Group’s portfolio 
companies and to co-invest in 
portfolio companies.

This helps to ensure that the Group’s 
portfolio companies are adequately 
supported, both financially and in 
other areas such as board support, 
corporate governance and strategy.

To maintain strong relationships 
with underlying investors who invest 
in the Group’s portfolio via funds or 
other arrangements managed by 
the Group.

To build, develop and maintain 
relationships with universities and 
other research institutions in order 
to identify promising science and 
then back and grow transformative 
and businesses that have a positive 
impact on the future around 
such science. 

To create and maintain a pipeline 
of compelling intellectual property-
based opportunities.

To generate social and environmental 
impact, which is part of the Group’s 
core purpose.

•  Direct meetings/calls between co-investors and the Executive Directors, 
Managing Partners, other Sector Partners, the MD of Australia and senior 
members of the IP Capital team

•  Via portfolio company boards where several co-investors have a board 

seat

•  Attending conferences and sector events including AWE Europe, The 

Cleantech Forum (Europe) and Ecosummit 

•  Group capital markets events

•  Broker facilitated investor forums/conferences

Issues that matter to this 
stakeholder group

•  Strategy

•  Financial performance

• 

Investments and realisations

•  ESG factors

• 

Investment evaluation and 
decision making process

•  Culture

•  Strategy

•  Parkwalk annual portfolio showcase and other investor events 

•  Compliance and governance

•  Regular interaction with universities within the UK, the US and Australia 

•  Strategy

•  Annual relationship review in Australia

•  Financial performance

•  Parkwalk representatives on relevant university fund investment 

•  ESG factors

committees 

•  Culture

•  Realisations

•  The Group’s funding model

•  Capital allocation

•  Via the Group’s portfolio companies

•  Engagement with ESG Ratings agencies 

•  ESG factors

• 

Impact

•  Supporting UK woodland creation via Woodland Carbon Code

•  Capital allocation

•  Charity partnership with IntoUniversity charity

•  Strategy

•  Supporting the 10,000 Black Interns programme

• 

Inclusion and Diversity

•  Signatory to Investing in Women Code

•  Member of UN Global Impact

•  Member of UN Principles for Responsible Investment

•  Participation in the ESG_VC Survey 

•  Compliance and governance

•  Culture

Name of 
stakeholder

Co-investors 
and Third-
Party Fund 
Managers 

Universities 
and other 
research 
institutions

The 
environment 
and wider 
community

102

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.WORKING WITH THE GROUP’S STAKEHOLDERS.

Name of 
stakeholder

Why we engage

How we engage

Issues that matter to this 
stakeholder group

Debt holders To build and maintain strong 

partnerships with the Group’s largest 
creditors.

Regulators

To maintain strong relationships with 
regulators and a strong compliance 
culture.

Brokers and 
advisors

To ensure a strong understanding of 
the Group’s strategy, performance, 
purpose and culture and to maintain 
strong relationships.

Governance 
Bodies

To maintain strong relationships 
with proxy advisers, the Investment 
Association, the Financial Reporting 
Council, ESG Ratings Agencies and 
other governance bodies.

•  Regular reporting requirements

•  Strategy

•  Direct conversations and consultation on matters relevant to existing 

•  Financial performance

debt holders

•  Outreach to potential lenders on an ad hoc basis

•  Group capital market events

•  The Group’s funding model

•  Realisations

•  Compliance and governance

•  ESG factors

•  Direct correspondence on transactions and other matters as necessary

•  Strategy

•  Correspondence with the Takeover Panel on concert party and other 

•  Financial performance

code-related matters

•  Regular reporting to the Financial Conduct Authority, and incorporation 

of any feedback received 

•  Regular reporting to the Australian Securities and Investment 

Commission, Australian Prudential Regulation Authority and the 
Australian Transaction Reports Analysis Centre

•  Compliance and governance

•  The Group’s funding model

•  Portfolio liquidity

•  ESG factors

•  Business continuity and longevity

•  Regular dialogue and correspondence with brokers and advisors 

•  Strategy

including industry analysts

•  Group capital markets events and sales team presentations in 

connection with the annual and interim results

•  Financial performance

•  The Group’s funding model

•  Capital allocation

•  Compliance and governance

•  ESG factors

•  Engagement with ESG Ratings Agencies to help demonstrate the 

•  Compliance and governance

•  Remuneration Policy

•  ESG factors

• 

Inclusion and Diversity

Group’s performance, as well as enabling identification of areas of 
improvement 

•  Direct correspondence on matters as necessary, including, without 

limitation, two-way engagement on the Group’s remuneration policy 

•  Active participation in public consultations relevant to the Group’s 

business, together with FRC Lab initiatives

•  Correspondence with the Financial Reporting Council 

•  Two-way engagement with proxy bodies in relation to their reports on 
the Group’s Annual General Meeting and any other General Meetings

•  Regular interaction with EIS Association and HMRC in relation to EIS 

investments

•  Regular liaison with government-backed initiatives in relation to 

investment within the sector 

•  Correspondence with BEIS (Department for Business, Energy & Industrial 

Strategy) in relation to National Security Investment Act

103

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.WORKING WITH THE GROUP’S STAKEHOLDERS.

Consideration of long-term consequences in 
decision making and strategy
The Group’s purpose is to accelerate the impact of science for 
a better future. Our vision is a future enhanced by the impact of 
the transformative businesses we have identified, backed and 
grown as long-term partners.

The Group’s strategy to achieve its purpose and to be 
recognised as a bold, visionary investor is built up of 
five strategic pillars, further details of which are shown 
in diagrammatic form on page 19. These five pillars are 
underpinned by an objective to deliver class-leading internal 
processes, services and controls to enable the strategy to be 
achieved. The Group is increasingly focusing capital, resources 
and expertise on clear thematic areas, focusing on accelerating 
a dynamic number of priority companies whose products and 
services will meaningfully contribute to a regenerative, healthier 
and tech-enriched future and which the Board believes can 
be material in the context of the overall Group performance. A 
detailed explanation of the strategy is set out on pages 18 to 20, 
and the Group’s business model is set out on pages 14 to 15.

ESG
We actively engage with, and obtain input from, our key 
stakeholders in relation to environmental, social and governance 
(“ESG”) matters. We engage with key shareholders, to help us 
develop a comprehensive materiality mapping of our ESG 
priorities, which in turn allows us to have a meaningful ESG 
strategy, that aligns our ESG goals with those of our shareholders 
and allows us to maximise our impact for our broader set of 
stakeholders. We produce a regular report for our principal debt 
provider which shows how capital has been deployed against 
a set of pre-agreed ESG criteria. Furthermore, we engage with 
ESG ratings agencies, feeding into their ratings approach and 
methodologies and providing guidance on ESG matters with 
respect to our sector and company specific data points.

The Group actively takes into account ESG factors in performing 
its role as a responsible investor and in relation to evaluating the 
impact of its portfolio companies against such factors. Indeed, a 
major portion of the Group’s portfolio and its ongoing investment 

104

allocation are focused on businesses pursuing activities 
designed to facilitate transition towards the Net Zero goal. The 
ESG Committee, a sub-committee of the Executive Committee, 
oversees the Group’s ESG and impact strategy, and ensures that 
all ESG risk, including climate-related risks are appropriately 
managed, and that the Group provides required disclosures and 
reporting in a full and timely manner. The ESG Committee also 
ensures that ESG and impact considerations are embedded into 
strategy and risk management and integrated into investment 
practices. The ESG Committee is also responsible for the Group’s 
active engagement with portfolio companies on ESG issues, 
through the Responsible Investment working group. The Group’s 
ESG Committee is led by the CEO, with the support of the Head 
of ESG, and in addition its members comprise the CFOO, Head 
of Communications, UK General Counsel and representatives 
from the partnerships. This helps to ensure the integration and 
alignment of the Group’s ESG strategy and investment processes 
with that of the overall strategy of the Group.

Details of the actions the ESG Committee completed during 
2022 and its planned focus for 2023 are set out on page 50. 
The Group also operates a separate Ethics Committee, and 
further details of the Group’s Ethics Committee and the Ethical 
Investment Framework can be found on page 54. The Group’s 
Investment Committee processes incorporate ESG and ethical 
considerations into each portfolio company investment 
proposal, ensuring that the Group’s investments are carried out 
in accordance with the Group’s stance on such matters.

The Group is committed to preventing modern slavery in its 
business and supply chains and has adopted principles and 
policies that are relevant to the prevention of modern slavery 
across its organisation and supply chains. This includes the 
payment of the London Living Wage. The ESG and Ethics 
Committees monitor observance of such conduct.

In fulfilling its role as a responsible investor, the Group makes 
clear its expectation of high levels of corporate governance 
within its portfolio companies, and takes up Board positions 
in the majority of the Group’s priority companies. This helps to 
ensure that robust governance processes are in place within 
such companies, which the Group also supports through 

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.WORKING WITH THE GROUP’S STAKEHOLDERS.

facilitating introductions to external advisors, sharing best 
practice and offering helpful guidance on new legislation. 

The Group has developed an ESG policy toolkit, which is available 
to its portfolio companies. This provides template policies for key 
governance and compliance policies that the Group expects 
its portfolio companies to have in place, including with regard 
to anti-corruption and bribery, data protection and speaking 
up. Further information on the Group’s stewardship activities is 
detailed on page 56.

Wider community 
The Group considers its key stakeholders to include the wider 
community given its purpose is to accelerate the impact of 
science for a better future for all; one example of how the 
Group engages in this respect can be seen through the Group’s 
charitable work. In 2021, the Group entered into a three-year 
charity partnership with IntoUniversity. IntoUniversity aims to 
provide local learning centres where young people are inspired 
to achieve, and donations made by IP Group will support its 
facility in Brixton, London. In 2022, the Group hosted both an 
“Insight Day” and a “Challenge Day”, which encouraged young 
people from the charity to meet members of our investment 
teams, ask questions around their STEM careers and explore 
problems around tackling the climate crisis. In partnership with 
IntoUniversity and the Big City Bright Futures programme, the 
Group also ran a three-week internship for four students who 
were beginning their degrees in various STEM subjects. These 
students were given the opportunity to meet a member of every 
IP Group team, including our Australia and Hong Kong teams, to 
understand how the organisation runs, and were challenged to 
formulate an investment plan for a portfolio company of their 
choice. 

Employees
As described on pages 59 and 60, the Board considers 
engagement with its colleagues at all levels in the Group to be a 
key part of the Group’s culture, and a wide range of events and 
experiences are facilitated for employees to participate in, from 
both a work and wellbeing perspective.

As further described on page 60 IP Connect, the Group’s 
employee forum, seeks to ensure that employees’ voices are 
heard by the Group’s management team and Board. The forum 
also facilitates meaningful two-way communication between 
the Board (via Aedhmar Hynes, the Group’s Designated NED) 
and employees, enabling the Board to understand and actively 
consider the interests of employees in its discussions and the 
decisions it makes. For example, employees’ views on flexible 
working and returning to the Group’s new head office after 
the pandemic, which were channelled through the IP Connect 
forum, have informed the Group’s flexible working policy. IP 
Connect was also consulted on work to articulate the Group’s 
values, as a precursor to the Group’s new branding initiative. The 
Group considers that its combination of a Designated NED and 
an employee forum continues to be welcomed by colleagues 
as an effective and appropriate approach to employee 
engagement within the Group. 

How stakeholders’ views are reported to the 
Board and influence the Board agenda
Through understanding the views of its stakeholders, the Board 
takes into account their opinions, preferences and concerns 
when debating and making decisions. Regular contact is 
maintained with the Group’s key shareholders and, where 
considered appropriate, major institutional shareholders 
are consulted on significant decisions and transactions in 
contemplation. Key specific areas of discussion over the last 
year have been around refreshing the Group’s strategy, our 
approach to capital allocation (including taking on private 
placement debt), the disparity between our share price and NAV 
per share, shareholder returns and the Group’s Remuneration 
Policy (including the newly implemented Restricted Share Plan). 
Various shareholder events held throughout the year, including 
Group and sector-based capital market events, investor results 
roadshow meetings and the shareholder webinar held on 
the same day as the Group’s AGM, as well as ongoing direct 
communications between the Executive Directors and other 
senior team members and shareholders through the year, also 
enabled the Directors to provide feedback to shareholders on 
how their views have been taken into account with respect to 

105

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.KEY

Stakeholder

Shareholders 

Brokers and 
Advisors 

portfolio 
companies

Portfolio 
Companies 

Debt holders 

Employees 

WORKING WITH THE GROUP’S STAKEHOLDERS.

the various matters on which they have been consulted, as well as to respond to any specific questions that they may have had. The 
following table details some examples of interaction between the Board and key stakeholders on certain matters during 2022 and 
early 2023, which enabled the Board to take the relevant stakeholders’ views into account when making related decisions.

Themes

Stakeholder 
Group

portfolio 
companies

Discussion topics with and 
feedback from stakeholders

Action taken by the Board as a result of stakeholder engagement 

Capital allocation/ 
shareholder returns/
strategy

The Group’s overall approach 
to Capital Allocation, against 
the backdrop of the difficult 
macroeconomic and geopolitical 
climate in 2022, has featured in 
many discussions with shareholders, 
brokers and analysts, especially 
given that the Group’s shares 
continue to trade at a significant 
discount to NAV.

At the Annual General Meeting 
(“AGM”) held on 14 June 2022, the 
Board of IP Group was pleased to 
receive overwhelming support for 
its new Remuneration Policy but 
noted that the level of shareholder 
support for the related Resolution 
21 (approval of the IP Group plc 
Share Plan) was 79.19%, marginally 
below the 80% required by the Code, 
with a number of votes opposing 
the resolution. 

IP Group plc 
remuneration policy 
and restricted 
share plan 

106

The Board, having discussed the issue at length and having 
obtained advice from its external advisors, undertook an “investor 
perception” study to gain the views and insights of its investors. 
The study (facilitated by the Group’s external advisors) involved 
discussions with two sell-side analysts and 19 of the Group’s 
investors who reflected the diversity of the share register, by 
geography, type of investor and total shareholdings. 

The results of the study enabled the Board to understand 
shareholders’ views relating to the Group’s overall strategic 
direction and objectives, its investment and divestment strategies, 
its approach to returns to shareholders, the management 
team and geographies in which the Group operates, amongst 
others. As a result of the study, the Board gained appreciation 
that shareholders understood that much of the recent negative 
performance in share price relative to NAV per share was in 
large part as a result of broader market trends. The study also 
reinforced the value of shareholder engagement and the Board 
and management resolved to continue their proactive approach 
to investor relations and further refine the Company’s equity story 
to appeal to new investors. 

Following the AGM, the Chair of the Remuneration Committee 
and Group People Director carried out a follow-up shareholder 
engagement process, having previously engaged extensively with 
major shareholders on the Group’s Remuneration Policy prior to 
the AGM. This process provided an opportunity for shareholders 
to share their perspectives and, if appropriate, their reasons for 
voting against the resolution. 

Following the consultation exercise with shareholders, in 
accordance with the Code, the Group published a statement on 
its website on 12 December 2022.

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT. 
 
 
WORKING WITH THE GROUP’S STAKEHOLDERS.

KEY

Stakeholder

Shareholders 

Brokers and 
Advisors 

portfolio 
companies

Portfolio 
Companies 

Debt holders 

Employees 

Themes

Stakeholder 
Group

Discussion topics with and 
feedback from stakeholders

Action taken by the Board as a result of stakeholder engagement 

Strategy/branding

As the Group’s strategy has evolved 
(as discussed on pages 18 to 20), it 
became apparent from discussions 
with various employees including 
representatives on the Group’s 
employee engagement forum, IP 
Connect, that the Group’s branding 
required a refresh to ensure that it 
remained current and in line with the 
strategic direction of the Group. 

The Group reviewed the existing branding and appointed 
branding specialists, Conran Design Group, to work alongside 
a newly established Branding Committee to produce a new 
vision for IP Group which incorporated the stakeholder feedback 
received and accurately reflects the business and it’s strategy. 

Principal decision: Debt Private Placement
The Board seeks to ensure that the Group has sufficient capital to pursue its long-term strategic aims. One of the significant principal 
decisions relating to the Group’s strategy taken by the Board in 2022, following relevant stakeholder engagement, was the approval of 
the Group’s entry into a Note Purchase Agreement pursuant to which it agreed to issue £120m of long maturity private loan notes to 
London-based institutional investors (the “Debt Placement”) (as further detailed on page 42). Concurrent with the Debt Placement and 
following active engagement with the European Investment Bank (“EIB”), the Group agreed to the early repayment of approximately 
£14.6m of the existing shorter-dated EIB debt. The Debt Placement provided the Group with additional funding, providing the Group with 
additional flexibility to continue making investments in accordance with its overall strategy and Capital Allocation Plan and giving it 
greater flexibility in managing the timing of portfolio realisations and exits, further enhancing liquidity.

When discussing and subsequently entering into the Debt Placement, the Board considered in detail the interests of the following 
stakeholders and how they may be impacted, as well as output from its engagement with the EIB:

creditors

 Creditors

The Board considered the outstanding terms of the three loan facilities that it had in place with the EIB and the impact the Debt 
Placement may have on these outstanding facility agreements, mindful that following the Debt Placement the EIB would be 
the Group’s second largest creditor. Following engagement with the EIB to discuss the proposals and seek relevant permissions 
under the existing contractual arrangements, the Board agreed that the Group would make an early repayment of £14.6m of the 
outstanding EIB debt, with the EIB contemporaneously releasing its security in relation to the same.

The Debt Placement required the Group to grant fixed and floating charges over all its assets in favour of a security trustee who 
would rank as a secured creditor in priority to all unsecured creditors in the event of an insolvency situation. Given the Group’s cash 
balances were strong, as evidenced by its 2021 Annual Report and Accounts, and the Group had confidence in future portfolio 
realisations, the Board concluded that the Group’s other creditors would not be adversely affected by the Debt Placement and the 
security granted pursuant to it. 

107

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT. 
WORKING WITH THE GROUP’S STAKEHOLDERS.

 Shareholders

The Board resolved that the Debt Placement was in the best 
interests of the Company’s members as a whole. It determined 
that the Debt Placement would ensure that the Group remained 
well funded and able to follow its current investment and 
divestment strategy, assisting the Group in driving value and 
delivering more profitable realisations in the future, ultimately 
leading to better returns for shareholders in the future. 

portfolio 
companies

 Portfolio Companies

The Group’s business model, as further described on pages 14 
to 15, is to contribute to a better future and generate attractive 
returns by identifying, backing and growing transformative 
businesses as long-term partners. Where appropriate, the aim 
is to “back what we create” and continue to make investments 
into portfolio companies, helping to develop a healthy pipeline 
of investments into, and realisations from, portfolio companies. 
The Board agreed that the Group needed to maintain sufficient 
capital to meet ongoing portfolio investment requirements and 
balance potential timing issues between realisations and new 
investment requirements across its different jurisdictions.

 Co-investors

The Directors considered the Group’s relationship with 
co-investors in its portfolio companies, noting that the 
relationship that the Group has with its co-investors may be 
negatively impacted if the Group does not allocate sufficient 
capital to meet the needs of its portfolio companies. The 
Directors also noted that co-investors may dilute the Group’s 
interests disadvantageously should the Group be unable to 
continue supporting its portfolio companies in subsequent 
funding rounds.

Training and Board processes
The Board identifies principal decisions with reference to the 
Matters Reserved for the Board and the Group’s Delegated 
Investment and Realisations Authorities, which govern the 
approval processes for significant investments and realisations 
above a certain threshold. The Board receives regular training 
on its s172 obligations to keep current with evolving market 
expectations. Information relating to stakeholder issues is 
included in relevant Board papers to enable the Board to 
understand and consider relevant stakeholder interests when 
making any decisions (including principal decisions). This 
incorporates feedback sought from relevant stakeholders in 
relation to the decisions being brought to the Board and an 
assessment of the impact of decisions in contemplation of the 
relevant stakeholder groups. 

Following any principal Board decision, the Board will endeavour 
to provide feedback to the relevant stakeholders, where 
appropriate, as part of its continued meaningful stakeholder 
engagement process. Where appropriate, being mindful 
of its obligations as a listed company and confidentiality 
requirements, the Board will seek input from key stakeholders 
prior to a decision being taken. In each case, the Directors 
consider how a short-term decision (for example, to sell an 
asset and achieve an immediate financial return) links into the 
Group’s strategy to create long-term value for its shareholders. 
The same considerations are taken into account by the 
Executive Committee in relation to decisions made under its own 
authorities or proposals recommended to the Board.

Board approval

The Strategic Report as set out on pages 10 to 108 has been 
approved by the Board. 

On behalf of the Board

Sir Douglas Flint
7 March 2023

108

OUR GOVERNANCEOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORT.BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

Sir Douglas Flint CBE
Non-executive Chairman

Greg Smith 
Chief Executive Officer

Effective date of current letter of appointment: Appointed as a 
Non-executive Director from 17 September 2018 and as Non-executive 
Chairman from 1 November 2018

Independent: N/A1

Tenure: 4 years  
(renewed in September 2021)

Term of office: 3 years2, 3 months’ notice

Re-election to Board: Annually at AGM

Skills and Experience 
Sir Douglas has extensive experience of public company board 
leadership, which helps to focus Board discussion and challenge on 
the design and delivery of our strategy. His collaborative approach 
helps to facilitate open and constructive boardroom discussion. 
Previously, Sir Douglas served as Group Chairman of HSBC Holdings 
plc from 2010 to 2017. For 15 years prior to this he was HSBC’s group 
finance director, joining from KPMG where he was a partner. Between 
2005 and 2011 Sir Douglas served as a non-executive director on the 
board of bp plc, latterly chairing its audit committee.

Key external appointments 
In other current roles, Sir Douglas is Chairman of abrdn plc, is 
Chairman of the Royal Marsden hospital and charity and is a member 
of a number of advisory boards and trade associations, through 
which he keeps abreast of industry, regulatory and international 
affairs of relevance to his public company responsibilities. 

Effective date of current service agreement: 6 October 2021

Independent: No

Tenure: 11 years as an Executive Director,  
1 year as Chief Executive Officer

Term of office: Permanent, 6 months’ notice

Re-election to Board: Annually at AGM

Skills and Experience 
Greg gained significant knowledge of the Group and the sector in 
which it operates through his decade’s tenure as Chief Financial 
Officer of the Group, during which he contributed broadly and 
successfully to the Group’s expansion geographically and in scale. 
He has deep experience of capital and resource allocation and 
investment appraisal and this experience, together with his financial 
expertise, plays a fundamental role in driving the Group’s strategy, 
purpose and vision. 

His strong communication skills have been critical to maintaining 
and optimising the Group’s relationship with its key stakeholders. 
Prior to joining the Group, Greg held positions at both Tarchon Capital 
Management and KPMG. Greg is a Fellow of the ICAEW and holds a 
degree in Mathematics. 

Key external appointments 
Greg serves on a number of advisory bodies seeking to make the 
UK’s capital markets more accessible to smaller companies, in 
terms of both public listing and scale-up capital, particularly for 
those companies whose business is based on innovative science 
and technology.

KEY 

Audit and Risk 
Committee

Nomination 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Chair

1  Sir Douglas Flint 
was considered 
by the Board to be 
independent on 
appointment

2  Subject to renewal 
for subsequent 
three-year terms 
as set out on page 
126.

109

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE.BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

Aedhmar Hynes  
Senior Independent Director and Designated  
Non-executive Director for employee engagement

David Baynes 
Chief Financial and  
Operating Officer

Effective date of current letter of appointment: 1 August 2019

Effective date of current service agreement: 6 October 2021

Independent: Yes

Tenure: 3 years  
(renewed in August 2022)

Term of office: 3 years2, 3 months’ notice

Re-election to Board: Annually at AGM

Independent: No

Tenure: 9 years as an Executive Director, 1 year as Chief Financial and 
Operating Officer

Term of office: Permanent, 6 months’ notice

Re-election to Board: Annually at AGM

Skills and Experience 
Aedhmar brings valuable experience to the Board in relation to 
technology disruption, digital transformation and marketing and 
strategic communications. Aedhmar has many years’ experience 
in communications and is the former CEO of Text100, a digital 
communications agency with 22 offices and over 600 consulting staff 
across Europe, Asia and North America. 

Aedhmar is also the Senior Independent and the Group’s Designated 
Non-executive Director for employee engagement on the Board.

Key external appointments 
Trustee of Connecticut Public Broadcasting, The Page Society, 
Advisory Council member of the MIT Media Lab, Board Director of 
Technoserve, member of the US Foundation Board of the National 
University of Ireland, Galway and a Henry Crown Fellow at The 
Aspen Institute. 

Skills and Experience 
David’s financial background and expertise, together with his 
experience gained during his tenure as the Chief Operating Officer 
of the Group, provide the experience required to drive the Group’s 
achievement of its financial goals and operating targets. David has a 
long track record of working successfully with the boards of investee 
companies as they develop and mature, often in challenging and 
disruptive circumstances. David was appointed to the Board in March 
2014 following the acquisition by the Group of Fusion IP plc where he 
held the position of Chief Executive Officer for 10 years. 

David brings previous additional experience taking companies from 
start-up to full listing on the London Stock Exchange. David was also 
previously CFO of Codemasters Limited.

Key external appointments3 
Non-executive Director of Kwalee Limited.

110

KEY 

Audit and Risk 
Committee

Nomination 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Chair

2  Subject to renewal 
for subsequent 
three-year terms 
as set out on page 
126.

3  Excludes 

appointments to 
Group portfolio 
company boards.

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEWBOARD OF DIRECTORS.

Dr Caroline Brown 
Non-executive Director

Heejae Chae
Non-executive Director

Effective date of current service appointment: 1 July 2019

Effective date of current letter of appointment: 3 May 2018

Independent: Yes

Tenure: 3 years  
(renewed in June 2022)

Independent: Yes

Tenure: 4 years  
(renewed in May 2021)

Term of office: 3 years2, 3 months’ notice

Term of office: 3 years2, 3 months’ notice

Re-election to Board: Annually at AGM

Re-election to Board: Annually at AGM

Skills and Experience 
Dr Brown has a wealth of experience covering accounting and audit, 
banking and investments, as well as science and technology, all of 
which are highly relevant for the Board. She has over 20 years’ plc 
board experience and held previous positions in corporate finance at 
BAML (New York), UBS and HSBC. Caroline is a Fellow of the Chartered 
Institute of Management Accountants.

Skills and Experience 
Heejae is an experienced public company director, bringing both 
knowledge of finance and industry, having spent the early part of 
his career in finance at The Blackstone Group and Credit Suisse First 
Boston before moving into industry. Heejae’s former positions include 
CEO of Scapa Group plc, Group Chief Executive of Volex Group plc and 
Group General Manager for Amphenol Corporation. 

Key external appointments 
Caroline is a Non-executive Director of Crown Agents Bank Limited, 
Luceco plc, and W.A.G payment solutions plc. She is also a non-
executive external member of the global partnership council of 
Clifford Chance LLP.

Key external appointments 
Member of the Board of Overseers at Boston Children’s Hospital.

KEY 

Audit and Risk 
Committee

Nomination 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Chair

2  Subject to renewal 
for subsequent 
three-year terms 
as set out on page 
126.

111

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE.BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

Dr Elaine Sullivan 
Non-executive Director

Anita Kidgell  
Non-executive Director

Effective date of current letter of appointment: 30 July 2015

Effective date of current letter of appointment: 18 January 2023

Independent: Yes

Tenure: 7 years  
(renewed in July 2021)

Term of office: 3 years2, 3 months’ notice

Re-election to Board: Annually at AGM

Skills and Experience 
Dr Elaine Sullivan is a senior pharmaceutical and biotech industry 
executive with a successful track record in science, investment, 
business development and start-ups. She has extensive global 
leadership experience including membership of the top senior 
global R&D management teams at Eli Lilly (US) and AstraZeneca 
(UK) and is experienced in partnerships with venture, equity and 
strategic collaborations. 

Dr Sullivan has delivered over 250 collaborations and transactions 
including spinouts, joint ventures, strategic partnerships and 
multi-million US$ acquisitions and brings experience in executing 
deals world-wide including US, Europe and China. 

Key external appointments 
CEO of Keltic Pharma Therapeutics, supervisory Board of Evotec AG 
and Non-executive Director of Active Biotech AB, Open Orphan plc 
and Nykode Therapeutics ASI.

Independent: Yes

Tenure: less than 1 year 

Term of office: 3 years2, 3 months’ notice

Re-election to Board: Annually at AGM

Skills and Experience 
Anita has over 25 years of pharmaceutical experience spanning 
multiple disciplines. She is currently Head of Corporate Strategy at 
GSK with over ten years of experience of leading strategic initiatives 
in numerous areas including China, ESG, geopolitics as well as 
integrations and demergers. Between 2004 and 2007 she was the 
Global Head of Investor Relations at GSK and prior to this held senior 
positions in Corporate Communications, at GlaxoWellcome and at 
the Brunswick Group. 

Anita has a First Class Honours degree in Applied Biology and has 
more than ten years’ experience in pharmaceutical Discovery 
Research and Clinical Development.

Key external appointments 
Head of Corporate Strategy at GSK.

112

KEY 

Audit and Risk 
Committee

Nomination 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Chair

2  Subject to renewal 
for subsequent 
three-year terms 
as set out on page 
126.

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEWCORPORATE GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK.

Compliance with the UK 
Corporate Governance 
Code 2018 (the “Code”) 
The Board is committed to meeting 
the high standard of corporate 
governance as set out within the 
Code (available at www.frc.org.uk/
directors/corporate-governance-
and-stewardship/uk-corporate-
governance-code) and to 
compliance with best practice as 
it develops. 

Further explanation as to how the 
main principles set out in the Code 
have been applied by the Group is 
set out in this section, as well as in 
the s172 statement, the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report, the Audit 
and Risk Committee Report, the 
Nomination Committee Report 
and the Strategic Report. The 
Group confirms it applied the main 
principles and complied with all the 
provisions of the Code throughout 
the year.

The Board

Audit and Risk 
Committee

Nomination 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Executive 
Committee

Disclosure 
Committee

Pages 163 to 171

Pages 129 to 139

Pages 140 to 162

Page 120

Page 120

 Chairman

Chief Executive Officer

Senior Independent Officer

Chief Financial and  
Operating Officer

Company Secretary

Non-executive Directors

Investment Committees

ESG Committee

Ethics Committee

Page 120

Page 68

Page 68

  Read Board biographies on pages 109 to 112

  Read about Board activities on pages 118 to 119

  Read about roles and responsibilities on page 117

113

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE.CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

OUR GOVERNANCE.

OUR FINANCIALS

During 2022, the Group continued 
its focus on maintaining the highest 
standards of corporate governance, 
ensuring that the interests of 
stakeholders were fully integrated 
into the Board’s decision making 
processes.

The Board aims to ensure the highest 
standards of corporate governance 
and accountability are met alongside 
promoting a culture of disciplined 
capital allocation into high conviction 
investment opportunities enabled by 
careful risk identification, reporting and 
mitigation. The Board is accountable to 
the Company’s shareholders for good 
governance, and this report, together 
with the Reports of the Remuneration, 
Nomination, and Audit and Risk 
Committees of the Board, describe the 
Group’s detailed approach to corporate 
governance and the key developments, 
which have taken place in this area 
during the year.

Effective corporate governance is 
integral to the Board’s oversight of the 
design and execution of the Group’s 
strategy. It is also critical to building 
strong relationships with all the Group’s 
stakeholders in order to earn their support 
for the Group’s purpose to accelerate 
the impact of science for a better future. 
The Group continues to foster a culture 
of innovation, mutual support, diversity 
and inclusion, and encourages its 
employees to engage in healthy debate 
and challenge so that it can consider 
a wide range of opinions when making 
decisions. For more information on the 
culture the Group and its Board wishes to 
foster, see page 58. The Group recognises 
that maintaining and developing two-
way stakeholder engagement plays an 
important role in building the stakeholder 
confidence necessary for the Group to 
deliver the strategy and promote the 
long-term success of the Company. For 
further details on how the Directors have 
complied with their duties under s172 of 
the Companies Act 2006 (the “CA 2006”), 
including in their decision making, please 
refer to pages 99 to 108. 

The Company’s purpose of identifying, 
backing and growing transformative 
companies whose products and services 
will meaningfully contribute towards a 
regenerative, healthier and tech-enriched 
future is supported by our commitment 
to effective governance, the execution of 
which is continuously evolving to reflect 
the changing expectations of our key 
stakeholders and the product of wide-ranging 
discussion within the Board around 
opportunities for self-improvement.

Sir Douglas Flint
Chair

114
114

IP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEWCORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT.

Compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018
The table below shows the principles set out in the Code and 
where key content can be found.

Board leadership and Company purpose 
Pages
Board of Directors  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109 to 112
Chairman’s Corporate Governance Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114 to 128
Culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 to 60
Employee engagement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 to 60
Governance framework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Purpose  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01
Section 172 Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 to 108
Shareholder and stakeholder engagement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 to 108

Division of responsibilities
The role of the Board and Committees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116 to 120

Board and Committee attendance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123

Composition of the Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120 to 121

Director rotation and independence  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126

Composition, succession and evaluation
Board biographies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109 to 112

Board composition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120 to 121

Board effectiveness and evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 to 139

Inclusion and diversity  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 to 134

Induction, awareness and development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 to 126

Nomination Committee Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129 to 139

Succession planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 to 136

Audit, risk and internal control
External audit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170 to 171

Going concern and long-term viability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  168

Internal audit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .170

Risk and internal controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168 to 169

Remuneration
Directors’ Remuneration Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140 to 162

This year, in accordance with the Code, the Board and its 
Committees undertook an external effectiveness evaluation 
facilitated by Bvalco Ltd. The output of the evaluation was 
positive and concluded that the Board was operating effectively; 
where areas for improvement were highlighted, action plans 
will be designed to take these points on board. Further detail on 
the process and findings of this evaluation, and the priorities 
identified by the Board for 2023, can be found on pages 136 to 
139. 

The Group upholds strong business values that continue to 
guide the Group in implementing its strategy and employees 
are encouraged to demonstrate how these values are applied 
throughout their work. Both the ESG Committee, which has 
responsibility for the oversight and implementation of the 
Group’s ESG and Sustainability policy, and the Ethics Committee, 
which provides guidance to the Group on ethical issues and 
monitors compliance with the Group’s Ethical Investment 
Framework, work to ensure that the Group’s values and culture 
are also embedded in the Group’s capital allocation framework. 
Further details on the ESG Committee and Ethics Committee and 
of how the Group mitigates climate-related risk are included on 
pages 46 to 84. 

The Board welcomes every opportunity to discuss matters 
relating to corporate governance with shareholders throughout 
the year, as well as at each Annual General Meeting (“AGM”). 
The next AGM is on 15 June 2023. In addition, and to facilitate 
engagement with shareholders throughout the year, the Group 
maintains a dedicated company secretary email address 
(cosec@ipgroupplc.com), through which shareholders can 
submit questions at any time.

Sir Douglas Flint
Chairman

115

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE.CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT.

The Board

Role and responsibilities of the Board
The Board is responsible to the Company’s shareholders for 
the overall management of the Group in a way that promotes 
the Group’s long-term sustainable success. The Board defines, 
challenges and interrogates the Group’s strategic aims and 
direction, and provides entrepreneurial leadership within a 
framework of controls for assessing and managing risk.

The Board recognises that, in discharging its responsibilities, it is 
necessary to support the maintenance and evolution of a policy 
and decision making framework in which the Group’s strategic 
aims are implemented, through:

•  ensuring that the necessary financial and human resources 
are in place to meet those aims and to ensure the Group is a 
home for exceptional talent 

•  monitoring performance against key financial and non-

financial performance indicators 

•  embedding a robust performance management framework 

and aligning reward with the long-term interests of 
stakeholders

•  planning for Board and senior management succession, 

overseeing the system of risk management 

•  setting and monitoring adherence to mandated values and 

standards in governance matters

•  monitoring environmental, social and governance policies 

and performance 

•  helping to shape and embed the Group’s purpose, vision, 

strategy, values and culture. 

The Board recognises that its role in setting, monitoring and 
enforcing the standards of behaviour it expects from its people 
(its culture) is of key importance. The Group’s culture is one of the 
key strengths of its business and plays a strong role in attracting, 
retaining and incentivising the most talented people. Further 
information on the Group’s culture is on page 58.

In supporting the Group’s business and its portfolio companies, 
the Board acknowledges the key roles Group functions play 
in the fields of capital raising, executive search, legal advice 
and support, intellectual property strategy and due diligence 
support. These sit alongside and support the hands-on 
approach and high level of engagement provided by the 
experienced, sector-specific investment partnership team 
members. The Directors believe that the Group’s approach to 
supporting its portfolio companies in this way is unique and 
serves not only to build sustainable businesses with longevity, 
but also provides attractive returns for stakeholders by creating 
value over the longer term.

The Directors are responsible for promoting the long-term 
success of the Company and thereby the Group, taking into 
account the interests of shareholders and all other relevant 
stakeholders in carrying out this responsibility. The responsibility 
of the Directors is collective and recognises their respective roles 
as Executive Directors and Non-executive Directors. The non-
executive directors are responsible for constructively challenging 
and contributing to proposals on strategy as part of the Board 
approval process, scrutinising the performance of management 
against targets set and determining appropriate levels of 
remuneration. The Non-executive Directors must also satisfy 
themselves of the integrity of financial information, and that 
financial controls and systems of risk management are robust 
and comprehensive. The Executive Directors are responsible for 
making and implementing day-to-day decisions (other than 
matters reserved for the Board) within the risk appetite and 
tolerance and operating and financial constraints set by the 
Board.

The Board reviews the purpose, vision and strategy of the 
Group and any issues arising from it on a regular basis, and 
exercises control over the performance of the Group by agreeing 
budgetary and other targets and monitoring performance 
against those targets. 

116

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEWCORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT.

Division of responsibilities 

Chairman
Sir Douglas Flint

Chief Executive Officer
Greg Smith

Chief Financial  
and Operating Officer
David Baynes

Leadership and conduct of the Board, encouraging open and constructive discussion and challenge
Promotes high standards of governance and Board effectiveness, including incorporation of ESG factors into board decision making
Ensures active engagement and effective communication with shareholders

• 
• 
• 
•  Sets the Board’s agenda and is responsible for ensuring the Committees carry out their duties
• 
• 
• 

Ensures that Board members receive timely, accurate and clear information about the Group’s activities
Ensures that Board members receive appropriate induction and ongoing training on the Group’s activities and their own responsibilities
Leads performance assessment of Board members

Leads on development and delivery of strategy
Leads the management of the Group alongside the Executive Committee and establishes financial and operational targets
Leads the management of the Group in incorporating ESG factors and is Chair of the ESG Committee

• 
• 
• 
•  Member and “Champion” of the Group’s Inclusion and Diversity Project, ensuring Diversity and Inclusion factors are incorporated 

into decision making analyses and employee engagement development

•  Responsible for building a team that is able to effectively identify, back and grow impactful early stage innovation-led companies 

into a diversified portfolio of robust, transformative businesses, and for embedding a culture that ensures the team is highly 
engaged and motivated to deliver
Leads delivery of the Group’s operating plans and budgets and the execution of Board decisions
Leads succession planning for the senior executive positions alongside the Group People Director and reports to the Nomination 
Committee thereon

• 
• 

•  Represents the Group to external stakeholders and engages with them on the Group’s purpose and strategy

•  Oversight and executive responsibility for the Group’s financial and operational systems, processes and matters
•  Maintains an efficient and effective controls environment, including protecting the Group against cyber risks
•  Responsible for executing day-to-day decisions (other than matters reserved for the Board) within the risk appetite and tolerance 

and operating and financial constraints set by the Board

•  Monitors operating and financial performance and reports to the Board on the same
Ensures the Group’s financial structure and capacity supports the Group’s objectives
• 

Senior Independent 
Director
Aedhmar Hynes

•  Available to shareholders to discuss their views and concerns when required
• 
• 
• 

Intermediary between the Board and the Chair
Leads the Board in deliberations where the Chair is conflicted
Leads assessment of the Chair’s performance

Non-executive 
Directors  
(as part of the Board)
Caroline Brown, Heejae Chae, 
Elaine Sullivan, Anita Kidgell

•  Approve Group strategy and operating plans
•  Approve business and financing models
•  Discuss and constructively challenge executive recommendations within matters brought to the Board
•  Monitor and performance manage delivery of strategy and operating plans
• 
•  Serve on Committees of the Board

Provide independent views, support and specialist knowledge

Company Secretary
Angela Leach

Ensures Board policies and procedures are followed
Ensures compliance with laws and regulations

•  Advises and keeps the Board updated on governance matters
• 
• 
•  Considers Board effectiveness and Directors’ training requirements alongside the Chair
• 

Ensures Board papers are concise, clear and that their purpose is explicitly stated and that matters arising are followed through

117

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE.CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT.

Board activities during 2022 

Principal decisions
•  Recommended the Group’s final Dividend for FY 2021 and 

approved an interim Dividend for 2022

•  Approved the private placement and issuance of £120m long 
maturity loan notes and repayment of approximately £15m of 
existing EIB debt

•  Reviewed the Group’s performance within its competitive 

landscape

•  Regularly discussed and debated the form and 

implementation of the Group’s Capital Allocation Policy 

•  Debated in detail the Group’s principal risks and the Board’s 

approach to setting risk appetite 

•  Approved amendments to the Group’s delegated investment 

•  Considered the longer-term emerging risks which may 

and realisation authorities (the “Delegated Authorities”)

impact the Group and its business

•  Approved portfolio company investments and divestments 

required in line with the Delegated Authorities 

•  Approved the Group’s refreshed Capital Allocation Policy

Board and Committee composition and conduct
•  Reviewed succession planning for the Executive Directors, 
Executive Committee members and Non-executive Board 
positions 

•  Approved the appointment of Anita Kidgell (January 2023)

•  Approved the re-election for further three-year terms of each 

Corporate governance
•  Reviewed policies, processes and procedures to ensure 

continued compliance with the Code

•  Reviewed, and updated where necessary, the terms of 

reference for its Committees

•  Received regular updates from the Group’s ESG Committee 

•  Received an update from the Group’s Kiko Ventures (the 
Group’s dedicated Cleantech platform) partners on the 
Group’s climate-related risks and opportunities 

of Dr Caroline Brown and Aedhmar Hynes

•  Received an update on the relevant Foreign Direct Investment 

Strategy and risk
•  Continued to support and engage with the Executive 
Directors on (i) a detailed strategic review covering all 
components of the Group’s strategy including the Group’s 
sourcing of investment propositions, its investment and 
capital allocation strategies, its global positioning and its 
talent strategy, all in the context of the wider markets and 
global environment; and (ii) the subsequent roll-out of the 
Group’s refreshed strategy 

Regimes, which affect the Group (including the National 
Security and Investment Act (UK), the Committee on Foreign 
Investment (US) and the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers 
Act (Australia)) 

118

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEWCORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT.

Shareholders
•  Considered the Company’s ability to return cash to 

shareholders, recommending the final Dividend for FY 2021 
and approving the interim Dividend for 2022

•  Visited Oxford to receive in-depth presentations from three of 

the Group’s largest portfolio companies

•  Received periodic updates on portfolio companies directly 

from their management teams

•  Received a presentation from the Company’s brokers on the 

•  Received bi-annual updates from the Managing Directors of 

current market climate and circumstances where companies 
were attracting activist interest

the US, Australasia and Hong Kong/China businesses 

•  Received bi-annual updates from the leadership team at 

•  Discussed the Company’s share price performance, in 

Parkwalk

particular the discount to NAV and actions to be taken to 
narrow the gap 

•  Commissioned an investor perception study (see page 106 

for further detail) in relation to the Group’s s172 considerations 
and shareholder engagement

•  Communicated with shareholders with regard to failure to 
reach 80% approval for the Group’s new Share Option Plan, 
which incorporated the ability to grant restricted share 
awards in line with the new Remuneration Policy

Employees
•  Received quarterly people updates from the Group People 

Director including on progress to embed the Group’s culture 
and values, improve inclusion and diversity, expand learning 
and development resources and the results and actions from 
the regular staff surveys 

•  Received a report from the Designated NED at each Board 
meeting on her engagement activities with IP Connect, the 
Group’s employee forum

Updates from the business and portfolio companies
•  Received updates at each Board meeting from the Managing 
Partners of the Life Sciences and Technology Partnerships, 
which included detail on the short to medium-term strategy 
for each partnership and performance of their focus portfolio 
companies

Board effectiveness
• 

Implemented the recommendations from the 2021 internal 
Board evaluation 

•  Reviewed plans for the external Board effectiveness review, 

which was carried out in 2022 (for further detail, see page 136 
of the Nomination Committee Report)

Schedule of matters
Except for a formal schedule of matters, which are reserved for 
decision and approval by the Board, the Board has delegated 
the day-to-day management of the Group’s operations to 
the Executive Directors, supported closely by the Executive 
Committee and other members of the senior management 
team. The schedule of matters reserved for Board decision and 
approval are those significant to the Group as a whole due to 
their strategic, financial and/or reputational implications. The 
schedule, along with the terms of reference for each of the Audit 
and Risk, Remuneration and Nomination Committees can be 
found within the Corporate Governance section of the Group’s 
website at www.ipgroupplc.com and are also available from the 
Group’s Company Secretary. This schedule was reviewed in 2022 
and all recommended changes were accepted by the Board. 
The schedule will be reviewed again in 2023.

119

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE.CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT.

Committees and oversight
In addition to the Executive Directors, the Board delegates 
specific responsibilities to certain Committees that assist the 
Board in carrying out its functions and ensure independent 
oversight of internal control and risk management.

The three principal Committees of the Board (Audit and Risk, 
Nomination and Remuneration) play an essential role in 
supporting the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities and ensuring 
that the highest standards of corporate governance are 
maintained throughout the Group. Each Committee has its own 
terms of reference, which set out the specific matters for which 
delegated authority has been given by the Board.

Separate reports on the role, composition, responsibilities and 
operation of each of the Nomination, Remuneration and Audit 
and Risk Committees are set out on pages 129 to 139, pages 140 
to 162 and pages 163 to 171 respectively.

The composition of the three principal Committees of the Board 
and a record of the attendance of the members throughout the 
year is set out in the table on page 123.

The Group’s Executive Committee comprises the Group’s two 
Executive Directors, the Managing Partners of Technology 
and Life Sciences, the Managing Partner of Parkwalk, the 
Group General Counsel, the Director of Communications, the 
Group People Director, the Finance Director and two Employee 
Executives. Within the agreed financial limits set by the Board, 
the Executive Committee has primary authority for the day-
to-day management of the Group’s operations, save for 
those matters that are expressly reserved for the Board or its 
Committees. The Executive Committee is a decision making 
body that reports into the Board, primarily through the CEO and 
the Chief Financial and Operating Officer. Further details around 
the Executive Committee and the Employee Executive roles can 
be found on page 60.

The Executive Committee delegates day-to-day responsibility 
for overall ESG matters to both the ESG and Ethics Committees 
and receives regular updates on such matters. In turn, the 
Executive Committee is responsible for reporting on ESG matters 
to the Board.

The Disclosure Committee assists the Group in making timely 
and accurate disclosure of all information that is required to be 
disclosed in order for the Group to meet its legal and regulatory 
obligations arising from its listing on the London Stock Exchange. 
It ensures that relevant training is provided to the Board and to 
the wider employee base and also enables the Group to meet its 
obligations under the Market Abuse Regulation. This Committee 
also takes responsibility for the assessment and control of inside 
information, both in respect of the Group and its quoted portfolio 
companies. The composition of the Disclosure Committee 
comprises the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial and 
Operating Officer, the Group General Counsel, the General 
Counsel, UK, the Director of Communications and a minimum of 
one Non-executive Director. 

The Group has Investment Committees for its Technology and 
Life Sciences Partnerships and its Australian entity. Decisions 
relating to investments and divestments in portfolio companies 
(other than those reserved for the Board) are delegated to 
these Investment Committees within defined parameters and 
with specific quorum requirements. Parkwalk operates under 
separate Investment Committees and investment authorities.

Board size and composition 
As at 31 December 2022, there were seven Directors on the 
Board: the Chairman, two Executive Directors and four Non-
executive Directors. No changes were made to the Board during 
2022. On 18 January 2023 Anita Kidgell was appointed as Non-
executive Director of the Group, following which there were eight 
Directors on the Board: the Chairman, two Executive Directors 
and five Non-executive Directors; four men and four women. The 
biographies of all Directors are provided on pages 109 to 112.

New directors may be appointed by the Board from time to 
time, subject to election by shareholders at the first Annual 
General Meeting following their appointment. Accordingly, Anita 
Kidgell will submit herself for election by shareholders at the 
Group’s Annual General Meeting to be held on 15 June 2023. In 
accordance with the provisions of the Code, all the Directors 
will be offering themselves for re-election at the 2023 Annual 
General Meeting.

120

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEWRead our  
Director biographies on 
pages 109 to 112

Non-executive Directors
The Non-executive Directors provide a wide range of unique skills 
and experience to the Group as detailed on page 131. By virtue 
of such a diverse mix of skills and experience, the Non-executive 
Directors are collectively well placed to constructively challenge 
and scrutinise the performance of executive management at 
both Board and Committee meetings.

The Group’s policy is to prohibit personal investments by Non-
executive Directors in any of the Group’s portfolio companies. 
Accordingly, none of the Non-executive Directors presenting 
themselves for re-election at the Annual General Meeting in 2023 
have holdings in any of the Group’s portfolio companies.

Directors are required to obtain the formal written approval 
of the Chairman before taking on any further directorial 
appointments or other engagements with an organisation 
that competes with the Group (whether directly or indirectly), 
and the Chairman requires the approval of the Board before 
adding to his own commitments. In all cases, directors must 
ensure that their external appointments do not involve excessive 
time commitments. Details of key external appointments of the 
Directors can be found on pages 109 to 112.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT.

The Board unanimously recommends to shareholders the 
appointment of Anita Kidgell as Non-executive Director of 
the Company. Anita brings to the Board a rare combination 
of a scientific background together with strategic and 
communication experience in a leading listed company. 
Anita has spent the bulk of her career at GSK in a number 
of roles including clinical research, science and product 
communications, strategy and investor relations. The Board 
is satisfied that, having considered the other demands on 
her time, Anita has sufficient time to devote to the role and to 
be an effective member of the Board and the various Board 
Committees on which she will sit. 

The Board also unanimously recommends to the shareholders 
the reappointment of all the Directors that are offering 
themselves for re-election, on the basis that the results of 
the annual Board evaluation and the annual one-to-one 
performance appraisal process demonstrated that they are all 
effective Directors of the Company, commit the required time 
demanded of them, and continue to display the appropriate 
level of commitment in their respective roles. 

Diversity
The disclosure required by DTR 7.2.8 relating to the Group’s 
diversity policy is presented in the Nomination Committee 
Report on page 134.

Company Secretary
All Directors have access to the impartial advice and services 
of the Company Secretary. The Company Secretary acts as a 
key point of contact for the Chairman and has an important role 
in ensuring both the quality of information that flows between 
the Executive and Non-executive Directors and that any agreed 
actions are completed. The Company Secretary supports the 
Chairman and the Nomination Committee on performance 
evaluation, the induction of new directors and the continuing 
development of current directors to enable them to comply with 
their duties and effectively carry out their roles.

121

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE.CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT.

Board meetings, provision of information  
and decisions
The Board and its Committees meet regularly during the year as 
well as on an ad hoc basis, as required in response to the needs 
of the Group’s business.

The Board had seven scheduled Board meetings and a two-day 
strategy session in 2022; seven Board meetings and a two-day 
strategy session are also scheduled for 2023. The requirement 
for additional scheduled meetings is kept under review by the 
Chairman and the Company Secretary. 

The vast majority of Board and Committee meetings were held 
in person during 2022 although the first meeting of the year was 
held remotely by video conference due to COVID-19 restrictions. 
Meetings between the Chairman and the Non-executive 
Directors, both with and without the presence of the Chief 
Executive Officer, are also held throughout the year.

The Board held a two-day strategy session in November 2022, 
which provided an opportunity for all Directors to discuss in 
detail the strategy of the Group and progress made against the 
Group’s strategic priorities to 2025 and the key strategic risks 
for the Group. The Board also received presentations from the 
Group’s Deeptech investment partnership and Kiko Ventures, the 
Group’s Cleantech platform, the Managing Director of the Group’s 
HK division and three portfolio companies. The CEO updated the 
Board on the further progress, which the Group had made on the 
rollout of the Group’s updated strategy, including in relation to the 
evolution of the Group’s purpose, vision and branding, which had 
recently been discussed at the Executive Committee.

The Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and members of the 
Executive Committee work together to ensure that the Directors 
receive relevant information to enable them to discharge 
their duties and that such information is accurate, timely 
and clear. This information includes monthly management 
accounts containing an analysis of performance against 
budgets and other forecasts, as well as written reports from 
each of the Life Sciences and Technology Partnerships, the 
Australasian and US businesses, IP Capital (including Hong 
Kong and China), the Group’s IR and Communications team 
and Parkwalk. Additional information is provided as appropriate 
or if requested. At each Board meeting, the Board receives 
information, reports and presentations from the Chief Executive 
Officer and the Chief Financial and Operating Officer, the 
Managing Partners of the Life Sciences and Technology 
Partnerships and, by invitation, other members of the Executive 
Committee and senior management. This includes bi-annual 
presentations from the US and Australasian business units 
and presentations from Parkwalk, the Group People Director, 
Director of Communications and the Head of ESG. These 
presentations ensure that all Directors are aware of, and are in 
a position to monitor effectively, the overall performance of the 
Group, its development and implementation of strategy and its 
management of risk. In addition, the Board receives in-depth 
presentations throughout the year from selected portfolio 
companies, including through engaging in site visits.

122

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEWCORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT.

Board and Committee attendance
The following table shows the attendance of Directors at scheduled Board and Committee meetings during the year:

Board Meetings1,3

Audit and Risk  
Committee2,3

Nomination 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Sir Douglas Flint

Greg Smith

David Baynes

Dr Elaine Sullivan

Heejae Chae

Dr Caroline Brown

Aedhmar Hynes

–

–

–

–

–

–

1  One of the seven meetings was held remotely via video conference due to COVID-19.
2  Sir Douglas Flint attends the Audit and Risk Committee meetings as an observer.
3  Dr Sullivan was unable to attend on one occasion due to illness. 

123

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT.

Directors’ conflicts of interest
Each Director has a statutory duty under the CA 2006 to avoid 
a situation in which he or she has, or could have, a direct 
or indirect interest that conflicts or may potentially conflict 
with the interests of the Company. This duty is in addition to 
the continuing duty that a director owes to the Company to 
disclose to the Board any transaction or arrangement under 
consideration by the Company in which he or she is interested. 
The Company’s Articles of Association permit the Board to 
authorise conflicts or potential conflicts of interest.

In deciding whether to authorise any conflict, the Directors must 
have regard to their general duties under the CA 2006 and their 
overriding obligation to act in a way they consider, in good 
faith, will be most likely to promote the Company’s success. In 
addition, the Directors can impose limits or conditions when 
authorising a conflict or potential conflict of interest if they think 
it appropriate.

The Board has established procedures for managing and, where 
appropriate, authorising any such conflicts or potential conflicts 
of interest. Directors’ conflicts are a recurring agenda item at all 
Board meetings, and this gives Directors the opportunity to raise 
at the beginning of every Board meeting any actual or potential 
conflict of interests that they may have on the matters to be 
discussed or to update the Board on any change to a previous 
conflict of interest already declared. Furthermore, where it feels 
it needs more information to properly consider the conflicts 
or potential conflicts that may present themselves, the Board 
requests a detailed analysis to be carried out by the Executives, 
the Company Secretary and/or the in-house legal team, and to 
take external advice where appropriate, with the results of the 
same being presented with a recommendation as to how to 
manage any potential conflicts present effectively.

The authorisation of any conflict matter, and the terms of any 
authorisation, may be reviewed by the Board at any time. The 
Board believes that the procedures established to deal with 
conflicts of interest are operating effectively. 

In 2022, the Board approved a Group-wide Conflicts of Interest 
Policy, which documents the Group’s approach to identifying 

and managing perceived, potential or actual conflicts of 
interests which may exist across the various business units of 
the Group. The Board’s policy on personal investments by the 
Executive Directors in the Group’s portfolio companies previously 
permitted both investment into new opportunities and to follow 
pre-emption rights where such Executive Directors already 
had a holding. These historic personal investments are tightly 
controlled by the Group’s internal policy relating to “Holdings in 
Portfolio Companies” which includes, amongst other restrictions, 
maximum levels of investment by Executive Directors and staff 
in portfolio company financing rounds, full disclosure of all 
interests of Executive Directors in portfolio companies and the 
regulation and management of any potential conflicts that 
could arise and the requirement for pre-approval before any 
dealings in existing holdings. In 2020, the Board determined that 
Executive Directors should no longer be permitted to personally 
invest in financing opportunities in new portfolio companies. 
Executive Directors continue to be allowed to follow their pre-
emption rights in financings undertaken in portfolio companies 
in which they already have an interest, subject to the restrictions 
contained with the “Holdings in Portfolio Companies” policy 
mentioned above; such investments, or where the Director 
decides not to follow his pre-emption rights, are reported to 
the Board.

The Group maintains a Conflicts Register, which contains a list of 
the known interests of the Board, the Executive Committee and 
members of the investment teams in relation to the Group and 
its portfolio companies. The Conflicts Register is maintained and 
verified on an annual basis.

Board support
There is an agreed procedure for Directors to take independent 
professional advice at the Company’s expense. In accordance 
with the Company’s Articles of Association, Directors have been 
granted an indemnity issued by the Company to the extent 
permitted by law in respect of liabilities incurred as a result 
of their office. The indemnity would not provide any coverage 
where a Director is proved to have acted fraudulently or 
dishonestly. A copy of the indemnity is available for inspection 
as required by the CA 2006. The Company has also arranged 

124

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEWCORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT.

appropriate insurance cover in respect of legal action against its 
Directors and Officers.

will seek feedback from the relevant incoming Director to assist 
with this refreshing of induction processes. 

Induction, awareness and development 
A comprehensive induction process is in place for new Directors. 
The programme is tailored to the needs of the individual Director 
and agreed with them in advance and monitored throughout 
the process to ensure that they can gain a better understanding 
of the Group and its businesses.

This process includes:

•  an overview of the Group and its businesses, structure, 

functions, strategic aims, risk management framework and 
remuneration policies

•  meetings/calls with the other Non-executive Directors, the 
Executive Directors, the Company Secretary, the Managing 
Partners of the Life Sciences and Technology Partnerships, 
the head of Kiko Ventures, heads of the US and Australasian 
businesses, the Chairman of IP Connect the Group’s People 
Director, heads of the various internal functions and Parkwalk 
executives

•  a meeting with both the Group’s auditor and internal audit 

function

• 

training on key legal and governance matters relevant to the 
Group and its policies 

•  meetings with a number of the Group’s portfolio companies 

and their management teams 

•  sessions as appropriate with the Group’s advisors, as well as 
with appropriate external governance specialists, to ensure 
full awareness and understanding of their responsibilities 
and obligations as a Director of a FTSE 250 company, and of 
the governance and legislative framework within which they 
must operate

The content of the induction process is regularly re-evaluated 
by the Board when it is considering a new Director appointment 
to ensure it remains tailored to the needs of the business of the 
Group and the specific profile of any incoming Director. Following 
the completion of the induction process, the Company Secretary 

On an ongoing basis for all Directors, the Company Secretary 
arranges for an external governance specialist to attend 
one Board meeting annually to present on the key corporate 
governance changes over the previous twelve months and to 
signpost expected developments going forwards. In addition, 
the Board is kept updated on key legislative and governance 
changes and sentiment affecting the Group and how the Group 
is ensuring its compliance and obligations under all relevant 
legislation. The Board also received presentations from Bank 
of America, Rothschild and the Chief Economist at Deloitte 
throughout the year. 

The Chairman and Non-executive Directors are encouraged to 
continue to visit a number of the Group’s portfolio companies, as 
well as to attend portfolio company events, both at the Group’s 
head office and off-site. In July 2022, the Group facilitated 
site visits where members of the Board attended three of its 
Oxford-based portfolio companies on the same day, meeting 
with members of the senior management teams and viewing 
the technology first hand. In addition to these site visits, the 
Board continues to be exposed to the Group’s portfolio through 
presentations at investor events and Board meetings by relevant 
members of the Group’s staff and representatives from the 
Group’s portfolio companies. 

In 2023, it is intended that presentations will continue to be 
provided to the Board on a rolling basis by members of the 
Group’s various business units and working groups, in order 
to continue to update the Board on the Group’s progress and 
to enhance the awareness of the Board as to how the Group 
operates on a day-to-day basis. 

As a further aspect of their ongoing development, each Director 
also receives feedback on their performance following the 
Board’s performance evaluation each year and the Chairman 
reviews and agrees with each Director their training and 
development needs for the year ahead. Access to training and 
development opportunities, including those relevant to the Non-
executive Directors’ membership on the Board’s Committees, 

125

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE.CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT.

Internal controls and risk management 
The Board recognises the importance of the Financial Reporting 
Council’s Guidance on Risk Management, Internal Control and 
Related Financial and Business Reporting. The Group’s internal 
controls (including all material financial operational and 
compliance controls), which are Group-wide and were in place 
throughout 2022, were reviewed by the Board, with no significant 
failings or weaknesses being identified in respect of the year 
ended 31 December 2022 and up to the date of approval of the 
Annual Report and Accounts. Where the Board has identified 
areas requiring improvement, processes have been put in place 
to ensure that the necessary action is taken and that progress in 
such areas is monitored. Details of the Group’s internal controls 
and risk management systems are provided on pages 168 to 169.

The Board is responsible for establishing and monitoring internal 
control systems and for reviewing the effectiveness of these 
systems. The Board views the effective operation of a rigorous 
system of internal control as critical to the success of the 
Group. However, it recognises that such systems can provide 
only reasonable and not absolute assurance against material 
misstatement or loss. Details of the effectiveness reviews of the 
systems of risk management and internal control are provided 
on pages 168 to 169.

is facilitated through the Company Secretary. Further details 
relating to the assessment of the Board’s performance are set 
out on pages 136 to 139.

Director rotation and independence
The Nomination Committee and the Company Secretary 
have agreed a standardised rotation schedule for each of the 
Non-executive Directors (including the Chairman). Each Non-
executive Director is appointed for an initial three-year term 
pursuant to the terms of their respective letters of appointment. 
This initial term is then subject to renewal for subsequent three-
year term(s) and, other than the Chairman, to a maximum of 
three consecutive three-year terms in order to maintain their 
independence from a governance perspective, in accordance 
with the Code. Provision 19 of the Code applies to the maximum 
term for the Chairman’s appointment, and the Nomination 
Committee is responsible for ensuring compliance with this 
provision. The Chairman was considered by the Board to be 
independent on appointment. 

Statement of Non-executive Directors’ 
independence
The Code sets out the circumstances that should be relevant 
to the Board in determining whether each Non-executive 
Director is independent. The Board considers Non-executive 
Director independence on an annual basis as part of each 
Non-executive Director’s performance evaluation. Having 
undertaken this review, and with due regard to Provision 10 
of the Code, the Board has concluded this year that all the 
Non-executive Directors are considered to be independent of 
management and free of any relationship or circumstance that 
could materially influence or interfere with, or affect, or appear 
to affect, the exercise of their independent judgement.

126

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEWCORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT.

The key elements of the Group’s internal control system, all of 
which have been in place during the financial year and up to 
the date of approval of the Annual Report and Accounts, are 
as follows:

As described on page 85, the Group maintains risk registers 
setting out mitigations in place in each case. The key risks 
and uncertainties faced by the Group, as well as the relevant 
mitigations, are set out on pages 89 to 97. 

Information and financial reporting systems
The Group evaluates and manages significant risks associated 
with the process of preparing consolidated accounts by having 
in place systems and controls that ensure adequate accounting 
records are maintained and transactions are recorded 
accurately and fairly to permit the preparation of financial 
statements in accordance with IFRS. The Board approves 
the annual operating budgets and receives details of actual 
performance measured against the budget at each meeting. 

Further details in relation to the Group’s approach to the 
management of its business risks, and the function and ongoing 
roles and responsibilities of its internal risk council are set out on 
pages 85 to 98 and on pages 168 to 169.

Control environment and procedures
The Group has a clear organisational structure with defined 
responsibilities and accountabilities. It adopts the highest values 
surrounding quality, integrity and ethics and these values are 
documented and communicated clearly throughout the whole 
organisation. An overview of the Group’s risk management 
framework is set out on page 87.

The Group outsources its internal audit function to PwC. Details 
of the internal audit activity during 2022, including internal audit 
reviews, are on page 170.

Detailed written policies and procedures have been established 
covering key operating and compliance risk areas. These are 
reviewed and updated at least annually by the Audit and 
Risk Committee.

Identification and evaluation of principal risks 
and uncertainties
The operations of the Group and the implementation of its 
objectives and strategy are subject to a number of key risks 
and uncertainties. The Board actively identifies and evaluates 
the risks inherent in the business, formally reviews these on at 
least an annual basis (or as market or business developments 
require) and ensures that appropriate controls and procedures 
are in place to monitor and, where possible, mitigate these risks. 
Specifically, all decisions relating to strategic partnerships and 
other collaborations, strategic acquisitions and disposals and 
significant long-term debt facilities entered into by the Group 
are reserved for the Board’s review and approval. 

The Board regularly reviews significant fair value movements 
in individual portfolio companies, the Group’s investments in 
its priority companies and the top 20 most valuable portfolio 
company holdings. For details on the activities of the Group’s 
Valuation Committee see page 166 to 167. 

127

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE.CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT.

Read about working 
with our stakeholders 
on pages 99 to 108

Engaging with key stakeholders
Engaging with stakeholders is an integral part of the Group’s 
business and decision making and critical to ensuring the 
future success of the business. During 2022, the Board and 
the Executive Committee completed its annual review of the 
mapping of its key stakeholders, ensuring all its key stakeholders 
were captured. This process will be repeated again in 2023. 

Further details of the Group’s engagement with its key 
stakeholders and issues that matter to such stakeholders are set 
out on pages 99 to 108.

Share capital and related matters
Details of the structure of the Company’s share capital 
(including shares held in treasury) and the rights attaching to 
the Company’s shares are set out in note 1 to the consolidated 
financial statements. Details of the Directors’ authorities in 
relation to the issuing or buying back by the Company of its 
shares are set out on page 173 of the Directors’ Report. 

Articles of Association
The Company’s Articles of Association may be amended by a 
special resolution of the shareholders and were last amended  
in 2021. 

Substantial shareholders
Details of persons who hold a significant direct or indirect 
holding of securities in the Company are set out on page 174 of 
the Directors’ Report.

Annual General Meeting
Notice of the Annual General Meeting, which will be held on 
15 June 2023 at IP Group plc, 3 Pancras Square, Kings Cross, 
London, N1C 4AG, is included with this Annual Report, containing 
details of the resolutions to be proposed at the meeting and 
explanatory notes on those resolutions. To ensure compliance 
with the Code, the Board proposes separate resolutions for 
each issue and proxy forms allow shareholders to vote for or 
against, or to withhold their vote on each resolution. The results 
of all proxy voting are published on the Group’s website after the 
meeting and declared at the meeting itself. Shareholders who 
attend the Annual General Meeting will have the opportunity to 
ask questions and all Directors are expected to be available to 
take questions.

The Group’s website (www.ipgroupplc.com) is the primary 
source of information on the Group. The website includes an 
overview of the activities of the Group; details of its portfolio 
companies, and its key university relationships and other 
strategic collaborations; and details of all recent Group and 
portfolio company announcements.

On behalf of the Board

Sir Douglas Flint
Chairman
7 March 2023

128

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEWNOMINATION COMMITTEE REPORT.

Committee 
membership
The Nomination Committee 
currently comprises the 
following independent 
Non-executive Directors 
whose backgrounds and 
experience are summarised 
on pages 109 to 112.

•  Sir Douglas Flint (Chair)

•  Aedhmar Hynes

•  Dr Elaine Sullivan

•  Heejae Chae

•  Dr Caroline Brown

•  Anita Kidgell

Report contents
•  Principal responsibilities

•  Key activities in the year

•  Q&A with Chair

•  Meetings and Terms of 

Reference

•  Appointments

•  Diversity and inclusion

•  Succession planning

•  Board effectiveness and 
performance evaluation

Principal responsibilities
The key objective of the Nomination Committee is to ensure that the 
Board comprises individuals with the necessary skills, knowledge, 
experience, independence and diversity to ensure that the Board is 
effective in discharging its duties and is independent for the purposes of 
the Code. The principal responsibilities of the Committee are as follows:

•  Regularly reviews the size, composition and skills of the Board and 
leads the process and makes recommendations on any changes 
considered necessary in the identification and nomination of new 
Directors, the reappointment of existing Directors and the appointment 
of members to the Board’s Committees

•  Ensures that there is a formal, rigorous and transparent procedure for 

the appointment of new Directors to the Board

•  Assesses the roles of the existing Directors in office to ensure there 
continues to be a balanced Board in terms of skills, knowledge, 
experience, independence and diversity

•  Keeps under review the leadership needs of the Group to enable the 
Group to compete effectively in its chosen fields and deliver on its 
strategy

•  Advises the Board on succession planning for Directors and other 

senior management appointments, given that the Board as a whole is 
responsible for succession

•  Oversees a diverse pipeline for succession. Considers the setting of 
diversity and inclusion policies, objectives, targets and strategies, 
alongside the Group’s HR team and the Group’s Inclusion and Diversity 
Project and monitors the impact and outcome of any agreed initiatives

•  Oversees the induction of new Directors and the training requirements 

of the Board as a whole

•  Oversees the Group’s controls over potential and actual conflicts 
of interests of the Directors and senior management, including 
disclosure, authorisation and management of such conflicts as may 
be appropriate or otherwise required by (i) the Group’s Conflict of 
Interests policy; and (ii) law or regulation

•  Assists the Chairman in the annual evaluation of the Board, ensures 

an externally facilitated evaluation at least once every three years and 
oversees the implementation of any actions or feedback arising from 
each evaluation

Key activities in the year
The key areas of focus for the Committee 
in 2022 and early 2023 included:

Board Composition
•  Reviewed the size and diversity of 

the Board, including the skills present 
amongst the current members and 
identified potential gaps

•  Worked towards the appointment of 
an additional Non-Executive Director. 
See page 132 for more detail

Succession planning
•  Recommended to the Board the re-
election for further three-year terms 
of each of Dr Caroline Brown and 
Aedhmar Hynes

•  Reviewed the medium-term 

succession plan for the Non-executive 
Directors

•  Undertook a detailed review of 
succession planning for all key 
Executive and leadership positions 
across the Group

Governance
•  Reviewed corporate governance 
trends in relation to the role and 
purpose of Nomination Committees

•  Reviewed the terms of reference for 

the Nomination Committee

Evaluation
•  Oversaw the implementation of 
the actions identified during the 
2021 internal Board and Committee 
effectiveness review

•  Oversaw the externally facilitated 
evaluation of the Board and its 
Committees

129

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE.NOMINATION COMMITTEE REPORT.

130
130

IP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022

OUR GOVERNANCE.

We note there were no changes to 
the Board in 2022. Do you see this 
as a positive or negative thing?
I see the recent period of stability as a 
positive indicator of both the quality of 
the existing Board and the decisions taken 
on both Executive Director succession and 
Board composition in prior years.

The Committee always seeks to 
regularly review the overall composition 
of the Board, as well as the skills and 
capabilities of individual Directors, and 
to supplement the existing composition 
where necessary or desirable. Whilst 
there were no changes during 2022, as 
a result of the detailed review of Board 
composition and succession plans, which 
took place during the year, we did identify 
a requirement to further supplement 
our Non-Executive Director cohort with 
additional Investor Relations skills and 
Life Sciences experience.

As a result, during the second half of the 
year, the Committee recommended the 
appointment of Anita Kidgell as a new 
Non-Executive Director to the Board in 
January 2023. Anita was subsequently 
appointed on 18 January 2023. Her full 
profile can be found on page 112.

Q&A with Chair

Is the Board currently operating 
effectively?
I believe that the current Board is 
operating efficiently and effectively. 
This belief has been backed up by the 
results of the in-depth external Board 
evaluation, which Bvalco undertook on 
behalf of the Nomination Committee, 
which came to the same conclusion. 
The existing mix of complementary skills, 
knowledge and experience drawn from 
a range of diverse backgrounds ensures 
that we are able to offer appropriate 
support and challenge to the Executive 
Directors in the day-to-day running of 
the business, as well as appropriate 
advice and opinion on strategic matters. 
Bvalco observed that such challenge is 
welcomed by the Executive Directors and 
that there is a real sense of a genuine and 
trusted interaction. 

Whilst the Board is made up of high-
quality individuals, it also operates 
effectively as a cohesive unit. Each 
individual Director is aware of the skills 
and capabilities of the other Directors, 
with robust and vibrant scrutiny and 
debate on matters presented for 
decision being facilitated and uniformly 
respected. When considering both Board 
and Executive Committee composition, 
the Nomination Committee and the 
wider Board are aware of the value of 
diversity of thought and experience, 
and seek to ensure that the widest 
range of experience, capability and 
opinion is represented in our decision 
making process.

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEWNOMINATION COMMITTEE REPORT.

What issues did the Committee seek to address 
during 2022?
The focus of the Committee during 2022 was underpinning the 
sustainability of both the Board and the senior management 
team, through a more detailed focus on succession planning 
throughout the business. In particular, the Committee undertook 
a detailed review of succession plans in place for eleven of 
the most senior roles across the business, and a further two 
individuals in less senior roles identified as points of key person 
dependency and the Committee’s conclusions of such review 
are addressed in this report.

Later in the year, and as set out elsewhere in this report, we 
shifted focus to the sustainability of the Non-executive team and 
this exercise resulted in the appointment of an additional Non-
Executive Director, Anita Kidgell, in early 2023.

What do you anticipate being the main areas of 
focus during 2023?
As a Committee, we will remain focused on ensuring that the 
mix of skills, experience, capability and background remain 
optimised across both the Board and the wider Executive team. 
At the time of writing, I do not anticipate any major changes to 
Board or senior management team structure or composition 
during 2023 but should the need to determine and/or manage 
any such changes arise, the Committee is ready and able to do 
so.

Absent such changes, our focus will remain on the sustainability 
of both the team and business to underpin our core purpose 
(see page 01), and as a result to support long-term shareholder 
value creation through the delivery of our agreed strategy. We 
will do this by continuing with and building upon the work we did 
during 2022, with particular and continued focus on the long-
term structure of and succession options within the Executive 
team, and on maintaining an effective, efficient and sustainable 
team of Non-executive Directors to both support and challenge 
the management team on behalf of shareholders and other 
stakeholders.

Executive/ 
Non-executive split

Board tenure

Gender balance

2

3

1

5

1

4

4

4

Executive Director

Non-executive Director

0–2 years

3–5 years

Non-executive Chairman

Over 5 years

Male

Female

Board skills matrix

5

5

5

Tech & Life
Sciences
Sector

Audit & 
Risk

Finance

4

Investments
& Valuations

5

Investor
Relations &
Communications

Board skills, 
knowledge 
and experience

5

Capital
Markets

Data includes that for Anita Kidgell who was appointed to the Board on 18 January 2023

131

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE.NOMINATION COMMITTEE REPORT.

Meetings and terms of reference
The Nomination Committee meets as and when required, 
or as requested by the Board, and had three scheduled 
meetings during 2022. The attendance by each member of the 
Nomination Committee at the scheduled meetings during 2022 
is set out on page 123.

The terms of reference for the Nomination Committee 
were reviewed in March 2023 and it was concluded that no 
substantive updates were required at this time. The Nomination 
Committee reviews its terms of reference at least annually 
and will propose updates where necessary to reflect current 
market practice.

Appointments 
In making future appointments to the Board, the Nomination 
Committee will continue to adopt a formal, rigorous and 
transparent procedure. It gives full consideration to the balance, 
skills, knowledge, independence and diversity (including 
diversity of gender, social and ethnic backgrounds, cognitive 
and personal strengths) of the Board. Where relevant, and 
particularly in considering matters of succession, the Committee 
also considers the future challenges facing the business, any 
emerging trends that may affect the Group’s long-term success 
and any specific technical skills and knowledge that may be 
required on the various Committees.

In addition, for appointments to the Board, the Nomination 
Committee will always assess any potential conflicts of 
interest and whether identified candidates have sufficient time 
available to devote to the role and meet what is expected of 
them effectively. 

Before considering any appointment, the Committee will review 
a detailed updated Board skills and diversity assessment 
commissioned from and delivered by an in-house team 
normally consisting of our Group People Director and our in-
house IP Executive lead.

The work undertaken in 2022 highlighted a number of 
recommended updates to the skills profile of the Board, in 
recognition of the increasing maturity and international focus of 

IP Group, as well as areas where the depth or breadth of existing 
experience represented at the Board might be enhanced.

As a result of this work, the Committee agreed that 
supplementing the current Board with additional expertise in 
one or more of the following areas would be beneficial to the 
overall effectiveness of the Board:

•  Recent/current large corporate experience, ideally in an 
environment where innovation is highly valued (either 
developed in-house or acquired)

•  Experience of communicating shareholder value, ideally over 
a number of different scenarios, supplemented by current 
contacts and networks within the investment sector

• 

Life Sciences experience, particularly late-stage therapeutics 
(market potential/valuations) and/or digital health, or the 
convergence of technology at the boundaries of AI/Digital/
Healthcare

•  Professional investment experience and track-record, ideally 

in a Venture Capital environment

• 

International experience, ideally covering Australia, Asia or 
EMEA

The work undertaken by the internal team also highlighted 
both imminent and long-term succession risks for the Board. In 
particular, the end of Elaine Sullivan’s ninth year of tenure as an 
independent Non-executive Director in the first half of 2024, and 
the potential lack of direct Life Sciences experience on the Board 
after this point.

Following the review of the outputs of the above work, the 
Committee prepared a detailed job specification for an 
additional Non-executive Director, with a focus on providing 
coverage in Life Sciences as well as supplementing the existing 
Board with one or more of the additional areas of focus 
highlighted above.

Anita Kidgell, Head of Corporate Strategy at GSK, was identified 
as a potential candidate for future Non-Executive Director 
vacancies. In particular, the Committee considered that her 
experience in strategic development within the Life Sciences 
sector as well as investor communications would add a fresh 

Read about Board and 
Committee attendance 
on page 123

132

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEWNOMINATION COMMITTEE REPORT.

dimension to the existing strengths on the Board and go some 
significant way towards mitigating the gaps identified by the 
Board skills assessment. Given the alignment of Anita’s mix of 
skills and experience with the immediate requirements of the 
Board, it was unanimously agreed that the Committee should 
forego a step in its usual appointment process of building 
a shortlist for the proposed role. The Committee arranged 
for a full pre-offer due diligence process to be completed 
on Anita. This diligence process involved a combination of a 
range of meetings with key members of the internal senior 
management team; meetings with the Chair and existing 
Non-executive Directors; and a comprehensive referencing 
project undertaken by an external consultancy business, Korn 
Ferry, in order to assure the validity and independence of the 
Committee’s decision.

Following the completion of this rigorous process, the Committee 
was pleased to recommend unanimously the appointment 
of Anita to the Board in January 2023 and welcomed her 
subsequent appointment on 18 January 2023. Anita will complete 
her comprehensive induction process during the first quarter of 
2023. The Group’s induction programme is tailored to the needs 
of each Director, agreed with them in advance and monitored 
throughout the process to ensure each new Director gains a 
good understanding of the Group, its strategy, its people and its 
business. The process for Anita’s induction will include:

•  An overview of the Group and its businesses, structure, 

functions, strategic aims, risk management framework and 
remuneration policies 

•  Meetings with both Executive Directors, the Company 

Secretary, members of the senior management team and 
heads of key functions 

•  Meetings with both the Group’s auditor and internal 

audit function

•  Training on key legal matters relevant to the Group and 

its policies 

•  Meetings with the Group’s portfolio companies and 

presentations from them on their businesses 

•  Sessions as appropriate with the Group’s advisors, as well as 

with appropriate external governance specialists, to ensure 
understanding of the responsibilities and obligations she 
accepts as a Director of a FTSE 250 company, and of the 
governance and legislative framework within which the Board 
must operate 

Diversity and inclusion
The Board is committed to a culture that attracts and retains 
talented people to deliver outstanding performance and 
enhance the success of the Group. Within that culture, the 
Board’s policy is to make appointments to the Board based upon 
merit measured against objective criteria, while recognising 
that diversity, in all its forms, is key to introducing different 
perspectives into Board debate and decision making and 
creating optimal balance and composition of the Board.

A genuinely diverse and inclusive Board and senior 
management team comprises individuals with a range 
of personal attributes, perspectives, skills, knowledge and 
experiences, as well as representing differences in nationality, 
age, gender, social, educational and ethnic backgrounds, and 
cognitive and personal strengths. 

The Nomination Committee applies the Board’s diversity 
strategy and policy in accordance with its terms of reference, 
considering diversity in the widest possible sense in evaluating 
the composition of the Board, identifying suitable candidates 
for the Board and overseeing a diverse pipeline for succession. 
The Board also demands that the same rigorous approach is 
applied to roles across the senior management team.

The Group supports the diversity targets and recommendations 
of the FTSE Women Leader’s review (having at least one woman 
in the Chair or Senior Independent Director role and of 40% 
female representation on each FTSE 350 board and in senior 
management teams); and the Parker Review update issued in 
2020 (that each FTSE 250 board should have at least one director 
of ethnic diversity by 2024).

As of 31 December 2022, the Board meets the Financial Conduct 
Authority’s Listing Rule 9.8.6R(9) target of at least 40% of 

133

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE.deliverables in the Masterplan, as well as taking the opportunity 
to contribute to the overall development and refining of the 
Masterplan itself.

This active approach has ensured that the work throughout 
the Group both reflects and contributes to the Committee’s 
ambition of continued leadership in this area. For further detail 
of the work of the IDP and of the I&D Masterplan, see pages 61 
to 63. The Nomination Committee looks forward to significant 
continued progress in increasing both inclusion and diversity 
during 2023.

NOMINATION COMMITTEE REPORT.

individuals on its Board being women, at least one individual 
on the Board from a minority ethnic background and at least 
one senior Board position being held by a woman. Diversity 
information for the Board, senior management and the gender 
split for the Group as a whole, as at 31 December 2022, can be 
found on pages 63 and 64. 

Whilst it continues to believe that it is not appropriate nor 
in the Group’s best interests to include either Board, senior 
management or Group-wide fixed gender or ethnicity targets 
in its policies at this stage, it is pleased to note that each of the 
above targets on gender and ethnic diversity have been either 
met or exceeded at Board level, and the Group is also very close 
to meeting the same targets across its senior management 
team (see data on page 64). 

The Board’s intention is to continue to maintain female 
representation at Board level and within the senior management 
team at or around the current level. Further, it is committed to 
continuing to consider all aspects of diversity in the wider sense 
when assessing the overall Board and senior management 
composition, in making new appointments going forward and in 
respect of succession planning. 

Even though it has elected not to set fixed targets at this stage, 
the Nomination Committee remains committed to both ensuring 
that the Group is able to attract and retain as diverse a range 
of employees as possible and that it maintains a diverse and 
inclusive working environment. The addition of two Employee 
Executives to the Executive Committee in 2021 served to 
maximise the quality and diversity of thought applied to the 
decision making process within the Group.

Further, the Nomination Committee is pleased to note the 
continuation and evolution of the Group’s inclusion and diversity 
strategy overseen by the Group’s Inclusion and Diversity Project 
(“IDP”). During 2022, the IDP developed, refined and agreed 
the Group’s Inclusion and Diversity (“I&D”) Masterplan, which 
includes detailed actions over the first twelve months as well as 
a forward-looking plan and actions over the next three years. 
Both the Committee and the Board have received regular 
updates on the work of the IDP, monitoring progress against 

134

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEWNOMINATION COMMITTEE REPORT.

Succession planning
The Nomination Committee recognises that the Group’s 
performance is highly dependent upon its ability to attract, 
recruit and retain the highest-quality people and that 
maintaining a robust succession planning framework is 
a key factor in ensuring the Group’s long-term success. 
Succession planning also mitigates the risk of any unforeseen 
circumstances, ensuring that changes in Board or senior 
management positions are effectively managed, avoiding 
significant disruption to the Group and thereby ensuring that the 
Group can successfully execute its corporate strategy. 

Executive Directors and Executive Committee
As detailed in last year’s report, in October 2021, the Nomination 
Committee oversaw the implementation of an Executive 
leadership succession plan. As part of this plan, the number of 
Executive Directors was reduced from four to two. Greg Smith, 
previously Chief Financial Officer, was appointed as Chief 
Executive Officer and David Baynes, previously Chief Operating 
Officer, as Chief Financial and Operating Officer.

During the latter part of 2021, changes were also made to the 
Executive Committee. The Group’s newly promoted Finance 
Director and the Parkwalk CEO joined the Executive Committee 
concurrent with the Executive leadership succession in October 
2021. Two Employee Executives (see more on page 60) were also 
appointed to the Executive Committee in June 2021 to provide 
additional diversity of thought to the management team, and to 
improve decision making as a result.

Given the nature, and extent, of these changes, the Committee 
was pleased to note that no changes to either the Executive 
Directors or the Executive Committee were required in 2022. The 
Committee also notes the continued success of the Employee 
Executive roles, with both appointees continuing to add 
significant value to the decision making process at the Executive 
Committee. It is anticipated that the process to refresh the 
Employee Executive appointments will take place during 2023, 
following Executive Committee and Board review.

During the year, and in partnership with the internal HR team, the 
Committee undertook a comprehensive succession planning 
exercise for non-Board senior management roles. This exercise 
looked at each of the senior management roles within the 
Company in significant detail and reported on short, medium 
and long-term internal succession options. In each case, 
development needs for potential successors were identified, 
and (in discussion with management) these needs are being 
incorporated into the development plans for each individual.

The Committee noted that, as expected, one of the 
disadvantages of a small internal team is the lack of “bench” 
coverage for some roles. In these cases, the Committee noted 
that emergency plans for either internal coverage via a redesign 
of roles and responsibilities and/or a plan to cover the roles 
with external resource for an emergency period should this be 
required is in place. The Committee is, therefore, satisfied that 
management focus on succession is sufficient to mitigate any 
short-term or emergency challenges, and that the management 
team is balancing succession and continuity requirements with 
appropriate control over operational expenditure.

Overall, the Nomination Committee remains confident that the 
Board and Executive Committee are well positioned to deliver 
the Group’s evolving strategy into 2023 and beyond.

Non-Executive Directors
As set out above, as part of the detailed updated Board skills 
assessment undertaken by our in-house team, the Committee 
identified a medium-term skills gap when Elaine Sullivan leaves 
the Board, In addition, the Committee also identified a potential 
longer-term issue, with the maximum nine-year appointment 
term of each of the remaining Non-executive Directors, myself, 
Caroline Brown, Heejae Chae and Aedhmar Hynes, all coming to 
an end in a short timeframe during 2027/28.

The appointment of Anita Kidgell on 18 January 2023 (as 
described on page 132) was intended to mitigate the potential 
medium-term skills gap, as well as supplementing Board 
capability in other areas. This change increased the number 
of Non-executive Directors from five to six and, as of now, the 
Committee intends this increase in number of Non-executives 

Read about our 
Employee Executives 
on page 60

135

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE.NOMINATION COMMITTEE REPORT.

to be a permanent change. Given this, the Committee’s current 
intention is to recruit for further supplementary talent in 2024, 
around the time of Elaine Sullivan’s retirement. This process 
will start in late 2023, at which point the Committee intends to 
further develop a plan to mitigate the longer-term continuity 
issue highlighted above. This plan will then inform both the 
role profile development and recruitment process for the 
next appointment.

As part of its consideration of the tenure of each of its Non-
executive Directors during 2022, the terms of appointment for 
each of Dr Caroline Brown and Aedhmar Hynes were formally 
renewed by the Committee for a further three-year term in line 
with the terms of their letters of appointments. 

Below Board
In addition to succession planning at Board level, developing 
internal talent at all levels within the Group remains a continuous 
process. The Nomination Committee is responsible for ensuring 
that suitable leadership and talent development plans and 
processes are in place to maximise the potential of the Group’s 
employees and that the Group has effective recruitment policies 
to continue to attract and retain a diverse mix of talented 
employees.

As planned, during 2022, the Committee was focused on 
succession planning for the wider Executive Committee and 
other senior management team members. As set out above, this 
exercise involved identifying and planning for the development 

of future leadership talent from within the Group. This work will 
continue in 2023, with the development of a more robust Group-
wide approach to leadership development, with plans to roll out 
this programme to our Executive Committee, senior leadership 
roles and future potential succession candidates. 

Board effectiveness and performance 
evaluation
In line with best practice under the Code, the Board carries 
out a review of the effectiveness of its performance and that 
of its Committees and Directors every year. This evaluation is 
externally facilitated every three years with Bvalco Ltd (“Bvalco”), 
an external independent board advisory business, selected 
to undertake a full external board evaluation in respect of the 
year to 31 December 2022. Bvalco was appointed to consider 
the Board’s overall effectiveness and, amongst other things, its 
composition, diversity, culture and how effectively members 
work together to achieve objectives. In making its decision to 
appoint Bvalco, the Committee considered them against a 
shortlist of alternative providers which the Company Secretarial 
team had prepared and concluded that the merits of continuing 
its relationship with Bvalco, with the likelihood of a richer and 
more detailed analysis as a result and which would include 
reflections on how the operation of the Board has changed 
since the 2019 review, were such to make them the preferred 
candidates for the 2022 review. Bvalco has no connection with 
the Group or any individual Directors.

Board evaluation process

Meeting to 
confirm 2022 
external 
evaluation and 
priority topics to 
be covered

Topics selected 
in conjunction 
with the 
Chairman

1 to 1 interviews 
with the 
Board and key 
personnel who 
regularly interact 
with the Board

Board and 
Committee 
observations 
to view how the 
Board and its 
Committees 
work in practice

Board and 
Committee 
discussions 
with findings 
prioritised into 
actions

Final report  
including 
next steps in 
implementation 
 delivered to 
 the Board

Date set for the 
mid-year review 
of the Board’s 
progress

136

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEWNOMINATION COMMITTEE REPORT.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

OUR GOVERNANCE.

OUR FINANCIALS

Following interim feedback to the 
Chairman and Company Secretary, the 
results of the in-depth evaluation exercise 
were reported back to the Board and 
each of the Committees, through both 
written reports and by Bvalco facilitating 
open discussions at the relevant Board 
and Committee meetings. The following 
recommendations and key actions for 
2023 have been agreed by the Board 
in response.

Key theme

2023 actions

Non-executive discussions 

Portfolio insight 

Re-instigate regular Non-executive only meetings/dinners around 
Board meetings, with topics to include how the Non-executives 
can individually and collectively support the CEO’s development 
and strategy delivery.

Encourage active attendance and contribution at Board meetings 
by the Managing Partners of Life Sciences & Technology; continue 
to facilitate Board exposure to portfolio companies through 
presentations by management /the Group’s investment teams 
and/or site visits.

Executive Committee development 

Oversee an externally facilitated Executive Committee 360 degree 
review and support the CEO in any actions arising from the same.

International connectivity

Board to debate and evolve, as required, the Group’s international 
connectivity strategy and focus. 

Board composition and succession 
planning 

Board effectiveness, culture and 
development 

Group Connectivity

Continue to develop the Board skills matrix in view of Non-
executive and Chair succession requirements by 2027/28; continue 
to complement Board experience with external expert networks, 
including to present at Board meetings. 

Interrogate effectiveness of the Board more regularly throughout 
the year; regular self-evaluation of Board performance post-
meeting, including prioritising its time on the right topics and 
delivering against its 2023 objectives; include periodic discussions 
in Board rolling agenda on Board culture and dynamics, 
challenging whether there are ways to improve how the dynamics 
work; consider Board development day to challenge itself in a 
differentiated way.

Continue to increase connectivity with the wider organisation, 
including through the use of Board/executive dinners, Non-
executive Q&A and Panel discussions, interactive staff social 
sessions (breakfasts/lunches/drinks) around Board meetings; and 
Non-executive visits to non-UK operations.

IP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022

137
137

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE.NOMINATION COMMITTEE REPORT.

Read about  
inclusion and diversity 
on pages 61 to 64

PROGRESS AGAINST 2022 ACTIONS
Set out below is the progress made in 2022 against actions identified through the 2021 internal Board effectiveness review.

Action

Progress

To oversee the finalisation of the strategic 
review and approve the Group’s evolved vision, 
purpose and strategy, to include increasing 
focus on clear thematic areas, the timescales 
to achieve various milestones, aspirations as to 
scale and key impact priorities 

To further evolve and oversee the successful 
application of the Group’s Capital Allocation 
Policy to enable the Group to achieve its 
strategic aims and objectives, including 
focusing more capital on conviction companies 

The strategic review was finalised in July 2022, following significant Board oversight, input and 
guidance. This review has resulted in a clearly articulated strategy around five pillars and which 
is to be delivered in two phases. See pages 18 to 20 for further detail on the Group’s strategy.

Supported the management team in their shift to monthly Capital Allocation meetings, with the 
results of those meetings discussed and considered at subsequent Board meetings. In addition, 
the Board discussed the key points within, and approved, the 2023 operating plan at its strategy 
days in November 2022. Further, the Board provided significant input and guidance to the Debt 
Private Placement, helping ensure that the Group chose a financial product that most effectively 
suited its needs. See page 42 for more detail on the Debt Private Placement.

To keep under close review the relationship 
between the Group’s share price and its 
updated NAV per share and recommend and 
support initiatives to narrow any material 
discount that exists

Received regular updates from the Group’ Executive Directors on the performance of the share 
price against NAV and the actions being taken by the Executive team to mitigate the discount, 
as well as analysis of performance versus peers. Supported the senior management team in 
the undertaking of an in-depth shareholder perception study by Rothschilds and participated in 
an interactive session with Rothschilds on the results of the same. Received a presentation from 
BAML on the Group’s strategic options.

To oversee, and engage actively with the 
Executive Directors and Executive Committee 
in relation to the workstream on the Group’s 
brand and values

Received regular updates from the Group’s Director of Communications on the branding work 
and the Group’s Head of People on the development of a new set of Group values alongside 
the new brand and inputted where appropriate. In addition, Aedhmar Hynes, on behalf of the 
Board as a whole, engaged actively with the internal branding team led by the Director of 
Communications on the new brand, given her background in digital marketing and strategic 
communications.

To support the CEO in his engagement with 
stakeholders on the evolved strategy and 
in raising his and the Group’s profile in the 
external market

Frequent Chair/CEO meetings to debate and support strategy delivery. Board attendance and 
participation at the AGM Investor event. Board representation (through Aedhmar Hynes) on both 
(i) the selection of branding agency and the branding project workstreams through 2022; and (ii) 
the selection of new Group communications agency. Regular introductions by Chair and Non-
executive Directors to potential financial and non-financial partners.

To continue to champion and monitor 
greater inclusion and diversity and employee 
engagement within the Group 

To prepare for and undertake an in-depth 
external evaluation on the effectiveness of the 
Board and each of its Committees in the final 
quarter of 2022

Further improved diversity on the Board with the appointment of Anita Kidgell. Oversaw, and 
contributed to, the development of the I&D Masterplan and received updates from the IDP 
group through the year on progress against milestones (see page 62). Oversaw and monitored 
a continued high level of employee engagement, including through Aedhmar Hynes’ active 
engagement with IP Connect, the Group’s employee forum, the Employee Executives, and a 
significant increase in the Group’s eNPS score (see page 59). 

Selected Bvalco to undertake the external Board and Committee evaluation in September 2022 
and oversaw the evaluation process, the outcomes of which are detailed on pages 137 and   
and 139.

138

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEWinteraction with portfolio companies and their management 
teams, an annual update of corporate governance environment 
and trends and presentations from the Group’s brokers with 
regard to shareholder perception, market performance and 
potential strategic opportunities. The Chairman’s performance 
is reviewed by the Senior Independent Director based on 
feedback from the Bvalco review together with that derived from 
discussions with individual Directors; the resulting assessment is 
discussed with the Chairman by the Senior Independent Director 
and actions required by the assessment are included in the 
Chairman’s objectives for 2023.

NOMINATION COMMITTEE REPORT.

Conclusion of the 2022 review
The 2022 external evaluation concluded that the Board, its 
Committees and each of its Directors continue to be effective, 
with the Chair and the CEO together having built an engaged 
and committed Board and one which is dynamic and energetic 
in the manner in which it operates. It was observed that the 
Board shows real diversity, including in gender, ethnicity and 
also cognitive diversity, and has a challenging and inclusive 
culture. The effective facilitation of Board meetings by the 
Chairman, creating an open and transparent culture in which 
issues are raised, scrutinised, challenged and debated, was also 
commented upon. In its conclusions, Bvalco further commented 
on the challenges that the Group faces as it executes on its 
strategy and evolves, and the need for the Non-executives to 
support the Executive team through the various complexities 
and uncertainty and for the Board to work in an integrated 
way, leveraging the collective strengths of the Directors to build 
the Group’s reputation on a global scale. Finally, it was agreed 
that good progress had been made against the key actions 
identified from the 2021 internal review and that the Chairman, 
the Board and each of the Board Committees have an agreed 
set of clear priorities for the year ahead.

Director performance assessment and review
The performance of each of the Non-executive Directors is 
reviewed by the Chairman with support from the Company 
Secretary, the performance of the Chief Executive Officer is 
reviewed by the Chairman and the performance of the Chief 
Financial and Operating Officer is reviewed by the Chief 
Executive Officer as part of the annual appraisal process. In 
addition to those reviews, the performance of the Executive 
Directors is reviewed by the Board on an ongoing basis. One-
to-one meetings have been held amongst the individuals 
concerned using, amongst other things, the input collated on 
the performance of each of the individuals from the Board 
evaluation process and individual development plans arising 
from these meetings are in the process of being put in place for 
the year ahead. These sessions are to include, as appropriate, 
further sessions on the Group’s ESG reporting, disclosures, 
governance and processes, continued exposure to and 

139

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE.DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT.
REMUNERATION STATEMENT

Committee 
membership
The Remuneration 
Committee currently 
comprises the following 
independent Non-
executive Directors 
whose backgrounds and 
experience are summarised 
on pages 109 to 112:

Principal responsibilities
In line with the UK Corporate Governance 
Code 2018, the terms of reference for the 
Remuneration Committee were reviewed, and 
adopted, by the Board in December 2022. The 
Committee will continue to review its terms of 
reference at least annually and will propose 
updates where necessary or appropriate. 
The key responsibilities of the Committee are 
unchanged, as follows:

•  Determine the policy for Executive Director 

•  Heejae Chae (Chair)

remuneration

•  Douglas Flint

•  Dr Elaine Sullivan

•  Caroline Brown

•  Aedhmar Hynes

•  Anita Kidgell

Report contents
•  Principal responsibilities

•  Key activities in the year

•  Q&A with Chair

•  Remuneration Policy 

summary

•  Remuneration at a 

glance

•  Annual Report on 
remuneration

140

•  Design and set the remuneration for 

the Chair, Executive Directors and senior 
management

•  Review workforce remuneration and related 
policies to ensure the Group attracts and 
retains the best talent

•  Review remuneration practice and overall 

costs to the Group

•  Consider pension and superannuation 

arrangements, and other employee benefits 
offered

•  Consider the engagement and independence 

of external remuneration advisors

• 

 Establishing the Group’s policy with respect 
to employee incentivisation schemes

The full terms of reference of the Committee 
are available on the Group’s website at 
www.ipgroupplc.com.

Committee meetings are administered and 
minuted by the Company Secretary. In addition, 
the Committee receives assistance from the 
CEO, CFOO and Group People Director who 
attend meetings by invitation, except when 
matters relating to their own remuneration are 
being discussed.

Key activities in the year
• 

 Completed the triennial review of the Directors’ Remuneration 
Policy, including the “first principles” consideration of the Group’s 
overall remuneration philosophy, the definition of appropriate 
pay levels and the structure and blend of short and long-term 
incentive opportunities, as reported in detail in the 2021 Directors’ 
Remuneration Report (“2021 DRR”) approved by the Committee

•  Undertook an in-depth consultation exercise with shareholders 
and proxy advisory groups as part of the triennial review of 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy, including calls and meetings with 
shareholders before publication of the 2021 DRR, in the lead up to 
the AGM and a follow-up consultation post-AGM on the IP Group 
Share Plan

•  Considered the skills and experience of the Executive Directors 
and carried out a benchmarking exercise in order to determine 
base salaries and total remuneration opportunity for the period 1 
April 2022 to 31 March 2023

•  Reviewed the application of the Group’s Remuneration Policy 

for non-director employees, including the Group’s approach to 
salary reviews as well as individual base salaries and incentive 
scheme targets and pay-outs

•  Considered and approved the appropriate vesting level for the 
2019 LTIP awards which vested in 2022, and the monitoring of 
potential out-turns for the 2020 and 2021 LTIP awards

•  Considered the level of the 2022 Restricted Share Plan (“RSP”) 

awards, including the application of an appropriate discount to 
the maximum award to mitigate against potential windfall gains 
when the 2022 awards vest

•  Considered the Annual Incentive Scheme (“AIS”) awards and 

Group performance targets for 2022 and 2023

Structure of this Report
In order to improve shareholder understanding of our Remuneration 
structure and the approach of the Committee, the following pages 
contain both a Q&A with the Remuneration Committee Chair and 
a new Remuneration At A Glance section. As usual, the report also 
contains a summary of our current Remuneration Policy (or the 
“Policy”), details of how we intend to implement the Policy in 2023 
and detailed disclosure of outcomes in relation to 2022.

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEWDIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT.
Q&A WITH CHAIR

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

OUR GOVERNANCE.

OUR FINANCIALS

Can you summarise the main issues faced 
by the Committee in 2022?
During 2022 IP Group faced significant external 
challenges. Political upheaval in the UK, the 
deterioration in global macroeconomic conditions 
and the war in Ukraine all impacted on both investor 
confidence and the value of our underlying portfolio. 
All of these external factors had a significant 
influence on the Group, which was especially stark 
in the first half of the year. This, of course, fed into 
the Committee discussions around remuneration – 
both in terms of Policy implementation for 2022 and 
remuneration outcomes for both 2021 and 2022.

Whilst the difficult macroeconomic backdrop 
impacted significantly on in-year results, we believe 
that the management team has continued to 
focus in the right areas in setting the business up 
for long-term success. Strong performance against 
the objectives that underpin our strategy, and 
excellent progress in the unquoted portfolio based 
upon a continued cautious approach to valuation 
underline this.

On the remuneration front, much of the Committee 
focus during 2022 was on the completion of 
our remuneration policy review, and in ensuring 
that the policy proposals put to shareholders at 
the AGM were, and remain, aligned directly to 
shareholder interests.

What are your reflections on the policy 
changes approved in 2022?
Our overriding aim during the Remuneration 
Policy review process was to create a greater 
alignment between the management team and 
our shareholders. We were seeking to achieve 
this primarily through building and reinforcing 
the culture and mindset of ownership across the 
leadership of the business, as well as seeking to align 
management incentive outcomes with the long-
term, asymmetric nature of our investments.

I strongly believe that our approach, which combines 
awards of Restricted Shares, with a reduction in 
annual bonus opportunity and an increase to the 
Executive Director shareholding guidelines will 
achieve these objectives. Based on my conversations 
on Policy during the recent review, I believe that the 
majority of our shareholders share this view.

2022 provided a stark illustration of the impact of 
short-term volatility on both the Group and our 
sector more widely. Our new Policy, combined with 
our focus on fair, long-term remuneration outcomes 
when considering annual implementation, provides 
the framework to maximise the alignment between 
our management team and our shareholders.

A summary of our policy and remuneration 
outcomes for 2022 is set out in the new “At a Glance” 
section of this report on page 144.

How did the Committee implement the 
Remuneration Policy in 2022?
As set out above, much of the Remuneration 
Committee activity at IP Group is concerned with 
ensuring that our policy and target setting is fair, 
equitable and aligned with shareholder interests. 
Ensuring these strong foundations are in place allows 
us to take a careful and considered approach to 
implementation. This was no different in 2022. Much 
of the early part of the year was spent discussing our 
proposed Remuneration Policy with shareholders, 
and ensuring our proposals fully aligned with 
shareholder interests.

Once our proposed Policy was approved by 
shareholders in June, the Committee carefully 
considered the appropriate implementation approach. 
The approach to both base pay, with no increase to the 
salaries set at appointment, and AIS, with a reduction 
in maximum to 75% of salary and a changed target 
structure, were clearly set out in the policy. Both of 
these changes were implemented in full.

IP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022

141
141

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE.DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT.
Q&A WITH CHAIR

However, the approved Policy determined 
only the maximum level of RSP grant, with 
the Committee determining the actual 2022 
grants following approval of the Remuneration 
Policy and Share Plan Rules at the 2022 AGM. In 
determining the final grant level, the Committee 
carefully considered both feedback from 
shareholders and the significant changes in the 
macroeconomic environment through the first 
part of the year. The Committee also noted a 
significant reduction in share price of the Group 
in the period between the 2021 LTIP grant and the 
2022 RSP grant.

With all of this in mind, and with a focus on 
seeking to avoid windfall gains upon vesting, the 
Committee made the decision to scale back 
the 2022 RSP awards from the maximum level 
allowed by the Policy. Awards were thus scaled 
back by 25% from the normal maximum level, 
with final 2022 awards being 150% of salary (CEO) 
and 100% of salary (CFOO).

What are the plans for Executive 
Director Remuneration in 2023?
The Committee continues to consider 
remuneration from a long-term, shareholder 
aligned stewardship viewpoint. Our approach is 
based on finding the optimum balance between 
cost management and the retention and 
motivation of the right talent to deliver outsized 
shareholder returns.

In 2023, we believe this will be achieved through 
a combination of restrained increases in basic 
salary, stretching AIS targets for the year and 
the maximum RSP awards permitted under the 
policy. As such, we would expect:

•  Base salaries to rise by 4% to £546,000 for the 
CEO and £374,400 for the CFOO – significantly 
lower than the expected average for the wider 
workforce (7.4%)

142

•  Maximum AIS to remain at 75% of base 

salary, with 50% of the outcome based on 
stretching NAV performance and 50% on other 
strategic targets

•  RSP awards of 200% of salary for the CEO and 
133% of salary for the CFOO, in line with the 
Remuneration Policy approved in 2022

Where relevant, performance targets will remain 
stretching and all vesting remains subject 
to Committee oversight and its discretion to 
adjust outcomes. Our objective is to ensure that 
overall remuneration outcomes are aligned with 
the experience of our shareholders and other 
stakeholders, and as such our overall approach 
is a focus on driving direct alignment by ensuring 
our Executive Directors build and maintain a 
meaningful equity stake in IP Group.

How has the Committee engaged with 
shareholders since the last report?
As set out in the 2021 report, we undertook a 
comprehensive engagement programme with 
shareholders before publishing the Remuneration 
Policy and new Share Plan proposals put to 
vote at the 2022 Annual General Meeting. We 
continued to engage with shareholders all the 
way up to the AGM, in order to fully understand 
and seek to address any outstanding concerns. 
Following the 2022 AGM, we were pleased to note 
the significant majority of shareholders were in 
favour of the thoughtful and distinctive approach 
we had taken to best align our Remuneration 
Policy with the strategy and characteristics of our 
business, which we believe was a direct result of 
this comprehensive two-way engagement.

We did, however, receive the support of just under 
80% (79.19%) of shareholders voting at the AGM in 
relation to the resolution to adopt the new Share 
Option Plan rules. As a result, we wrote again to 
shareholders following the AGM to solicit any 

further feedback on the rules and/or the reasons 
why they had felt unable to support them. 
As we had already undertaken an extensive 
consultation on the new remuneration policy and 
the new Restricted Share Plan, this consultation 
process did not result in any substantive 
additional feedback from shareholders. Therefore 
we plan to continue to grant awards under the IP 
Group plc Share Plan rules approved at the 2022 
AGM without any further amendment.

Outside of the very significant level of 
engagement detailed in the 2021 report and 
above, we have not had any further specific 
engagement with shareholders during 2022. 
However, we remain committed to maintaining 
open and transparent remuneration 
principles and practices, and always welcome 
the opportunity to discuss the topic with 
shareholders to ensure we remain fully aligned.

How has the Committee engaged with 
employees since the last report?
In February 2023, Aedhmar Hynes (our Designated 
NED) and I directly engaged with our employee 
forum “IP Connect” on the subject of Executive 
remuneration. We aim to ensure that this direct 
dialogue with employees takes place at least 
once each year, to ensure that our employees 
have the opportunity to both challenge our 
direction and inform our decision making process.

The challenges provided by the employee group 
informed our decisions around both salary levels 
for 2023 and bonus outcomes for 2022. Overall, 
we were encouraged by the level of engagement 
and quality of challenge. It was also reassuring 
to find that our overall strategy for Executive 
remuneration (outlined in the Policy) remains well 
understood, and is considered by employees to be 
fair, equitable and reasonable in the context of the 
remuneration we offer elsewhere in the business.

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEWDIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT.
REMUNERATION POLICY SUMMARY

Set out below is a summary of the Remuneration Policy, which was approved by shareholders at the AGM held on 15 June 2022, and 
which is effective for a period of up to three years from approval. The full text of the Remuneration Policy can be found on page 118 to 
124 of the 2021 Annual Report and Accounts, and is available on the Group’s website at www.ipgroupplc.com.

Element

Purpose and link to strategy

Policy and approach 

Salary 

To provide an appropriate level of fixed cash income to attract and 
retain individuals with the personal attributes, skills and experience 
required to deliver the Group’s strategy.

Pension 

To provide a competitive post-retirement benefit in a way that 
manages the overall cost to the Group.

Benefits

To provide a competitive and appropriate benefits package to 
assist individuals in carrying out their duties effectively and to retain 
individuals with the personal attributes, skills and experience.

Market median benchmark. Reflects lower upside potential and talent market 
perspective.

Annual salary increases to not normally exceed the average increase awarded to 
other UK-based employees.

Maximum contribution of 10% – aligned to workforce. Contribution made either 
to Group Pension Plan, personal pension plan of the Executive’s choosing or an 
equivalent cash alternative.

Ongoing benefits typically comprise, but are not limited to, health and travel 
insurance, income protection and life assurance and may also comprise a car 
benefit (or cash equivalent). Executives are also provided with telecoms and 
computing equipment needed to perform their duties.

Executive Directors may also participate in any all-employee share plans that may 
be operated by the Group from time to time on the same terms as other employees.

Annual 
Incentive 
Scheme 
(“AIS”) 

Long-term 
award: 
restricted 
shares

Shareholding 
guidelines 

Portfolio 
company 
share awards 
and carried 
interest

To provide a simple, performance-linked annual incentive 
mechanism that will:

Maximum payment of 75% salary, with payment based upon an appropriate mix of 
financial and strategic targets.

•  attract, retain and motivate individuals with the required 

personal attributes, skills and experience

•  support our strategic objectives of long-term equity ownership 

and value creation

•  align the interests of management and shareholders

Targets are reviewed annually prior to the start of each financial year to ensure the 
detailed performance measures and weightings are appropriate and continue to 
support business strategy. Performance targets are set at or around the start of 
each financial year.

50% of any amount above £25,000 deferred into shares for two years. Malus and 
clawback provisions also apply.

To provide market competitive long-term share awards, which align 
the interests of management and shareholders.

Restricted Share Plan awards. Maximum annual awards of 200% of salary (CEO) or 
133% of salary (CFOO).

Align the interests of management and shareholders.

Vesting subject to a performance underpin and Committee discretion, with a three-
year vesting period and two-year holding period post-vesting. Malus and Clawback 
provisions also apply.

Minimum shareholding requirement of 350% of salary (CEO) or 250% of salary 
(CFOO), with post-cessation holding requirement applying for two years after exit.

Balance our policy of encouraging direct investment in the portfolio 
below executive director level with appropriate controls to ensure 
that all decisions are made with the best interests of shareholders 
and other stakeholders in mind.

Direct investment in portfolio companies by Executive Directors is prohibited after 
appointment, with the exception of the take-up of pre-emption rights on existing 
investments.

No Executive Director participation in carried interest pools.

143

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE.REMUNERATION AT A GLANCE.
At a glance

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT.

OUR GOVERNANCE

OUR FINANCIALS

2022 Single Figure

£958k

GREG SMITH
CEO

DAVID BAYNES
CFOO

£752k

Base 
salary

Annual 
bonus

LTIP
(Long term 

incentive plan)

£525k

£360k

£120k

£82k

30% of maximum

30% of maximum

£264k

£264k

GREG SMITH

DAVID BAYNES

Base Salary

Benefits

51% of original award

51% of original award

Pension

Annual Bonus (AIS)

LTIP

Base Pay & Total Package

Base Salary Increase

2023 Implementation

APRIL
2023

APRIL
2022

£2,047,500

GREG SMITH

4%

0%

DAVID BAYNES

4%

0%

1,092.0

409.5

546.0

£1,154,200

499.0

280.8

374.4

UK EMPLOYEES
(AVERAGE)

7.4%

8.4%

GREG 
SMITH

DAVID 
BAYNES

Base Salary

Max. AIS

RSP Grant

Variable Pay, Awards & Outcomes

% Change in Bonus

RSP Awards

Directors’ Shareholdings

0%

-10%

-20%

-30%

-40%

-50%

-60%

-70%

-80%

UK 
EMPLOYEES

GREG 
SMITH

DAVID 
BAYNES

£1m

£800k

£600k

£400k

£200k

0

144
03

IP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022

£788k

75% of  
maximum award

£360k

75% of  
maximum award

GREG SMITH

DAVID BAYNES

I

H
T
M
S
G
E
R
G

S
E
N
Y
A
B
D
V
A
D

I

2,956,082

565,535

1,403,242

1,447,877

510,053 

1,061,780 

Shares owned or beneficially owned

Outstanding unvested holdings, 
adjusted for tax at 47%

Minimum shareholding requirement  
(at 62.16p per share, 3-month rolling 
average at 31.12.22)

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEW 
 
ANNUAL REMUNERATION STATEMENT.
STATEMENT OF IMPLEMENTATION OF REMUNERATION POLICY IN 2023

The Group targets a remuneration package for its Executive Directors that will enable the attraction, retention and incentivisation of 
individuals of the highest calibre in order to successfully deliver the Group’s strategic objectives.

In 2023, we will continue to base our approach on the Remuneration Policy approved by shareholders in 2022. Our approach 
combines market aligned base salary levels with short and long-term incentives, which underpin long-term shareholder value 
creation through a focus on building an ownership mindset in the senior team. In 2023, this will be implemented as set out below.

Salary
As explained in the 2021 report, upon appointment to their current roles in October 2021, salaries for both Greg Smith and David 
Baynes were set at market competitive levels. As such, the Committee expects a period of moderate salary increases for both 
individuals at or below the level that is applied to the wider workforce. This has informed the approach for 2023, where inflationary 
rises for both Executive Directors and the wider leadership team were lower than the average increase in the rest of the business. 

With effect from April 2023, the salaries of the Executive Directors will be:

Greg Smith (CEO)

David Baynes (CFOO)

2023/24 
base salary

2022/23 
base salary

Increase %

£546,000

£525,000

£374,400

£360,000

4.0%

4.0%

For reference, in 2023 the average increase for the wider workforce is expected to be around 7.4%. This higher than usual level reflects 
the sustained period of high inflation experienced by our employees more generally, and associated cost-of-living pressure. We 
have also responded to this during 2022 by making a one-off “Cost-of-Living Supplement” payment of £2,000 to our least well-paid 
employees, further details of which are set out on page 61.

Pension and benefits
Pension and benefits will continue to be in line with the levels stated in the Policy table set out on page 143. Pension levels for both 
Executive Directors are aligned with the wider workforce, with employer contributions of up to 10% of salary.

Annual Incentive Scheme (“AIS”)
The maximum AIS opportunity will remain at 75% of base salary for both Executive Directors, in line with the Policy approved last year. 
The approach to setting targets will also remain consistent with the policy and the approach applied for 2022.

As such, half of the 2023 AIS will be based upon Group NAV growth, which in the view of the Committee represents the most 
appropriate leading indicator of underlying business performance. The other half of the AIS will be based on a number of key 
strategic objectives, which align with top current commercial priorities, and for which stretching objectives have been set.

In recognition of the importance of ESG and sustainable stewardship to the long-term success of our business, at least one of the 
strategic objectives for the 2023 AIS will be based on ESG performance. We first introduced this metric in 2020, since which time 
we have utilised a combined employee engagement and culture metric to determine bonus outcomes in this area. This has been 
successful in driving development within the business, but the Committee feels it is now time to re-focus this objective on a more 
rounded measure, with a more specific focus on environmental targets.

145

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE.ANNUAL REMUNERATION STATEMENT.
STATEMENT OF IMPLEMENTATION OF REMUNERATION POLICY IN 2023

For 2023, the AIS outcomes will, therefore, be determined based on the following mix of targets:

•  50% on achievement of the targeted levels for the Group’s audited NAV per share

•  37.5% on performance against key commercial objectives

• 

12.5% based on ESG metrics aligned to our sustainability strategy

The Committee considers that this mix of metrics is aligned with the interests of shareholders and other stakeholders and, as in prior 
years, has determined the performance metrics that are required to be achieved during 2023. In reflection of our commitment to 
transparency, we are again disclosing our NAV and ESG targets prospectively.

The NAV element will be awarded at 25% of the maximum level provided a minimum level of audited NAV per share of 139.5p is 
achieved by the end of the year, and will be awarded in full if audited NAV per share exceeds 152.8p. 

The ESG element will be split, with half being awarded on internal performance and half based on external impact measures. The 
internally focused element will be awarded if we exceed our peer average across our three key external ratings (MSCI, ISS and 
FTSE). For 2023, the externally focused element will be based on the definition of bespoke impact metrics within a sub-set of our 
portfolio. This approach is directly aligned to our rounded strategic focus on ESG set out on pages 46 to 71 and in our accompanying 
Meaningful impact report.

The targets relating to the key commercial objectives, as well as the performance against all of the 2023 targets, will be disclosed in 
the 2023 Directors’ Remuneration Report.

Overall, the targets for all AIS measures set are considered by the Committee to be aligned to strategy and appropriately stretching, 
especially in light of the current economic climate and 2022 performance. However, and in line with the Remuneration policy, the 
Committee may adjust any 2023 outcome to take into account overall business or individual performance or any other factors it 
considers appropriate.

Restricted Share Plan 
As outlined in my Q&A on page 141 and described in the following detail, the Restricted Share Plan (“RSP”) awards made in 2022 were 
reduced from the maximum level by 25%, with awards of 150% of base salary (CEO) and 100% of base salary (CFOO) being made. The 
Committee made this adjustment based on feedback from shareholders during the consultation phase of the current Remuneration 
Policy, together with the significant change in the macroeconomic environment since the start of the year as well as the decline in 
the IP Group share price between the 2021 LTIP and 2022 RSP award dates. The Committee considered the adjustment a prudent and 
sensible approach to avoid windfall gains for the Executive Directors in the event of economic recovery. The same adjustment was 
applied to similar awards made below Board level.

This year, the Committee intends to make RSP awards to Executive Directors at the normal maximum level allowed by the 
Remuneration Policy, being 200% of base salary for the CEO and 133% of base salary for the CFOO. Unlike last year there has been no 
significant decline in share price between the 2022 and 2023 awards, and the Committee is comfortable that these award levels 
are appropriate.

146

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEWANNUAL REMUNERATION STATEMENT.
STATEMENT OF IMPLEMENTATION OF REMUNERATION POLICY IN 2023

Vesting of these awards will take place over a three-year period commencing on 1 April 2023. Any RSP awards that vest will be subject 
to a further two-year holding period. Vesting will be subject to a financial underpin based on adjusted NAV per share growth over the 
vesting period. For 2023 awards, the financial underpin has again been set such that NAV per share on the vesting date must be no 
lower than 100% of NAV per share on the award date, after making appropriate adjustments for dividends, buy-backs and any other 
distributions.

The Committee will also monitor qualitative performance to ensure that Executive Directors are not rewarded where the Committee 
considers there to have been a failure of performance. This will include a serious breach of regulation, failure to sufficiently progress 
against ESG objectives, material reputational damage and gross misconduct. In the event of any underpin condition not being met, 
the Committee will review the number of RSP awards which are due to vest, and may reduce (in full or in part) the number of shares 
that ultimately vest.

Chair and Non-executive Directors
With a small Board, the Group relies heavily upon a deep level of commitment from the Chair and all of the Non-executive Directors. 
Each Director serves on multiple Committees as well as the Board itself. Our Chair provides significant operational support to the 
management team, committing time and delivering value to the business and it’s stakeholders well beyond that required by his role.

At the same time, fee levels for both the Chair and the Non-executive Directors have slipped behind market levels. We are therefore 
proposing to remedy this with a one-off correction in Fee levels for all Non-executive positions in 2023, in order to ensure that we fairly 
reward all members of the Board for their overall contribution to the business.

We will therefore increase our Non-executive Director fee to £57,500 from April 2023, from the current level of £49,000, a c.17% increase. 
Our Chair fee will increase to £227,000 from £191,000, a similar increase of c.18%. These fee levels have been set based on market 
median levels for the lower half of the FTSE250, and we note that even after the intended increase our fee levels still remain below the 
median level for the FTSE250.

Additional fees for Committee Chairs, Designated NED and for being Senior Independent Director shall remain unchanged at £10,000. 
There is no additional fee payable for membership of a Committee.

147

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE.ANNUAL REMUNERATION STATEMENT.

Single figure for total remuneration (audited)
The following table sets out the single figure for total remuneration for Directors for the financial years ended 31 December 2022 and 2021.

Base salary/
fees1

Benefits2

Pension3

Total fixed

Annual bonus 
(“AIS”)4

LTIP5

Total Variable

Total

All £000s 

2022

2021

2022

2021

2022

2021

2022

2021

2022

2021

2022

2021

2022

2021

2022

2021

Greg Smith
David Baynes6

Douglas Flint 

Elaine Sullivan

Caroline Brown

Aedhmar Hynes

Heejae Chae

525

360

189

48

66

68

58

354

307

181

46

56

57

56

3

14

–

–

–

29

–

3

17

–

–

–

12

–

46

32

–

–

–

–

–

31

27

–

–

–

–

–

574

406

189

48

66

97

58

388

350

181

46

56

69

56

120

82

342

297

264

264

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

384

346

342

297

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

958

752

189

48

66

97

58

730

647

181

46

56

69

56

1  Base salary/fees represent each Director’s contractual entitlement during the calendar year in question, noting that the Group’s salary year runs from 1 April to 31 March.
2  Travel costs for Non-executive Directors are reimbursed and are subject to PAYE, and a consumable expenses payment of £26 (net) per month is paid to all employees, 

Executive and Non-executive Directors to cover the additional costs of homeworking.

3  Pension includes payments made to defined contribution schemes on behalf of the Directors or the value of a cash equivalent, if applicable. The pension available to 

the Executive Directors is aligned to that available for the employee population. 

4  AIS executive bonus outturn was 30.4% of the maximum for 2022. Consistent with the Remuneration Policy, the first £25,000 will be paid in cash and thereafter 50% will 

be paid in cash and 50% deferred into shares over two years.

5  The 2022 LTIP value is based on the 2019 LTIP, which vested on 31 March 2022. The value shown has been calculated using the share price on the date of vesting (90.0p) 
and includes the value of dividend equivalents accrued in the vesting period. As the share price on the date of vesting was below the price on the date of grant none 
of the amounts in the table are attributable to share price appreciation.

6  David Baynes receives an annual car allowance or equivalent thereof of £12,000. He has also participated in our Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme since 30 
September 2022, sacrificing gross salary of £2,723 during this period, and has use of an electric vehicle with a taxable benefit of £250 in 2022. The benefits figure 
reported for David Baynes includes all of these amounts in aggregate.

Additional disclosures for single figure for total remuneration table

Annual Incentive Scheme
The targets for the 2022 AIS for Executive Directors were set in line with the Statement of Implementation for 2022 laid out in the 2021 
Directors’ Remuneration report. That is, AIS outcomes for 2022 have been determined based upon the following mix of targets:

•  50% on the annual return achieved on the Group’s NAV

•  37.5% on the performance against key commercial objectives

• 

12.5% on employee engagement and culture, an ESG-aligned metric, aligned with feedback from key stakeholders in the ESG 
materiality assessment carried out in 2020

148

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEWANNUAL REMUNERATION STATEMENT.

The detailed performance conditions used to calculate initial AIS outturn for 2022 are set out in the table below.

Performance condition  
(% weighting)

Vesting criteria

Return on NAV 
(50%) 

5% return (£87m): 25% of maximum opportunity 
(“threshold”) 

15% return (£262m): 100% of maximum opportunity

Actual performance  
(% OF COMPONENT)

Below threshold return 

0% of component

Strategy: Liquidity as a 
strategic asset (12.5%) 

£nil to £75m (sliding scale) excluding any contribution 
from Oxford Nanopore Technology

£27.9m

37.23% of component

Strategy: Access to third-
party capital (12.5%)

Access to new co-investment capital of £20m (25% of 
maximum opportunity) to £100m (100% of maximum 
opportunity)

Access to £42.77m (equivalent) of new capital 

46.3% of component

Strategy: Delivery of 
Priority Workstreams 
(12.5%)

Delivery of five priority workstreams, which underpin the 
sustainability of the underlying business and/or directly 
support shareholder value creation. For 2022 includes 
definition of updated operating strategy; successful 
debt placement; achievement of all diversity & inclusion 
milestones; delivery of revised brand/brand architecture; 
and reduction of our gap between Group share price 
and NAV per share.

Updated operating strategy: 100% (of 2.5% component)

Successful debt placement: 100% (of 2.5% component) 
Diversity & inclusion milestones: 100% (of 2.5% component)

Revised brand/brand architecture: 100% (of 2.5% 
component)

Reduction of the gap between share price and NAV (rolling 
three-month measure): 0% (of 2.5% component)

ESG: Employee 
engagement and culture 
(12.5%)

Demonstrable improvement in employee engagement, 
based on both objective and subjective measurements 
in a sliding scale. Aligned to on the non-financial KPI 
outturn

Total weighted outturn

80% of component overall

80% score on non-financial KPI  
(see page 45 for details)

80% of component awarded

30.4% of maximum

The Committee discussed the output of the quantitative targets and considered that this outturn appropriately reflected the broader 
overall performance of the business for the year.

In particular, the Committee noted that whilst the Company had experienced a relatively stark decline in NAV, the majority of this 
was attributable to the decline in the quoted portfolio, and particularly the decline in value of Oxford Nanopore Technologies plc. 
Such decline means that the award of any AIS to the Executive Directors has been carefully considered by the Committee, but in its 
deliberations the Committee also noted the relatively strong performance of the unquoted portfolio as well as significant progress in 
a range of areas expected to underpin shareholder value growth as the Group moves forward.

As such, the Committee determined that the calculated outcome aligned with a fair assessment of performance over the year, and 
that no discretionary adjustment to this calculated outcome was therefore required.

The resulting AIS outturn for 2022 for the Executive Directors was, therefore, determined as 30.4% of maximum opportunity. In 
accordance with the Remuneration Policy, all amounts to individuals above an initial minimum amount paid in cash, which for the 2022 
AIS is £25,000, will be paid 50% in cash and 50% in shares (deferred over two years under the Group’s Deferred Bonus Share Plan “DBSP”).

149

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE.ANNUAL REMUNERATION STATEMENT.

Share-Based Incentive Schemes

2019 LTIP awards that vested in 2022
As reported in the 2021 Directors’ Remuneration Report, the performance of the Group over the vesting period of the 2019 LTIPs, which 
vested in March 2022, was sufficient for the awards to partially vest.

Group NAV (the Group’s net assets excluding intangibles) growth to 31 December 2021 was above the minimum threshold and below 
the maximum threshold. The one-month average share price at 31 March 2022 was below the lower Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) 
target and that of the FTSE 250. On this basis, the 2019 LTIP award vested as expected at 51.1% of maximum on 31 March 2022. The 2022 
disclosure in the Single Figure For Total Remuneration table (page 148) relates to this vested award.

After the end of the vesting period, the Committee considered the calculated level of vesting in the context of performance delivered 
over the vesting period, and determined that 51.1% was a fair reflection of performance over that period. In making this determination, 
the Committee considered the level of overall performance during the vesting period, the shareholder experience over that time and 
the contribution of the individual Executive Directors over the same period.

The vested 2019 LTIP awards are subject to a further two-year holding period, with shares only being issued to participants at the end 
of this period.

2020 LTIP Awards due to vest in 2023
The 2020 LTIP awards are based on the performance of the Group’s NAV for the three financial years ending on 31 December 2022 
and TSR from 1 April 2020 to the ordinary vesting date, being 31 March 2023, using a one-month average. Both performance measures 
are combined into a matrix format as per the vesting table below. The total award is subject to an underpin based on the relative 
performance of the Group’s TSR to that of the FTSE 250 index, which can reduce the awards by up to 50%.

Vesting matrix: estimated 2020 LTIP outturn

15%

10%

8%

<8%

60%

30%

12.5%

0%

<8%

75%

45%

25%

12.5%

8%

76.0%

46.0%

26.3%

13.6%

8.1%

Growth in NAV (p.a.)

90%

60%

45%

30%

10%

100%

90%

75%

60%

15%

TSR (p.a.)

150

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEWANNUAL REMUNERATION STATEMENT.

Performance condition

Group NAV  
(at 31 Dec 2022)
Annual TSR1  
(share price)

Comparative TSR

Target performance

8%: £1.37bn 
15%: £1.66bn

8%: 69.9p
15%: 82.3p

Actual/forecast 
performance

£1.38bn
(8.1% p.a.)

65p 
(4.8% p.a. growth)

FTSE 250 -3.7%

IP Group 4.8%

1  TSR performance shown reflects the Group’s one-month average share price to 3 March 2023. Actual performance period is the one-month average to 31 March 2023.

The actual performance of the Group in terms of NAV growth to 31 December 2022 was above the minimum threshold and below the 
maximum threshold at a compound annual rate of 8.1%. At the time of publication, the one-month average share price is expected 
to result in performance below the lower TSR target.

On this basis, the 2020 LTIP award is expected to vest at 13.6% of maximum, as illustrated in the table on page 150. The table also 
illustrates the potential variation in final calculated vesting, which will depend upon share price performance throughout March 
2023. Vested LTIP awards will be subject to a further two-year holding period, following which shares will be issued to participants in 
respect of these awards.

As above, final vesting will be determined after the end of the vesting period on 31 March 2023, and will be subject to the 
Remuneration Committee determination that the calculated vesting amount is a fair and reasonable reflection of performance 
through the vesting period and that it should not apply the discretion it reserves itself to adjust the outcome.

In making a final determination of the proportion of the 2020 LTIPs which will vest, the Committee will take into account the need 
to avoid windfall gains (the 2020 award price being impacted by the early effects of the COVID-19 pandemic). The number of 
conditional shares awarded in 2020 was reduced at grant in order to mitigate this risk, and the Committee is mindful that the current 
share price is broadly aligned with the price at grant. As such, the Committee does not currently envisage a further reduction is 
necessary, but will make a final determination at vesting.

151

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE.ANNUAL REMUNERATION STATEMENT.

2022 Restricted Share Plan Awards
As set out in the 2022 Remuneration Policy, we introduced a Restricted Share Plan (“RSP”) in 2022 to replace the previous LTIP structure. 
In accordance with the Policy, in 2022 an award of restricted shares was made to each Executive Director, as set out in the table 
below:

Executive Director

Greg Smith

David Baynes

Type of interest

2022 RSP

2022 RSP

Basis of award 
(% salary)

Face value1
(000s)

End of underpin 
period

150%

100%

£788

£360

31 Mar 2024

31 Mar 2024

The RSP awards made in 2022 were reduced from the normal maximum level by 25%, with awards of 150% of base salary (CEO) and 
100% of base salary (CFOO) being made. This compares to the normal maximum level permitted by the policy of 200% (CEO) and 133% 
(CFOO).

The reduced awards were made primarily in recognition of the reduction in share price over the period from the 2021 LTIP grant date 
(5 May 2021, closing price 125.4p) to the 2022 RSP grant date (28 June 2022, closing price 75.5p). The Committee considers that the 
majority of this decrease in share price occurred as a result of macroeconomic factors, and as such has reduced the award to 
mitigate the risk of a windfall outcome at vesting in the event of a sustained economic recovery.

In reaching this decision, the Committee also considered feedback from shareholders received on the revised Remuneration 
Policy during the consultation period. In particular, the Committee noted that some shareholders had expressed reservations over 
the smaller than usual level of discount when comparing the maximum level of award under the RSP to the maximum LTIP award 
allowable under the previous Remuneration Policy.

Whilst the Committee continues to believe that the maximum award permitted under the Policy (being 200% of salary for the CEO, 
133% of salary for other Executive Directors) is set at an appropriate and reasonable level, it also recognises the responsibility to make 
individual awards in a prudent and responsible way, only utilising the maxima agreed under the Policy when it is confident that such 
awards are appropriate and in the best interests of shareholders.

The Committee, therefore, determined that making awards at the maximum level in 2022 was not appropriate in this context.

152

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEWANNUAL REMUNERATION STATEMENT.

Change in remuneration of the Directors compared to Group employees
The table below sets out the change in the remuneration of the Directors and that of our UK employees (excluding Directors and new 
joiners/leavers):

% Change in base salary

% Change in bonus

% Change in benefits 
(excluding pensions)

2021 to 2022 2020 to 2021 2019 to 2020 2021 to 2022 2020 to 2021 2019 to 2020 2021 to 2022 2020 to 2021 2019 to 2020

48.4%

17.4%

4.2%

4.6%

17.1%

19.6%

3.8%

10.4%

20.8%

7.7%

2.0%

2.2%

1.8%

19.8%

1.8%

5.9%

5.9%

2.0%

2.2%

1.8%

1.8%

1.8%

1.8%

8.0%

(65.0)%

(72.3)%

23.5%

11.2%

254.1%

241.0%

(2.3)%

(14.1)%

4.2%

17.6%

5.1%

5.2%

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(39.1)%

59.3%

78.7%

–

–

–

142.0%

–

11.9%

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

7.9%

4.7%

Greg Smith

David Baynes

Douglas Flint 

Elaine Sullivan

Caroline Brown

Aedhmar Hynes

Heejae Chae

UK employees

153

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE.ANNUAL REMUNERATION STATEMENT.

Historical Executive pay and Group performance
The table and graph set out below enable a comparison of the TSR of the Group and the Chief Executive Officer remuneration 
outcomes over the last ten years.

The chart below shows the Company’s TSR performance against the performance of the FTSE All Share, FTSE Small Cap and FTSE 250 
indices over the ten-year period to 31 December 2022. The Directors have selected these indices as, in their opinion, these indices 
comprise the most relevant equity indices of which the Company was a member during a significant proportion of the period in 
question and against which TSR of the Company should be measured.

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

Source: Datastream

IP Group

FT Small Cap

FTSE All Share

FTSE 250

154

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEWANNUAL REMUNERATION STATEMENT.

Historical Chief Executive Officer remuneration outcomes
The table below summarises the Chief Executive Officer single figure for total remuneration, annual bonus pay-out and LTIP vesting 
as a percentage of maximum opportunity for the current year and previous ten years.

Chief Executive Officer

CEO single figure of remuneration (£000s)

Annual bonus pay-out  
(% of maximum)

LTIP vesting (% of maximum)

2013

2,231

100%

100%

2014

902

0%

100%

2015

669

100%

57%

2016

265

0%

0%

2017

552

57%

0%

2018

413

17%

0%

2019

498

28%

0%

2020

797

93%

0%

20211

730

2022

958

96.3%

30.4%

0%

51.1%

1  2021 and years thereafter relate to Greg Smith, who was appointed as CEO on 7 October 2021 (previously CFO). Previous years reported related to Alan Aubrey.

Directors’ shareholdings and share interests
The Group’s Remuneration Policy determines a minimum shareholding requirement for each of the Executive Directors. The 
Remuneration Policy approved in 2022 increased the minimum level to 350% of salary for the Chief Executive Officer (from 200%), and 
250% of salary for other Executive Directors (including the CFOO, from 150%).

At the end of the year, neither Greg Smith nor David Baynes met this requirement. Both Executive Directors are ordinarily, at a 
minimum, expected to retain all post-tax shares received under the RSP, LTIP and DBSP to ensure that minimum levels are met and 
maintained, in line with the Policy.

Interests in shares (audited)
The Directors who held office during 2022 had the following beneficial interests in the ordinary shares of the Company:

At 31 December 2022

Total interest in shares

Total unvested holdings

Current Directors

Greg Smith

David Baynes

Elaine Sullivan

Sir Douglas Flint

Heejae Chae

Caroline Brown

Aedhmar Hynes

Shares
owned  
Number

412,220

356,738

–

48,500

32,172

–

21,000

Shares which 
have fully vested 
but have not yet 
been issued1

153,315

153,315

–

–

–

–

–

Minimum 
Shareholding 
requirement 
met?2

No

No

–

–

–

–

–

Total 
Interest

565,535

510,053

–

48,500

32,172

–

21,000

LTIP

DBSP

RSP

1,378,122

226,459

1,043,046

1,327,435

199,115

476,809

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1  The number of LTIP shares which have vested in full but remain in the holding period. The total number of shares is adjusted down by 47% to account for an estimate of 

the tax which will become due when they are issued.

2  Based on owned/vested shares only.

There have been no changes in the interests of the Directors set out above between 31 December 2022 and 7 March 2023.

155

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE.ANNUAL REMUNERATION STATEMENT.

Share-Based Incentive Plan Awards (audited)
The Executive Directors’ participations in the Group’s Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) and Restricted Share Plan (“RSP”) are set out in 
the table below:

Greg Smith

2019 LTIP 

2020 LTIP

2021 LTIP

2022 RSP

David Baynes

2019 LTIP 

2020 LTIP

2021 LTIP

2022 RSP

Number 
of shares 
conditionally 
held at 
1 January 
2022

Conditional 
shares 
notionally 
awarded in 
the year

Vested
 during 
the year1

Lapsed 
during 
the year

Potential 
conditional 
interest in 
shares at 
31 December 
2022

Share price 
at date of 
conditional 
award (p)

Earliest 
vesting 
date(s)

566,094

894,869

483,253

–

–

–

–

1,043,046

289,274

276,820

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

894,869

483,253

1,043,046

99.10

61.40

31–Mar–22

31–Mar–23

125.40

31–Mar–24

75.50

31–Mar–25

1,944,216

1,043,046

289,274

276,820

2,421,168

566,094

861,726

465,709

–

1,893,529

–

–

–

476,809

476,809

289,274

276,820

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

861,726

465,709

476,809

99.10

61.40

31–Mar–22

31–Mar–23

125.40

31–Mar–24

75.50

31–Mar–25

289,274

276,820

1,804,244

1 

LTIP awards vesting during the year will be subject to a further holding period of two years, with shares not being issued to participants until the end of the holding 
period. The actual number of shares to be issued at the end of the holding period will be adjusted in aggregate to account for any dividends paid during the vesting 
and holding period. For the 2019 LTIP awards which vested in 2022, this adjustment will be at least x1.01214, but is likely to rise further with dividend payments during the 
holding period.

156

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEWANNUAL REMUNERATION STATEMENT.

Deferred bonus share plan (“DBSP”) (audited)
Directors’ interests in nil-cost options under the Group’s DBSP that have been granted in order to defer AIS bonuses in accordance 
with our Policy are as follows:

Greg Smith

Deferral from 2019 AIS

Deferral from 2020 AIS

Deferral from 2020 AIS

Deferral from 2021 AIS

Deferral from 2021 AIS

David Baynes

Deferral from 2019 AIS

Deferral from 2020 AIS

Deferral from 2020 AIS

Deferral from 2021 AIS

Deferral from 2021 AIS

Options held 
at 
1 January 
2022

Option 
awarded in 
the year

Exercised 
 during 
the year

Lapsed 
during 
the year

Options 
held at 
31 December 
2022

Share price 
at date of 
award (p)

Earliest 
vesting 
dates 

21,685

 50,259

 50,259

–

–

–

–

–

88,100

88,100

122,203

 176,200

 21,685

48,213

48,213

–

–

–

–

–

75,451

75,451

118,111

150,902

21,685

50,259

–

–

–
71,9441

 21,685

48,213

–

–

–
69,8982

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

 –

–

–

50,259

88,100

88,100

226,459

–

–

48,213

75,451

75,451

199,115

61.40

31–Mar–22

125.40

125.40

90.00

90.00

31–Mar–22

31–Mar–23

31–Mar–23

31–Mar–24

61.40

31–Mar–22

125.40

125.40

90.00

90.00

31–Mar–22

31–Mar–23

31–Mar–23

31–Mar–24

1  Actual number of options released for exercise was 72,817, reflecting the adjustment made to options held to account for dividend payments made during the holding 

period.

2  Actual number of options released for exercise was 70,746, reflecting the adjustment made to options held to account for dividend payments made during the holding 

period.

157

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE. 
ANNUAL REMUNERATION STATEMENT.

Save as You Earn (“SAYE”) (audited)
The Group operates an HMRC-registered SAYE share save scheme for all UK employees in which both Executive Directors have 
participated during the year, as listed in the table below. 

Greg Smith

2019 SAYE

2022 SAYE

David Baynes

2019 SAYE

2022 SAYE

Options  
held at 
1 January 
2022 

Options 
awarded in 
the year

Exercised 
during the 
year

Lapsed 
during the 
year

Options 
held at 
31 December 
2022

Option 
exercise 
price (p)

Share price 
at date of 
award (p)

Earliest 
vesting 
date(s)

34,816

–

–

27,692

34,816

–

–

27,692

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

34,816

27,692

34,816

27,692

51.70

65.0

51.70

65.0

64.60  01-Nov-2022

81.25 01-Nov-2025

64.60

01-Nov-2022

81.25 01-Nov-2025

Relative importance of spend on pay 
The table below shows total employee costs, change in shareholder distributions, change in NAV and change in share price from 
2021 to 2022.

Total employee costs (£m)

Distributions to shareholders (dividend or share buy back, £m)

NAV (£m)

Share price (p)

The information shown in this chart is based on the following:

2022

20.0

20.7

1,381.2

55.8

2021

22.4

42.8

1,738.1

123.8

% change

-11%

-52%

-21%

-55%

Total employee pay: total employee costs from note 9 on page 207 including wages and salaries, social security costs, pension and 
share-based payments.

Change in NAV: change in the Group’s net assets excluding goodwill and intangibles taken from the statement of financial position 
on page 190.

158

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEWANNUAL REMUNERATION STATEMENT.

External appointments for Executive Directors
Any proposed external directorships are considered by the Board to ensure they do not cause a conflict of interest but, subject to 
this, Executive Directors may accept a maximum of two external Non-executive appointments and, indeed, the Board believes that 
it is part of their ongoing development to do so. Where an Executive Director accepts an appointment to the board of a company 
in which the Group is a shareholder, the Group generally retains the related fees. In the circumstances where the Executive Director 
receives such fees directly, such sums are generally deducted from their base salary from the Group. Fees earned for directorships 
of companies in which the Group does not have a shareholding are normally retained by the relevant Director. Key external 
appointments (excluding companies in which the Group holds shares) held by Executive Directors are set out on pages 109 to 112.

Limits on the number of shares used to satisfy share awards (dilution limits)
All of the Group’s incentive schemes that contain an element that may be satisfied in IP Group shares incorporate provisions that 
in any ten-year period (ending on the relevant date of grant), the maximum number of the shares that may be issued or issuable 
under all such schemes shall (i) not exceed 10% of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company; and (ii) such shares issued on a 
discretionary basis shall not exceed 5% of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company.

The Committee regularly monitors the position and prior to the making of any share-based award considers the effect of potential 
vesting of outstanding awards to ensure that the Company remains within these limits. Any awards which are required to be satisfied 
by market purchased shares are excluded from such calculations, but any shares utilised from treasury would be included. As a 
result of the share buyback programme which the Company commenced in October 2021, 29,708,621 shares were bought back and 
held in treasury by the Company. 830,322 of these treasury shares were utilised in connection with the Group’s incentive schemes 
during the year, a further 437,075 used to settle the SAYE scheme and 330,851 to settle the scrip dividend. These are included where 
relevant in the numbers below. As at 31 December 2022, 28,110,373 shares were held in treasury. 

As at 7 March 2023, the Company’s headroom position, which remains within such guidelines, was as shown in the chart.

Key

 Vested LTIP awards in past ten years – Executives 

 Vested LTIP awards in past ten years – Other staff 

 Outstanding LTIP and awards – Executives 

 Outstanding LTIP and Former Touchstone LTIP awards – Other staff 

 Other Share schemes (Sharesave, DBSP, etc.) 

 Additional headroom (to 5%) 

159

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE.2.5%0.3%0.4%1.1%0.6%0.1%ANNUAL REMUNERATION STATEMENT.

Service agreements
The Executive Directors have service contracts that commenced on the dates set out in the chart below and contain a contractual 
notice period of six months by either party. The Non-executive Directors have letters of appointment that commenced on the dates 
set out in the chart below, are generally for an initial fixed term of three years, which is reviewed and may be extended for two further 
three-year periods and are terminable on three months’ notice by either party. 

During the year, Dr Caroline Brown and Aedhmar Hynes initial three-year terms were extended by a further period of three-years. As 
reported in the Nomination Committee report on page 133, an additional Non-executive Director appointment (Anita Kidgell) was 
made after the end of 2022.

The letters of appointment and service contracts are available for inspection at the Company’s registered office. In accordance 
with the Code, all Directors submit themselves for annual re-election by shareholders at each AGM and will do so at the AGM to be 
held on 15 June 2023. In the case of Ms Kidgell, given she was appointed since the last AGM in 2022, she will be submitting herself for 
election by shareholders at the 2023 AGM in accordance with the Company’s articles of association.

Effective dates of service contracts of the 
Executive Directors

Greg Smith

David Baynes

7 October 2021

7 October 2021

Effective dates of letters of appointment of the 
Non-executive Directors

Elaine Sullivan

Heejae Chae

Sir Douglas Flint1

30 July 2015

3 May 2018

17 September 2018

Dr Caroline Brown

1 July 2019

Aedhmar Hynes

1 August 2019

3  Effective as Chair from November 2018.

Anita Kidgell

18 January 2023

160

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEWANNUAL REMUNERATION STATEMENT.

Adherence to Corporate Governance Code principles
When considering the proposed operation of the Remuneration Policy for the forthcoming year, the Committee took into 
consideration the following principles set out in the 2018 Corporate Governance Code.

Clarity

•  The Company seeks to provide full transparency to shareholders on the operation of the Remuneration Policy, including 

prospective disclosure of our NAV target range under the AIS.

•  The Committee encourages frequent and open dialogue on Executive Director remuneration with shareholders and, during 

the triennial review process, undertook significant consultation with advisors, shareholders, proxy advisers and other 
stakeholders to optimise the proposed approach.

Simplicity

•  Our ongoing remuneration arrangements for Executive Directors, including the AIS, are simple in nature and well understood 

by participants and shareholders and other stakeholders, including our employees. 

•  Our Restricted Share Plan is a simple and effective long-term incentive structure, and directly aligns the interests of long-

term shareholders with the management team.

• 

Incentive arrangements are cascaded down through the Group and provide alignment and overall simplicity in our 
approach to remuneration. All employees participate in the AIS (with additional components based on team and/or 
individual objectives for non-director employees), and the RSP is extended to senior managerial levels and roles which are 
expected to have a material financial impact on the Group’s outcomes. 

•  The Committee continuously reviews and challenges the Group’s wider remuneration arrangements and will continue to do 

so in order to ensure that this principle continues to be appropriately met.

Risk

•  Under each of the AIS, LTIP and RSP, discretion may be applied where formulaic outturns are not considered reflective of 

overall business or individual performance or for any other reason considered appropriate by the Committee. 

•  Deferral of a proportion of AIS awards, the LTIP and RSP holding periods and our higher than usual minimum shareholding 

requirement (including a two-year post-cessation shareholding requirement) provide a strong link to the ongoing 
performance of the business and the experience of our shareholders. 

•  Malus and clawback provisions apply to AIS, LTIP and RSP awards.

Predictability

•  Our Remuneration Policy contains details of the maximum opportunities and pre-determined target ranges under our AIS 

and RSP, with actual outcomes dependent on performance achieved against these targets.

Proportionality

•  We operate a performance-based philosophy with a focus on the long term. 

•  Our performance measures and target ranges under the AIS and RSP, including the use of NAV, are selected based on their 

alignment to Company strategy and shareholder experience. 

•  The Committee’s ability to apply discretion ensures appropriate out-turns in the context of long-term Company 

performance. 

•  The focus on the long term within our remuneration approach, including the delivery of a significant proportion of our 

incentives in the form of Company shares and the use of a long-term carried interest scheme for non-director employees, 
provides significant alignment between employees’ and Executive Directors’ remuneration outcomes and long-term 
Company performance.

Alignment to 
culture

•  All employees are entitled to participate in the pension scheme and the SAYE scheme. Executive Director participation in 

these schemes is on the same terms as for other employees. 

•  Strong individual and Company performance is incentivised and recognised through our AIS and, for our more senior 

employees, the RSP (and previously the LTIP). 

161

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE.ANNUAL REMUNERATION STATEMENT.

External advisors
The Remuneration Committee is authorised, if it wishes, to seek independent specialist services to provide information and advice on remuneration at the 
Company’s expense, including attendance at Committee meetings.

During the year, the Remuneration Committee continued its review of Executive remuneration and took into consideration independent professional advice 
from Deloitte LLP in respect of the development of the Group’s Remuneration Policy and its application, and reporting under the Directors’ Remuneration 
Reporting Regulations.

Deloitte is a founding member of the Remuneration Consultants Group and adheres to its Code in relation to Executive remuneration consulting in the UK. 
The lead engagement partner has no other connection with the Company or individual Directors. Fees paid to Deloitte LLP in connection with advice to the 
Committee in 2022 were £60,335.

Statement of shareholder voting
The table below sets out the proxy results of the votes on resolutions in respect of Directors’ remuneration at the 2022 AGM.

Remuneration Policy (2022 AGM)

654,265,665 

80.67%

156,765,453

19.33%

820,514,461

9,483,343

2022 Remuneration Report (2022 AGM)

763,846,946 

93.10%

56,606,501

6.90%

820,514,461 

Approve the rules of the IP Group plc Share Plan (2022 AGM)

649,730,269

79.19%

170,742,022

20.81%

820,514,461

61,014

42,170

Votes for

Votes against

Number

% of 
votes cast

Number

% of 
votes cast

Total votes 
cast

Votes 
withheld

The Remuneration Committee was pleased to note that the significant majority of shareholders voted in favour of the remuneration-related resolutions 
at the 2022 AGM. However, in recognition of the votes against the Remuneration Policy and IP Group plc Share Plan rules the Committee re-engaged with 
shareholders to solicit any further feedback. As the Committee had already completed an extensive consultation, this additional consultation process did not 
result in any substantive additional feedback from shareholders. However, in determining the 2022 RSP grant level following approval of the rules at the 2022 
AGM, the Committee carefully considered both feedback from shareholders and the changes in the macro-economic environment through the first part of 
the year. The decision to scale back the RSP award levels was, in part, in recognition and response to the shareholder voting out-turn.

Remuneration disclosure
This report complies with the requirements of the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups Regulations 2008 as amended in 2013, the provisions of 
the UK Corporate Governance Code (July 2018) and the Listing Rules.

On behalf of the Board

Heejae Chae
Chair of the Remuneration Committee
7 March 2023

162

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEWAUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE REPORT.

Committee 
membership
The Audit and Risk 
Committee currently 
comprises the following 
independent Non-
executive Directors 
whose backgrounds and 
experience are summarised 
on pages 109 to 112:

•  Dr Caroline Brown 

(Chair)

•  Aedhmar Hynes

•  Dr Elaine Sullivan

•  Heejae Chae

•  Anita Kidgell

Report contents
•  Principal responsibilities

•  Key activities in the year

•  Q&A with Chair

•  Procedural and 

Principal responsibilities
•  Monitor the integrity of the financial statements of the Group including 
its annual and half-yearly reports, and other formal announcements 
relating to its financial performance with consideration being given to 
any significant financial reporting judgements contained within them 

•  Review and report to the Board on significant financial reporting issues 

and judgements contained in the financial statements 

•  Advise the Board on whether it believes the Annual Report and 

Accounts, taken as a whole, are fair, balanced and understandable 
and provide the information necessary for shareholders to assess the 
Group’s performance, business model and strategy

•  Review and monitor the Group’s risk management system and carry 

out a review of its effectiveness and approve the statements included 
in the Annual Report concerning risk management

•  Ensure that a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the Group 

has been undertaken

•  Assessing the Group’s on-going viability 

•  Recommend the appointment and remuneration of the external 
auditor, assess audit effectiveness and monitor provision of 
non-audit services

•  Assess the content of the external auditor’s independence report in 

providing both audit and non-audit services

•  Review the remit, planned scope of activities, performance and 

effectiveness of the outsourced internal audit function

•  Monitor the Group’s systems and controls for the prevention of bribery 

governance matters

and fraud

•  Key accounting 

judgements and other 
priority items reviewed 
by the Committee

•  Review the adequacy and security of the Group’s arrangements for its 

employees to speak up and raise concerns

Key activities in the year
The key areas of focus for the Committee 
in 2022 and early 2023 included: 

•  Key areas of accounting judgement 

and disclosure items were considered 
in detail, including: (i) valuation of 
unquoted investments at half-year 
and year-end reporting; and (ii) IFRS10 
treatment of the US platform and 
Istesso Limited

•  Considerations around additional debt 
funding secured by the Group in the 
year and the appropriate accounting 
treatment and disclosures relating to 
the debt funding

•  Reviewing the Government’s response 

to its consultation on audit and 
corporate governance reform

•  Reviewing a draft Audit & Assurance 

policy for internal use

•  During the year the Committee 

received three internal audit reviews 
performed by the Group’s outsourced 
internal audit function and continues 
to monitor implementation of 
agreed improvements

•  The Committee monitored procedures 

for the prevention of bribery and 
fraud. It reviewed new and updated 
policies, including the operation 
of the speaking-up policy, and 
exceptions to regular key risk indicator 
(“KRI”) monitoring 

163

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE.AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE REPORT. 
Q&A WITH CHAIR

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REPORT

OUR GOVERNANCE.

OUR FINANCIALS

What was the Committee’s approach in 
gaining comfort over the valuation increase 
recorded on First Light Fusion Limited’s 
achievement of fusion?
Through the latter part of 2021, the Committee were 
monitoring progress at First Light Fusion, as updates 
from our representative on the company’s board, 
Robert Trezona, indicated an increasing level of 
confidence around achievement of a world-first 
fusion result in the near term. It was clear that the 
fusion event would represent a key milestone and 
significant valuation inflection point for the company, 
and that despite a funding round having been 
completed in January 2022, an immediate valuation 
reassessment would be required on confirmation of 
a fusion achievement. We therefore requested third-
party valuation advisors Kroll carry out a valuation 
engagement on the company ahead of the potential 
fusion result. Critical input into this work was provided 
by Robert Trezona, whose unique insight was invaluable. 
We also carried out a Board site visit to the company 
in Oxford, with our external auditor in attendance, to 
receive a detailed update on the company’s plans 
from its CEO Nick Hawker. Following extensive discussion 
at the Valuation Committee and Audit and Risk 
Committee, an appropriate point on valuation range 
provided by Kroll was selected. Given the wide valuation 
range inherent in valuing this world-first achievement, 
the Committee also concluded it was appropriate to 
disclose the valuation range provided by Kroll.

How does the decision to complete the debt 
placement in the year impact the Group’s 
risk profile?
The Board has considered that a key risk to the business 
is the Group’s access to capital to support its ambitious 
investment plans to back its portfolio companies over 
the long term. Increasingly the Group’s business model 
has moved to be self-sustaining with realisations 
contributing significantly to ongoing capital needs and, 
therefore, the ability to invest in the portfolio. 

Given the macroeconomic environment volatility in 
the year with downward pressure being seen in public 
market valuations of growth companies, the likelihood 
of achieving the Group’s desired realisations decreased. 
In this context, the additional debt provides increased 
flexibility to support portfolio companies and make 
new investments and ultimately reduces the risk that 
the Group cannot fund its capital investment plans. The 
Committee reviewed the details of the debt placement, 
its commercial terms and covenants and concluded 
that the total debt remained within the Board’s risk 
appetite, that the covenants were acceptable and 
not overly restrictive and that the debt placement 
represented value for money. 

How do the proposed UK governance reforms 
outlined in BEIS’ Response Statement to its 
March 2021 consultation affect the Group and 
how is the Group preparing?
One of the most significant changes for the Group 
flagged in the government’s reforms will be the 
implementation of a new internal controls regime, which 
will require increased formalisation of existing processes. 
We await the FRC’s consultation and conclusion on the 
exact requirements of the new framework but in the 
meantime have undertaken a programme of activities 
that will enable a smooth transition to the new regime. 
For example, at the Committee’s request, management 
have undertaken a maturity assessment of the Group’s 
internal controls framework and a scoping exercise 
alongside our risk assurance advisors and outsourced 
internal auditors. The Committee has reviewed a draft 
Audit & Assurance Policy for the Group and considered 
the merits of formalising and reporting on this policy in 
the future as a best practice measure. The Group does 
not meet the tests for mandatory corporate reporting 
changes and the Committee will continue to review its 
approach as both practice and guidance develops.

We continue to review announcements from the 
Government and the FRC and will continue to respond to 
any relevant consultations which impact the Group.

164
164

IP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEWAUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE REPORT. 

Procedural and governance matters 
•  The Group’s Chief Financial & Operating Officer, Company 
Secretary, Finance Director, outsourced Head of Internal 
Audit and the external auditor are invited to attend each 
Committee meeting, at which they present reports and 
provide analysis on key areas of significance to the 
Committee in relation to audit and risk matters 

•  At the request of the Committee, the Group’s Chair and CEO 

also attended each Committee meeting

•  Meetings cover regular agenda items on audit, risk and 
internal controls, compliance and policies. Additional 
matters are considered as required and other members 
of management are invited to attend for specific subjects 
where required

• 

In preparation for each Committee meeting, I meet privately 
with management, the external auditor and the outsourced 
Head of Internal Audit

•  At the end of the annual audit process the Committee 

meets with the external auditor without any members of the 
executive management team being present

•  As part of the annual evaluation of risk management and 
internal controls the Committee as a whole also met with 
the Head of the outsourced Internal Audit function without 
management being present

• 

I continued to attend meetings of the Group’s Valuation 
Committee as a member, which provides both an element 
of independence to the Committee and provides me with a 
detailed understanding of the conclusions reached on the 
portfolio company valuations. The Valuation Committee met 
three times in 2022 and once in early 2023 to review HY22 and 
FY22 reporting

•  The Committee met six times in 2022

•  Following her appointment as non-executive director on 18 
January 2023 the Committee welcomed Anita Kidgell as a 
member

In relation to governance considerations:

•  The Committee comprises four independent Non-executive 
Directors. All members are considered to be appropriately 
experienced to fulfil their role and allow the Committee to 
perform its duties effectively

• 

I am deemed by the Board to have recent and relevant 
financial experience, being a Fellow of the Chartered Institute 
of Management Accountants, having held senior executive 
financial positions and current audit and risk committee 
experience

•  The Board is satisfied that for the year under review, and 

thereafter, the Group’s Audit and Risk Committee, as a whole, 
has competence relevant to the sector in which the Group 
operates

•  The Committee assessed its performance in 2022 through 
externally facilitated interviews with Committee members, 
members of management and the external auditor and 
the observation of a Committee meeting by a third-party 
specialist evaluation firm

•  The Committee undertook an evaluation of the external 

auditor’s performance in 2021, which included input from the 
Finance Director, CFOO and wider finance team. Through this 
process minor areas for improvement were identified and 
agreed with the auditor who was deemed to have met the 
Committee’s expectation in the year.

•  The Committee undertook an assessment of the outsourced 

internal audit function in 2022, which included input 
from the individual members of the Group’s Risk Council, 
Non-executive Directors and all those members of 
management who had interacted with the Internal Auditor 
in the year. The assessment considered the internal audit 
function’s understanding of the Group’s business risks, their 
subject matter expertise, professionalism and effectiveness 
in improving the Group’s operations via recommendations 
that are appropriate for the size, nature and scale of the 
business. The Committee concluded that the internal auditor 
performance had met expectations and that the outsourced 
internal audit model remained appropriate for the Group 

Read about Board and 
Committee attendance 
on page 123

Read our  
Director biographies 
 on pages 109 to 112

165

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE.AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE REPORT. 

•  The Committee continues to review its terms of reference at 
least annually and will propose updates where necessary or 
appropriate to reflect current market practice

Key accounting judgements

Valuation of unquoted equity and debt investments:
The valuation of unquoted investments remains the most 
material area of judgement in the financial statements and 
is a key audit risk for the Group. At each reporting date the 
Committee receives updates from the Valuation Committee and 
from the external auditor regarding the approach that has been 
taken in assessing and auditing, respectively, the key estimates 
and judgments in respect of portfolio valuations. Significant 
time at Committee meetings is assigned to discuss portfolio 
valuations, which has allowed the Committee to debate and 
challenge the approach taken. The Group continued to apply its 
valuation policy consistently across investments at the year end 
which included consideration of the macro-environment and 
relevant industry metrics where available.

As in previous years, the Committee has paid significant 
attention to the valuation of the Group’s holdings in unquoted 
investments, which have not completed a funding round within 
the last twelve months, assets which have seen significant 
positive or negative developments in the year and assets with 
active financings or sale processes on or after the measurement 
date. The Group saw the majority of its portfolio transactions 
in the year take place at flat or increased valuations. However, 
in response to increased valuation uncertainty resulting from 
challenging capital market conditions in 2022, we chose to make 
more extensive use of third-party valuations specialists, with 
external valuation reports being commissioned on ten of our 
larger investments (2021: five). This increases the independence 
of our process and incorporates how other market participants 
are approaching valuations for year-end reporting. 

The key value drivers within the Group’s portfolio in the year 
included a decrease in value of the Group’s listed portfolio 
(£428.5m), valuation increases for First Light Fusion Limited 
(£57.3m) following the company’s achievement of nuclear 
fusion and Oxbotica Limited (£45.4m) following the completion 

of a private fundraise, together with valuation decreases for 
Import.IO (£10.4m) and SaltPay (£8.1m). These factors mean the 
unquoted portfolio now makes up a larger proportion of the 
portfolio as a whole and has, therefore, increased the overall 
subjectiveness of the FY 2022 valuations.

The Valuation Committee assists in the formalisation and 
documentation of management’s valuation judgements in line 
with the Group’s accounting policies and industry valuation 
guidance from IPEV. The Valuation Committee is chaired by 
the CFOO, its members are the Group CEO and myself. Also in 
attendance were the Managing Partners of the Technology and 
Life Sciences investment partnerships, Finance Director and 
external auditor. During the year, the Committee considered 
the Valuation Committee’s terms of reference and composition 
and discussed whether an external valuation expert would 
provide meaningful additional scrutiny and challenge to the 
valuation process. The Committee concluded that it was 
satisfied with the current level of scrutiny and challenge at the 
Valuation Committee, by the ARC and the external auditors. The 
Committee agreed to review the composition of the Valuation 
Committee in a year’s time.

The Valuation Committee met three times in 2022 and once in 
early 2023 to review management’s valuations for the half-year 
and full-year results reporting. The 2023 Valuation Committee 
meeting included a review of valuation disclosures including 
the IFRS 13 requirements around the disclosure of quantitative 
valuation inputs and sensitivity disclosures. The Committee 
agreed that, given greater emphasis placed on revenue 
multiples for certain companies during 2022, disclosure of inputs 
and sensitivities for this valuation method was now appropriate. 
For other valuation methods, the Valuation Committee 
concluded that quantitative unobservable inputs were below 
a size threshold which would warrant disclosure under IFRS 
13, paragraph 93(d). Additionally, the Valuation Committee 
concluded that because of the large number of inputs used in 
the valuation of assets valued on ‘other methods’, any range 
of reasonably possible alternative assumptions does not 
significantly impact the fair value and hence does not require 
disclosure. See further details in note 13 on page 213.

166

Read about our portfolio 
on pages 23 to 37

Read about our detailed 
disclosures of valuation 
inputs and sensitivities 
in note 13 on pages 213 
to 220

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEWAUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE REPORT. 

The Valuation Committee

Chief Financial and 
Operating Officer 
David Baynes 
(Chair)

Members

Chief Executive 
Officer 
Greg Smith

Attendees

Non-executive 
Director and ARC 
Chair 
Dr Caroline Brown

Managing Director  
Tech Investment Partnership  
Mark Reilly

Managing Director 
Life Sciences Investment 
Partnership 
Sam Williams

Finance Director 
Chris Glasson

External Audit Partner 
Jonathan Martin

Valuation Committee recommends reporting date 
valuations to the Audit and Risk Committee

Valuation Committee review and challenge of the 
recommendations, request further reviews or 
 third-party support be utilised

Valuation assessments and recommendations shared with  
Committee, including relevant supporting evidence

Group finance team prepare valuations with input from:

Investment 
Directors

External valuation 
specialists

Market data 
sources

Application of the consolidation requirements 
of IFRS 10 in respect of IPG Cayman LP and 
Istesso Limited:
The Group’s US portfolio is held via a limited partnership fund, 
IPG Cayman LP, which was set up in 2018 to facilitate third-party 
investment into this portfolio. The fund is managed by IP Group, 
Inc, formerly the Group’s US operating subsidiary which employs 
the US management team. In November 2021, the Group disposed 
of its equity in IPG Cayman LP’s fund manager, IP Group Inc, 
and was deemed to no longer control the fund manager of 
the fund and was therefore deconsolidated from the Group’s 
accounts from that date. While this remains an area of significant 
judgement, there have been no changes in 2022 which would 
lead us to revise the Group’s conclusion on this matter. 

In respect of Istesso Limited, although the Group has a 56.4% 
undiluted economic interest in the company, the Group holds a 
significant proportion of its equity via non-voting shares resulting 
in it holding less than 50% of the voting rights at the company. 
Additionally, the Group does not control the board of Istesso 
Limited via a majority of board directors and has no mechanism 
whereby it can do so. In 2022 the Group made a further £10m 
convertible loan which does not have any substantive rights 
in relation to control. The Committee reviewed and discussed 
management’s detailed assessment and conclusion that 
the Group does not control Istesso Limited under IFRS 10 at its 
meetings in July 2022 and February 2023. 

Review of Annual Report and Accounts and 
Half-yearly Report
The Committee carried out a thorough review of the Group’s 
Annual Report and Accounts and its Half-yearly Report for 2022 
resulting in the recommendation of both for approval by the 
Board. In carrying out its review, the Committee gave particular 
consideration to whether the Annual Report, taken as a whole, 
was fair, balanced and understandable, concluding that it was. 
It did this primarily through consideration of the reporting of 
the Group’s performance, business model and strategy, the 
competitive landscape in which it operates, the significant risks 
it faces, the progress made against its strategic objectives and 

Read about the 
application of IFRS 10 in 
relation to IPG Cayman 
LP in note 2 (ii) on 
page 197

Read about our 
application of IFRS 10 
in relation to Istesso 
Limited in note 2 (ii) 
on page 197

167

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE.AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE REPORT.  

the progress made by, and changes in fair value of, its portfolio 
companies during the year.

During the year, the Committee considered the application of IFRS 
10, segmental reporting, long-term viability, deferred tax liability 
and going concern disclosures and reviewed a summary of 
controls reliance obtained in the year and related internal control 
disclosures made within the Corporate Governance Report and 
the use of Alternative Performance Measures (“APMs”).

Going concern and long-term viability review 
On an annual basis the Committee reviews and approves 
the long-term viability review prepared by management and 
satisfies itself that the going concern basis for the preparation of 
the Group’s results remains appropriate.

The Committee reviewed management reports setting out its 
view of the Group’s long-term viability including a description of 
the factors considered in forming an assessment of the Group’s 
prospects. The long-term viability review was based on the 
Group’s three-year strategic plan, including forecast investment, 
realisations, overheads, financing cashflows and dividends. The 
Committee discussed the potential extension of the period to 
five years in future reporting periods and agreed that a three-
year time horizon remained appropriate.

Management’s assessment included severe and intermediate 
stress-test scenarios where adverse impacts across the 
Group’s principal risks relating to insufficient capital, insufficient 
investment returns and macroeconomic conditions were 
considered as part of the review. Under the severe scenario, a 
70% reduction in realisations and a 40% decline in portfolio fair 
values were considered together with a series of mitigating 
actions, which resulted in the Group remaining viable over the 
three-year horizon and ensured continued compliance with 
debt covenants. The Committee agreed to recommend the 
Viability statement to the Board for approval.

168

Read the controls 
statements in the 
Corporate Governance 
Statement  
on pages 126 to 127

Read about our  
APMs in note 29  
on pages 245 to 247

Read about the  
Group’s emerging risks 
on page 88

Risk and internal controls
The key elements of the Group’s internal control framework and 
procedures are set out on pages 85 to 88. The principal risks the 
Group faces are set out on pages 89 to 97. During the year, the 
Committee devoted part of each meeting to items concerning 
risk and its management. 

An important element of the Group’s risk management 
framework is the Risk Council whose purpose is to co-ordinate 
the governance, risk and controls at IP Group prior to reporting 
to the Committee and Board. Its permanent members are 
the CFOO, Company Secretary and Finance Director, with 
other executives and management from across the business 
attending during the year as necessary. The Risk Council met 
five times during the year and reported to the Committee at 
each meeting. 

During 2022, the Committee reviewed management’s updated 
assessment of strategic and principal risks and risk appetite 
statements prepared using input from an executive management 
workshop and took part in a Board risk workshop to conduct the 
Group’s robust assessment of its principal risks, risk appetite and 
desired control investment. The Committee reviewed output 
from the Risk Council summarising key themes arising from 
the operational risk reviews and the Group’s updated strategic 
and principal risk profiles. The Committee also considered the 
Group’s emerging risks and paid special attention to economic 
uncertainty, access to talent and diversity and climate change. 

The Committee also reviewed the output of testing of all key 
controls in place to mitigate the Group’s principal risks. This review 
included all material financial, operational and compliance 
controls. PwC, on behalf of management, assessed the control 
design and operating effectiveness of these key controls 
over principal risks using the COSO framework principles. No 
significant failings or weaknesses were identified and an overall 
improvement on prior year results was noted, specifically the 
results showed that cyber controls now meet the Board’s desired 
level of control investment having been identified as requiring 
improvement in 2021. However, control deficiencies were identified 
and recommendations for improvement were agreed with 

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEWAUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE REPORT.  

management. Implementation of the remedial actions was 
reviewed by the Risk Council and reported to the Committee and 
all actions were completed at the time of reporting.

The Committee was pleased to review reports from the Risk 
Council outlining actions being taken by management to 
maintain and enhance the control environment in the year 
noting in particular updated key risk indicator metrics post 
implementation of the Group’s updated strategy in the year, the 
implementation of a cyber compliance monitoring programme, 
more regular engagement with control owners across the 
business and a full refresh of the Group’s Risk and Controls 
Matrix (‘RACM’) resulting in a 20% increase in the number of key 
controls tested.

The Committee received regular updates from management 
on the progress of UK audit and governance reforms and 
specifically reviewed BEIS’s Response Statement following its 
consultation on reforms aimed at restoring trust in audit and 
corporate governance and a timetable from management 
on the key areas of significance to the Group arising from the 
Response Statement. Additionally, while the Group will not 
be required to publish the Audit & Assurance Policy (‘AAP’) 
expected to be made mandatory via legislation for certain 
public interest entities as part of a suite of corporate reporting 
reforms, the Committee reviewed a draft illustrative AAP 
prepared by management, which will be updated when final 
guidance on its contents is available to allow the Committee to 
consider whether to formally adopt such a policy and make it 
available publicly.

The Committee’s review of risk management systems in place 
includes an assessment of performance of the Risk Council 
against agreed objectives and monitoring of key risk indicators 
against pre-agreed thresholds determined in response to the 
Board’s annual assessment of the Group’s principal risks and 
risk appetite.

Cyber security
The Board continues to consider cyber threats as a principal 
risk to the business with an overall “high” risk rating. During the 
year the Committee has been provided with regular updates 
on management actions to complete the implementation of 
internal audit recommendations following the cyber maturity 
assessment in 2020 and to improve IT security. The Committee 
reviewed the Group’s training for and implementation of cyber 
incident response plans adopted in late 2021 these included 
feedback from three simulations undertaken by management 
during the year, including two that were externally facilitated. The 
Group continued to deploy additional, regular and interactive 
cyber threat training sessions and employed additional team 
resource in response to the continued and increasing threats 
posed by external threat actors in relation to this risk.

Compliance
Ensuring compliance for regulated businesses remains a priority 
from the perspective of the Committee and regular update 
are provided to the Committee by the Group’s subsidiary 
compliance officers and international equivalents. Ongoing 
internal reviews are conducted through the use of a compliance 
monitoring programme and specialist advisory firms and local 
advisors are employed to advise on areas of regulation relevant 
to the Group’s operations where required. 

The Committee reviewed and recommended the approval 
of a new internal Conflicts of Interest policy, which formalises 
the conflict management work already being undertaken at 
Group-level on investment and divestment committee decision 
making and also reviewed existing Group policies on anti-
bribery and corruption, speaking-up, related party transactions 
and modern slavery. The Committee reviewed the summary 
findings of procedures in place which review the nature of gifts 
and hospitality received and provided in the year to identify any 
instances of corruption and bribery and management carried 
out an enhanced fraud risk assessment and determined that 
there was a low risk of fraud occurring undetected. We recognise 
this as an area of importance and will seek to increase the level 
of testing performed in relation to fraud in the future.

Read about our 
response to increasing 
cyber threats on 
page 96

169

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE.AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE REPORT.  

Internal audit

2022 was the fourth year that the Group operated an outsourced 
internal audit function, delivered by PwC. The internal audit 
function designed a plan of work having considered the Group’s 
principal, strategic and operational risks, which the Committee 
approved. The internal audit function delivered three internal 
control reviews which were focused on (i) business continuity 
via a cyber-attack simulation; (ii) key financial controls focusing 
on the financial close and reporting process; and (iii) a follow-
up review which reviewed all high and medium risk actions 
identified in the ten reviews completed since 2019 to provide 
comfort that the completed remediations remained in place.

The Committee values the work of the internal auditor in 
providing independent and objective assurance in meeting its 
corporate governance and regulatory responsibilities.

The Committee considered the effectiveness of the internal 
audit function by reviewing the outcomes of their reports 
and recommendations, management’s implementation of 
recommendations and closure of the audits, access to experts, 
the annual strategy document and a management assessment 
of quality in the year. The Committee concluded that the internal 
audit function had performed satisfactorily in the year and 
recommended the continued use of an outsourced internal 
audit function.

External audit
The Committee discussed the auditor’s plan for the 2022 
year-end audit at its November and December meetings. This 
included a summary of the proposed audit scope and the 
auditor’s assessment of the most significant financial reporting 
risks facing the Group, together with the auditor’s proposed 
audit approach to these significant risk areas. The main areas 
of audit focus for the year were the valuation of the Group’s top 
20 unquoted investments, those unquoted investments with a 
funding round from over twelve months ago given the level of 
judgement required and the ability of one or a combination of 
these valuations to materially impact the financial statements 
and management override of control. Other areas of audit 

170

focus are the valuation of unquoted investments with a funding 
round within twelve months, recoverability of investments in 
subsidiaries, valuation of quoted investments, valuation of 
limited and limited liability partnership interests, borrowings 
and application of IFRS 10. The auditor recognised the increased 
likelihood of significant risks emerging throughout the audit 
cycle due to the current geopolitical uncertainty and while 
no additional risks were identified the team reviewed whether 
any changes to the audit plan were required throughout the 
engagement. As in previous years a number of the Group’s 
small trading subsidiaries will be audited by Moore Northern 
Home Counties Limited, which has worked well in previous 
years and facilitates an accelerated audit timetable for these 
subsidiary audits. 

Appointment and independence
The Committee advises the Board on the appointment of the 
external auditor and on its remuneration both for audit and 
non-audit work and discusses the nature, scope and results 
of the audit with the external auditor. The Committee keeps 
under review the cost-effectiveness and the independence and 
objectivity of the external auditor. Controls in place includes 
monitoring the independence and effectiveness of the audit, 
implementing a policy on the engagement of the external 
auditor to supply non-audit services, and a review of the scope 
of the audit and fee and performance of the external auditor.

Mandatory audit firm rotation is required after 20 years, and 
a re-tender must be conducted at least every ten years. The 
Code requires disclosure of the length of tenure of the current 
audit firm and when a tender was last conducted, as well 
as advance notice of any re-tendering plans. KPMG LLP have 
acted as the auditor to the Group since 2014 and the lead 
audit partner rotates every five years to assure independence. 
Jonathan Martin became lead audit partner responsible for 
the Group’s statutory audit for the 2019 year end onwards and 
the Committee has benefited from Jonathan Martin’s extensive 
valuation expertise and continues to believe he is a suitable 
audit partner for the Group. 

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEWAUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE REPORT.  

The 2022 audit was the ninth year of KPMG audit. The Committee 
last undertook a comprehensive tender process in 2014 for the 
audit in relation to the year ended 31 December 2014 and is now 
planning a re-tender process, which is expected to conclude 
in 2023. 

Non-audit work
The Group has a policy for setting out what non-audit services 
can be procured by the Group from the external auditor. The 
policy aims to support and safeguard the objectivity and 
independence of the external auditor and incorporates the 
requirements of the FRC’s revised Ethical Standards for auditors. 
As such, any proposed engagements not closely related to 
KPMG’s role as the Group’s external auditor will not be approved. 
The policy details the nature of the services that the external 
auditor may not undertake and specifies the non-audit services, 
unless pre-approved, are subject to prior approval from either 
the CFOO, the Committee Chair or the Committee depending on 
the level of fees for the proposed engagement. The policy states 
that the overall fee for non-audit services should not exceed 
70% of the average audit fee over the prior three-year period. An 
analysis of audit and non-audit fees paid to KPMG is provided in 
note 6 to the financial statements on page 205. In 2022, the only 
non-audit service provided by KPMG in the year was the review 
of the Group’s half-yearly results. 

The Committee prefers to engage other firms to perform 
consulting engagements to ensure that the independence of 
the auditor is not compromised and during 2022 engaged the 
services of PwC (internal audit, risk and governance), Deloitte 
(valuations) and Kroll (valuations). 

Auditor independence
KPMG have reviewed its own independence in line with the FRC’s 
Ethical Standards for auditors and its own ethical guideline 
standards. KPMG has confirmed to the Committee that following 
its review it is satisfied that it has acted in accordance with 
relevant regulatory and professional requirements. KPMG 
has provided the Committee with details of the safeguards 
in place which include a culture of regular training, internal 
accountability and independent reviews performed by 

an engagement quality control reviewer, who is a partner 
not otherwise involved in the Group’s audit, and an annual 
attestation from all KPMG partners and staff to confirm their 
compliance with internal ethics and independence policies 
and procedures including in particular that the audit team 
have no prohibited shareholdings which include IP Group 
plc and portfolio company shares. Having considered the 
aforementioned safeguards, the level of non-audit services 
provided in the year and a formal statement of independence 
the Audit and Risk Committee are satisfied that the 
independence of the auditor has been maintained.

Auditor effectiveness
In order to assess the effectiveness of the external audit 
process, the Committee asked management to produce a 
memo summarising the outcome of the 2021 audit process, and 
highlighting potential areas for future improvement, which were 
agreed between management and the auditor, and discussed 
by the Committee. These results were reviewed in conjunction 
with KPMG’s reports to the Committee.

The Committee concurred with management’s view that there 
had been appropriate focus and challenge of the primary 
areas of audit risk and the Committee concluded that the 
substantive and detailed approach taken by the auditor was 
entirely appropriate and effective. As in the previous year, the 
vast majority of the Group’s assets by value were reviewed as 
part of the audit, and once again there was particular emphasis 
on the valuation of unquoted investments. I was able to see 
first-hand how the auditor challenged management on their 
assumptions used when determining the valuation of certain 
unquoted portfolio company valuations at each Valuation 
Committee meeting. KPMG utilised specialist corporate 
finance staff to support its audit work on Istesso Limited and, 
overall, the auditor’s risk-based approach drew on both their 
knowledge of the business and the wider economic and 
business environment.

Dr Caroline Brown
Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee
7 March 2023

171

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE.DIRECTORS’ REPORT.

Report of the Directors
The Directors present their report together with the audited 
financial statements for IP Group plc and its subsidiaries for the 
year ended 31 December 2022.

Corporate Governance Statement
Information that fulfils the requirements of the Corporate 
Governance Statement can be found in the Corporate 
Governance Statement on pages 114 to 128 and is incorporated 
into this Directors’ Report by reference.

Results and dividends 
During the period, the Group made an overall loss after taxation 
for the year ended 31 December 2022 of £344.5 million  
(2021: £449.3m profit). The Board recommends a final dividend 
for the year ended 31 December 2022 of 0.76p per share (2021: 
0.72p) to be taken to the 2023 Annual General Meeting. No scrip 
dividend alternative will be offered in respect of this dividend.

Directors
The names of Directors who currently hold office or did so during 
2022 are as follows:

Executive Directors
Greg Smith 
David Baynes

Non-executive Directors
Sir Douglas Flint (Chairman)  
Dr Caroline Brown  
Heejae Chae  
Aedhmar Hynes  
Anita Kidgell 
Dr Elaine Sullivan 

Details of the interests of the Directors in the share capital of the 
Company are set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on 
page 155.

172

Principal risks and uncertainties and financial 
instruments 
The Group is exposed to a number of risks through its operations, 
where risk mitigation is most notably focused on ensuring 
continued capabilities to support portfolio companies. The 
Group’s risk management objectives and policies are described 
on pages 85 to 86 and in the Corporate Governance Report on 
pages 126 to 127. Further information on the Group’s financial risk 
management objectives and policies, including those in relation 
to credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk, is provided in note 
3 to the consolidated financial statements, along with further 
information on the Group’s use of financial instruments.

Significant events affecting the Group
Details of the important events affecting the Group and future 
development of the business are described on pages 16 to 17 of 
the Strategic Report. 

Branches of the Group outside of the UK
The Group has branches in Australia and Hong Kong. 

Significant agreements
The Group has entered into various agreements to form 
partnerships or collaborations with nine universities in 
Australasia, which contain certain change of control provisions. 
In addition, the Group entered into a Note Purchase Agreement 
in relation to the private placement debt (as described on page 
42) on 2 August 2022. This agreement contains certain provisions 
which must be complied with around change of control to 
prevent default.

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEWDIRECTORS’ REPORT.

Share capital and related matters
Details of the structure of the Company’s share capital and the 
rights attaching to the Company’s shares are set out in note 
one to the consolidated financial statements. There are no 
specific restrictions on the size of a holding or on the transfer 
of shares, which are both governed by the general provisions 
of the Company’s Articles of Association (the “Articles”) and 
prevailing legislation.

At the last Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) of the Company held 
on 14 June 2022 (the “2022 AGM”), authority was given to the 
Directors pursuant to the relevant provisions of the Companies 
Act 2006 (the “CA 2006”) to allot shares and grant rights over 
securities in the Company up to a maximum amount equivalent 
to approximately one-third of the issued ordinary share capital 
on 06 May 2022 at any time up to the earlier of the conclusion 
of the next AGM of the Company and 14 September 2023. In 
addition, at the 2022 AGM, the Directors were also given authority 
effective for the same period as the aforementioned authority 
to allot shares and grant rights over securities in the Company 
up to a maximum of approximately two-thirds of the total 
ordinary share capital in issue on 06 May 2022 in connection 
with an offer by way of a fully pre-emptive rights issue. The 
Directors propose to renew both authorities at the Company’s 
next AGM to be held on 15 June 2023 (“2023 AGM”). The authorities 
being sought are in accordance with guidance issued by the 
Investment Association.

A further special resolution passed at the 2022 AGM granted 
authority to the Directors to allot equity securities in the 
Company for cash, without regard to the pre-emption provisions 
of the CA 2006, both: (i) up to a maximum of approximately 5% 
of the aggregate nominal value of the shares in issue on 06 
May 2022; and (ii) up to a further maximum of approximately 
5% of the aggregate nominal value of the shares in issue on 06 
May 2022 in connection with financing an acquisition or other 
applicable capital investment, each authority exercisable at 
any time up to the earlier of the conclusion of the next AGM of 
the Company and 14 September 2023. The Directors will seek 
to renew these authorities for a similar period at the 2023 AGM, 
although they intend to increase the limits of such authorities 

to 10% respectively in accordance with the revised Statement 
of Principles which were published by the Pre-Emption Group in 
November 2022.

At the 2021 AGM, authority was also given to the Directors to offer 
the holders of shares of the Company, to the extent and in the 
manner determined by the Directors, the right to elect to receive 
new shares (credited as fully paid) instead of cash and to allot 
new shares pursuant to such offer, in respect of any dividend 
as may be declared by the Directors from time to time. This 
authority will remain in place for the period ending on the date 
of the AGM to be held in 2024, except that the Directors shall be 
entitled to make an offer pursuant to this authority, which would 
or might require shares to be allotted after such time and the 
Company may allot such shares as if this authority had not 
expired. This authority was extended at the 2022 AGM to enable 
the use of existing treasury shares, as well as newly issued 
shares, for the Company’s scrip dividend scheme. 

Under Part 18, Chapter 5 of the CA 2006, the Company has 
the power to purchase its own shares. At the 2022 AGM, a 
special resolution was passed, which granted the Directors 
authority to make market purchases of the Company’s shares 
pursuant to these provisions of the CA 2006 up to a maximum 
of approximately 10% of the Company’s issued share capital on 
06 May 2022 provided that the authority granted set a minimum 
and maximum price at which purchases can be made and is 
exercisable at any time up to the earlier of the conclusion of 
the next AGM and 14 September 2023. This authority has been 
utilised during the year in connection with the Group’s share 
buyback programme. The Directors will seek to renew this 
authority within similar parameters and for a similar period at 
the 2023 AGM.

173

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE.DIRECTORS’ REPORT.

Articles of Association
The Company’s Articles may be amended by a special resolution 
of the shareholders and were last amended at the 2021 AGM.

Substantial shareholders 
As at 31 December 2022, the following shareholder held interests 
of 3% or more in its ordinary share capital. Other than as shown, 
so far as the Company (and its Directors) are aware, no other 
person held or was beneficially interested in a disclosable 
interest in the Company.

Shareholder

RPMI Railpen

Baillie Gifford

BlackRock

Liontrust

Vanguard Group

Schroder Investment Management

Legal & General Investment Management

%

15.69

5.05

5.05

4.97

4.31

3.81

3.04

As at 28 February 2023, the Company has been advised of the 
following shareholders with interests of 3% or more in its ordinary 
share capital. Other than as shown, so far as the Company (and 
its Directors) are aware, no other person holds or is beneficially 
interested in a disclosable interest in the Company.

Shareholder

RPMI Railpen

BlackRock

Liontrust

Baillie Gifford

Vanguard Group

Schroder Investment Management

Legal & General Investment Management

%

15.70

5.08

4.84

4.48

4.43

3.82

3.09

174

Corporate and social responsibility
Details of the Group’s policies, activities and aims with regard 
to its corporate and social responsibilities, including details of 
its greenhouse gas emissions, are included in the meaningful 
impact section on pages 46 to 71, in the Corporate Governance 
Statement on pages 114 to 128 and in the s172(1) Statement on 
pages 99 to 108.

Directors’ indemnity and liability insurance
During the year, the Company has maintained liability insurance 
in respect of its Directors. Subject to the provisions of the CA 
2006, the Articles provide that, to the extent that the proceeds of 
any liability insurance are insufficient to meet any liability in full, 
every Director is entitled to be indemnified out of the funds of 
the Company against any liabilities incurred in the execution or 
discharge of his or her powers or duties. A copy of the indemnity 
is available for inspection as required by the CA 2006.

Regulation
Top Technology Ventures Limited and Parkwalk Advisors Ltd, 
wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company are authorised and 
regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Financial 
Services and Markets Act 2000. In Australia, the Group’s wholly-
owned subsidiary IP2IPO Australia Management Pty Limited 
is authorised and regulated by the Australian Securities and 
Investment Commission. 

Post balance sheet events

Material events occurring since the balance sheet date are 
disclosed in the Strategic Report (see page 03) and in note 30 to 
the Group’s financial statements.

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEWDIRECTORS’ REPORT.

Political expenditure
It is the Board’s policy not to incur political expenditure or 
otherwise make cash contributions to political parties and 
there is no intention of changing that policy. However, the CA 
2006 is very broadly drafted in this area and the Board has 
raised a concern that it may include activities such as funding 
conferences or supporting certain bodies involved in policy 
review and law reform. Accordingly, at the 2022 AGM and as at 
previous AGMs, the shareholders supported a resolution on a 
precautionary basis to authorise the Group to incur political 
expenditure (as defined in Section 365 of the CA 2006) not 
exceeding £50,000 in total at any time from the date of the 
2022 AGM up to the conclusion of the 2023 AGM. The Board 
intends to seek renewed authority for the Group to incur political 
expenditure of not more than £50,000 in total at the Company’s 
2023 AGM, which the Group might otherwise be prohibited from 
making or incurring under the terms of the CA 2006.

Political donations 
The Group did not make any political donations during 2022.

Disclosure of information to auditor 
Each of the persons who is a Director at the date of approval of 
this Annual Report confirms that:

•  so far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit 
information of which the Company’s auditor is unaware

• 

the Director has taken all steps that they ought to have 
taken as a Director in order to make themselves aware of 
any relevant audit information and to establish that the 
Company’s auditor is aware of that information

This confirmation is given and should be interpreted in 
accordance with the provisions of Section 418 of the CA 2006.

Going concern
The Directors confirm that they have a reasonable expectation 
that the Group will have adequate resources to continue in 
operational existence for at least the next twelve months from 
the date of the accounts and, accordingly, they continue to 
adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial 
statements. A viability statement, as required by the Code, can 
be found in the Strategic Report on page 98.

Appointment of auditor 
A resolution to reappoint KPMG LLP, together with a resolution to 
authorise the Directors to determine their remuneration, will be 
proposed at the 2023 AGM. 

On behalf of the Board

Angela Leach
Company Secretary
7 March 2023

175

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE.STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES.
IN RESPECT OF THE ANNUAL REPORT AND THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the parent 
Company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy 
at any time the financial position of the parent Company and 
enable them to ensure that its financial statements comply 
with the Companies Act 2006. They are responsible for such 
internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the 
preparation of financial statements that are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and have general 
responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to 
them to safeguard the assets of the Group and to prevent and 
detect fraud and other irregularities.

Under applicable law and regulations, the directors are also 
responsible for preparing a Strategic Report, Directors’ Report, 
Directors’ Remuneration Report and Corporate Governance 
Statement that complies with that law and those regulations.

The directors are responsible for the maintenance and 
integrity of the corporate and financial information included 
on the company’s website. Legislation in the UK governing the 
preparation and dissemination of financial statements may 
differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

In accordance with Disclosure Guidance and Transparency 
Rule 4.1.14R, the financial statements will form part of the annual 
financial report prepared using the single electronic reporting 
format under the TD ESEF Regulation. The auditor’s report on 
these financial statements provides no assurance over the 
ESEF format.

The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual 
Report and the Group and parent Company financial 
statements in accordance with applicable law and 
regulations.

Company law requires the directors to prepare Group and 
parent Company financial statements for each financial year. 
Under that law they are required to prepare the Group financial 
statements in accordance with UK-adopted international 
accounting standards and applicable law and have elected 
to prepare the parent Company financial statements in 
accordance with UK accounting standards and applicable law, 
including FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework. 

Under company law the directors must not approve the financial 
statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and 
fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and parent Company 
and of the Group’s profit or loss for that period. In preparing 
each of the Group and parent Company financial statements, 
the directors are required to:

•  select suitable accounting policies and then apply 

them consistently;

•  make judgements and estimates that are reasonable, 

relevant, reliable and prudent;

• 

• 

for the Group financial statements, state whether they have 
been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international 
accounting standards;

for the parent Company financial statements, state whether 
applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, 
subject to any material departures disclosed and explained 
in the parent Company financial statements;

•  assess the Group and parent Company’s ability to continue 

as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related 
to going concern; and

•  use the going concern basis of accounting unless they either 
intend to liquidate the Group or the parent Company or to 
cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

176

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR GOVERNANCE.BUSINESS OVERVIEWSTATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES.
IN RESPECT OF THE ANNUAL REPORT AND THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Responsibility statement of the Directors in 
respect of the annual financial report
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

• 

• 

the financial statements, prepared in accordance with the 
applicable set of accounting standards, give a true and fair 
view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or 
loss of the company and the undertakings included in the 
consolidation taken as a whole; and

the strategic report includes a fair review of the development 
and performance of the business and the position of the 
issuer and the undertakings included in the consolidation 
taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal 
risks and uncertainties that they face.

We consider the annual report and accounts, taken as a 
whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the 
information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s 
position and performance, business model and strategy. 
Neither the Company nor the Directors accepts any liability to 
any person in relation to the Annual Report except to the extent 
that such liability could arise under English law. Accordingly, 
any liability to a person who has demonstrated reliance on any 
untrue or misleading statement or omission shall be determined 
in accordance with section 90A and schedule 10A of the 
Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. 

On behalf of the Board

Sir Douglas Flint
Chairman
7 March 2023

177

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR FINANCIALSIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR GOVERNANCE.INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT.
TO THE MEMBERS OF IP GROUP PLC 

1. Our opinion is unmodified
We have audited the financial statements of IP Group plc (“the Group”) 
for the year ended 31 December 2022 which comprise the consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated statement 
of financial position, the consolidated statement of cash flows, the 
consolidated statement of changes in equity, the company balance 
sheet, the company statement of changes in equity, and the related notes, 
including the accounting policies in note 1.

Overview
Materiality: group 
financial statements 
as a whole

Coverage

Key audit matters 

Recurring risks

In our opinion: 
• 

the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the 
Group’s and of the Parent Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2022 and 
of the Group’s loss for the year then ended; 

• 

• 

• 

the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in 
accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards; 

the Parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared 
in accordance with UK accounting standards, including FRS 101 Reduced 
Disclosure Framework; and 

the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the 
requirements of the Companies Act 2006. 

Basis for opinion 
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on 
Auditing (UK) (“ISAs (UK)”) and applicable law. Our responsibilities are 
described below. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained 
is a sufficient and appropriate basis for our opinion. Our audit opinion is 
consistent with our report to the Audit and Risk Committee. 

We were first appointed as auditor by the shareholders on 13 May 2014. The 
period of total uninterrupted engagement is for the nine financial years 
ended 31 December 2022. We have fulfilled our ethical responsibilities under, 
and we remain independent of the Group in accordance with, UK ethical 
requirements including the FRC Ethical Standard as applied to listed public 
interest entities. No non-audit services prohibited by that standard were 
provided. 

178

£12.5m (2021: £15.5m)

0.8% (2021: 0.8%) of total assets

99% (2021: 100%) of total assets

vs 2021

Valuation of certain unquoted equity and debt 
investments (Group)

Recoverability of investments in and loans to 
subsidiary undertakings (Parent Company)

New: Application of IFRS 10 in respect of Istesso 
Limited (Group)

Event driven

2. Key audit matters: our assessment of risks of 
material misstatement
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, 
were of most significance in the audit of the financial statements and 
include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement 
(whether or not due to fraud) identified by us, including those which had the 
greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in 
the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. We summarise 
below the key audit matters, in decreasing order of audit significance, in 
arriving at our audit opinion above, together with our key audit procedures 
to address those matters and our findings from those procedures in order 
that the Group’s members, as a body, may better understand the process 
by which we arrived at our audit opinion. These matters were addressed, 
and our findings are based on procedures undertaken, in the context of, and 
solely for the purpose of, our audit of the financial statements as a whole, 
and in forming our opinion thereon, and consequently are incidental to that 
opinion, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT.
TO THE MEMBERS OF IP GROUP PLC

The risk

Our response

Valuation 
of certain 
unquoted 
equity and debt 
investments

Subjective Valuation 
Included within this key audit matter are unquoted 
investments that have a high degree of estimation 
uncertainty, and other high-value unquoted 
investments. The degree of risk has increased 
slightly due to macro-economic conditions.

£817.9 million
2021: £648.6 million

  Refer to page 163 
for Audit and Risk 
Committee Report 
and page 189 for 
accounting policy 
and financial 
disclosures

In the prior year all unquoted investments were 
included within our key audit matter. In the current 
year the risk excludes investments not in the “Top 
20” holdings that are valued based on a funding 
round less than twelve months before the balance 
sheet date. We continue to perform work on those 
assets, but have not included these in the key audit 
matter in the current year as these investments are 
not considered to have a high degree of estimation 
uncertainty or otherwise have a significant impact 
on the performance of the audit due to the recency 
of the latest funding round.

Unquoted investments that have a high degree of 
estimation uncertainty are those valued through 
a recent funding that occurred more than twelve 
months before the balance sheet date, or through 
‘other’ valuation methods.

Where recent funding rounds are used, whether 
it remains appropriate to use the price of that 
recent funding round depends on the specific 
circumstances of the investment, including whether 
the funding round included new external investors, 
the length of time since the funding round and the 
developments in the investment in the period since 
the funding round when compared to the wider 
market, competitors and expected performance in 
the period. 

There are a number of assumptions made by 
the directors when using alternative valuation 

For a sample of investments, selected using a combination of specific 
item and statistical sampling, the procedures we performed included 
the following.

Investments valued using a recent funding round:
Our sector experience:

•  We evaluated the independence of the funding round on which this 

valuation is based (e.g. presence of new external investors).

•  We challenged the directors and the investment team on the key 

judgements affecting investment valuations, such as events since 
the last funding round and probability of achieving milestone events.

•  We inspected board reports and market research on the 

investments to corroborate that the development of the investment 
is in line with the change in the valuation over the period since the 
last funding round.

•  We inquired with the directors as to whether any events have 

occurred after the balance sheet date which would have a material 
impact on the investment valuations.

•  We applied heightened scrutiny to investments where further 

funding is required within the first six months of the next financial 
year and assessed their progress against the milestones included in 
the most recent funding round.

Investments valued using an “other” valuation method:
Tests of detail:

•  We agreed key inputs back to independent support, such as 

signed license agreements, signed legal documentation and 
management information.

Our sector experience:

•  We challenged the assumptions included in the valuation based 
on market data where possible, such as historic incidence of the 
development of similar investments in the portfolio and the plans of 
investee companies.

•  We assessed the impact of funding rounds in the post balance 

sheet period.

179

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT.
TO THE MEMBERS OF IP GROUP PLC

The risk

Our response

methods such as discounted cash flows, including 
the probability of achieving milestones, and 
the discount rate used. These assumptions are 
subjective and may not reflect an arms-length fair 
value transaction. 

The effect of these matters is that, as part of our risk 
assessment, we determined that the valuation of 
certain unquoted investments have a high degree 
of estimation uncertainty, with a potential range of 
reasonable outcomes greater than our materiality 
for the financial statements as a whole, and possibly 
many times that amount. The financial statements 
(note 13) disclose the sensitivity estimated by the 
Group.

Other high-value unquoted investments are 
investments within the “Top 20” holdings that are 
valued based on funding rounds that occurred 
within twelve months of the balance sheet date. 
These valuations are included within the risk 
due to the prominence given to them within the 
directors’ disclosures. These are determined to 
have a lower degree of estimation uncertainty as 
it is less likely there have been events within the 
market that significantly increase or decrease the 
value concluded upon since their respective recent 
funding rounds. 

Independent reperformance and sensitivity analysis:

•  We re-performed the calculation of fair value and assessed the 
effect of changing one or more inputs to identify reasonably 
possible alternative valuation assumptions.

Assessing valuer credentials:

•  We assessed the expertise and experience of the Group’s third party 
valuation experts used in the corroboration of directors’ valuation 
and challenged the appropriateness of the methods used. 

Assessing transparency: 
•  We considered the appropriateness of the disclosures in respect of 

unquoted investments’ valuation techniques used, the classification 
in the fair value hierarchy as well as the additional disclosure on the 
sensitivities considered.

We performed the tests above rather than seeking to rely on any of the 
Group’s controls because the nature of the balance is such that we 
would expect to obtain audit evidence primarily through the detailed 
procedures described.

Our findings: We found the resulting valuations in relation to the 
unquoted financial investments to be mildly cautious (2021 finding: 
mildly cautious).

180

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT.
TO THE MEMBERS OF IP GROUP PLC

Application 
of IFRS 10 in 
respect of 
Istesso Limited

  Refer to page 163 
for Audit and Risk 
Committee Report 
and page 189 for 
accounting policy 
and financial 
disclosures

The risk

Significant accounting judgement 
In determining whether an entity is classified 
as a subsidiary and is therefore required to be 
consolidated under the principles of IFRS 10, the 
directors assess whether the Group has control over 
the entity.

In respect of Istesso Limited, the directors have 
concluded that the Group does not control this 
entity. This is because, although the Group has 56.4% 
of the undiluted economic interest in the entity, it 
only holds 45.3% of the voting rights at the company 
and does not control the Board.

However there is significant judgement involved 
in the application of IFRS 10 in respect of Istesso 
Limited. Given that the Group holds close to 50% 
of the voting rights at the company, it must be 
determined whether the Group has de facto control 
under the principles of IFRS 10. Moreover, a further 
15.8% of the voting rights are held by the Group’s 
representative on the Istesso Board, so it must be 
determined whether this holding is independent of 
the Group’s holding.

During the year, the Group has provided a £10m 
convertible loan to Istesso Limited. Given this 
change in circumstances, the application of IFRS 
10 in respect of this entity has been an area of 
increased focus in the current year audit.

Our response

Our procedures included:

Accounting analysis:
•  We inspected the articles of association for Istesso Limited to 

understand the voting rights of the entity.

•  We evaluated the independence of the other shareholders of 

Istesso Limited from the Group through inspecting evidence of their 
identities and relationships with the Group.

•  We inspected the terms of the new convertible loan to determine 

whether it provides the Group with any substantive rights.

•  We challenged whether the Group has de facto control with 

reference to the size of the Group’s holding of voting rights relative 
to the size and dispersion of the holdings of other vote holders and 
historic voting patterns of vote holders.

Assessing transparency: 
•  We considered the appropriateness of the disclosures related to 

the application of IFRS 10 in respect of Istesso Limited.

We performed the tests above rather than seeking to rely on any of the 
Group’s controls because the nature of the judgement is such that we 
would expect to obtain audit evidence primarily through the detailed 
procedures described.

Our findings: In determining the application of IFRS 10 in respect of 
Istesso Limited there is room for judgement and we found that within 
that, the group’s judgement gave slightly more weight to arguments 
favouring the conclusion that Istesso Limited is not required to be 
consolidated (2021 finding: the group’s judgement gave slightly more 
weight to arguments favouring the conclusion that Istesso Limited is 
not required to be consolidated).

181

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT.
TO THE MEMBERS OF IP GROUP PLC

The risk

Low risk, High value
The carrying amount of the Parent Company’s 
investments in subsidiaries and loans to subsidiaries 
represents 99% (2021: 99%) of the Parent Company’s 
total assets. Their recoverability is not at a high risk 
of significant misstatement or subject to significant 
judgement. However, due to their materiality in the 
context of the Parent Company financial statements, 
this is considered to be the area that had the 
greatest effect on our overall Parent Company audit.

Our response

Our procedures included:
Test of detail: 

•  We compared the carrying amount of 100% of investments in and 
loans to subsidiaries with the relevant subsidiary’s draft balance 
sheet to identify whether their net assets, being an approximation 
of their minimum recoverable amount, were in excess of their 
carrying amount and assessed whether those subsidiaries 
have historically been profit-making therefore supporting the 
recoverability of the debt owed.

Assessing transparency: 
•  We considered the appropriateness, in accordance with relevant 
accounting standards, of the disclosures related to the Parent 
Company’s investment in subsidiaries.

We performed the tests above rather than seeking to rely on any of the 
Parent Company’s controls because the nature of the balance is such 
that we would expect to obtain audit evidence primarily through the 
detailed procedures described.

Our findings: We found the recoverability of the Parent Company’s 
investment in and loans to subsidiary undertakings to be balanced 
(2021 finding: balanced).

Recoverability 
of investment 
in and loans 
to subsidiary 
undertakings 
(Parent 
Company)

£928.2 million
2021: £899.8 million

  Refer to page 189 
for accounting 
policy and 
financial 
disclosures

182

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT.
TO THE MEMBERS OF IP GROUP PLC

3. Our application of materiality and an 
overview of the scope of our audit
Materiality for the Group financial statements as a whole 
was set at £12.5m (2021: £15.5m), determined with reference 
to a benchmark of Group total assets, of which it represents 
0.8% (2021: 0.8%). 

Materiality for the Parent Company financial statements as a 
whole was set at £7.2m (2021: £7.2m), determined with reference 
to a benchmark of Parent Company total assets, of which it 
represents 0.8% (2021: 0.8%). 

In line with our audit methodology, our procedures on individual 
account balances and disclosures were performed to a 
lower threshold, performance materiality, so as to reduce 
to an acceptable level the risk that individually immaterial 
misstatements in individual account balances add up to a 
material amount across the financial statements as a whole. 

Performance materiality was set at 75% (2021: 75%) of materiality 
for the financial statements as a whole, which equates to £9.4m 
(2021: £11.6m) for the Group and £5.4m (2021: £5.4m) for the Parent 
Company. We applied this percentage in our determination of 
performance materiality because we did not identify any factors 
indicating an elevated level of risk.

We agreed to report to the Audit Committee any corrected 
or uncorrected identified misstatements exceeding £0.6m 
(2021: £0.8m), in addition to other identified misstatements that 
warranted reporting on qualitative grounds.

The scope of the audit work performed was fully substantive 
as we did not rely upon the Group’s internal control over 
financial reporting.

The Group team performed the audit of the Group as if it was 
a single aggregated set of financial information. The audit was 
performed using the materiality and performance materiality 
levels set out above.

Total Assets

£1,557.8m 

2021: £1,879.3m

Total Assets

Group materiality

Group materiality

£12.5m 

2021: £15.5m

£12.5m 
Whole financial statements 
materiality  
2021: £15.5m

£9.4m 
Whole financial statements 
performance materiality 
2021: £11.6m

£0.6m 
Misstatements reported to 
the Audit and Risk Committee 
2021: £0.8m

183

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT.
TO THE MEMBERS OF IP GROUP PLC

4. The impact of climate change on our audit
In planning our audit we have considered the potential impacts of climate 
change on the Group’s business and its financial statements.

Climate change impacts the Group principally through the valuation of 
investments and through potential reputational risk associated with the 
Group’s strategy. The Group’s exposure to climate change is primarily 
through the investee companies, as the key valuation assumptions and 
estimates could be impacted by climate risks, for example where a new low 
carbon technology is more likely to attract greater investment, this is most 
apparent in the Cleantech investments.

As part of our audit we have made enquiries of directors to understand 
the extent of the potential impact of climate change risk on the Group’s 
financial statements and the Group’s preparedness. We have performed 
a risk assessment of how the impact of climate change may affect the 
financial statements and our audit, in particular over the valuation of 
unquoted investments and the related key audit matter on page 179.

Given the nature of the current investment portfolio, the valuation methods 
and investing strategy of the Group, we consider that climate risks do not 
have a significant effect on our key audit matters.

We have read the disclosure of climate related information in the front 
half of the annual report and considered consistency with the financial 
statements and our audit knowledge.

5. Going concern 
The directors have prepared the financial statements on the going concern 
basis as they do not intend to liquidate the Group or the Parent Company or 
to cease their operations, and as they have concluded that the Group’s and 
the Parent Company’s financial position means that this is realistic. They 
have also concluded that there are no material uncertainties that could 
have cast significant doubt over their ability to continue as a going concern 
for at least a year from the date of approval of the financial statements 
(“the going concern period”). 

We used our knowledge of the Group, its industry, and the general economic 
environment to identify the inherent risks to its business model and 
analysed how those risks might affect the Group’s and Parent Company’s 
financial resources or ability to continue operations over the going concern 
period. The risks that we considered most likely to adversely affect the 

Group’s and Parent Company’s available financial resources and metrics 
relevant to debt covenants over this period were: 

•  Significant additional funding being made into current and future 

investee companies;

•  Reduction in realisations over the period including from listed 

investments.

We considered whether these risks could plausibly affect the liquidity 
or covenant compliance in the going concern period by comparing 
severe, but plausible downside scenarios that could arise from these 
risks individually and collectively against the level of available financial 
resources and covenants indicated by the Group’s financial forecasts.

We considered whether the going concern disclosure in note 1 to the 
financial statements gives a full and accurate description of the Directors’ 
assessment of going concern. 

Our conclusions based on this work:

•  we consider that the directors’ use of the going concern basis of 

accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate;

•  we have not identified, and concur with the directors’ assessment that 
there is not, a material uncertainty related to events or conditions that, 
individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group’s or 
Parent Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for the going 
concern period;

•  we have nothing material to add or draw attention to in relation to the 

directors’ statement in note 1 to the financial statements on the use of the 
going concern basis of accounting with no material uncertainties that 
may cast significant doubt over the Group and Parent Company’s use of 
that basis for the going concern period, and we found the going concern 
disclosure in note 1 to be acceptable; and

• 

the related statement under the Listing Rules set out on page 176 is 
materially consistent with the financial statements and our audit 
knowledge.

However, as we cannot predict all future events or conditions and as 
subsequent events may result in outcomes that are inconsistent with 
judgements that were reasonable at the time they were made, the above 
conclusions are not a guarantee that the Group or the Parent Company will 
continue in operation.

184

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT.
TO THE MEMBERS OF IP GROUP PLC

6. Fraud and breaches of laws and regulations – ability 

to detect

Identifying and responding to risks of material misstatement 
due to fraud
To identify risks of material misstatement due to fraud (“fraud risks”) we 
assessed events or conditions that could indicate an incentive or pressure 
to commit fraud or provide an opportunity to commit fraud.

Our risk assessment procedures included:

•  enquiring of the Audit and Risk Committee and the directors as to 

the Group’s high-level policies and procedures to prevent and detect 
fraud as well as enquiring whether they have knowledge of any actual, 
suspected or alleged fraud;

• 

reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance;

•  assessing the segregation of duties in place between the investment 

management team, the finance function and the directors;

•  holding discussions with fraud specialists to challenge our risk 

assessment conclusions on fraud risks.

We communicated identified fraud risks throughout the audit team and 
remained alert to any indications of fraud throughout the audit.

As required by auditing standards, and taking into account our overall 
knowledge of the control environment, we performed procedures to 
address the risk of management override of controls, in particular the risk 
that management may be in a position to make inappropriate accounting 
entries and the risk of bias in accounting estimates and judgements 
such as valuation of certain unquoted equity and debt investments and 
application of IFRS 10.

We performed procedures including identifying journal entries to test 
based on risk criteria and comparing the identified entries to supporting 
documentation. These included those posted by senior finance 
management, those posted to unusual accounts and those where the 
description for the entry included the word “fraud”. 

On this audit we do not believe there is a fraud risk related to revenue 
recognition because revenue streams are simple in nature with respect 
to accounting policy choice, and are easily verifiable to external data 

sources or agreements with little or no requirement for estimation 
from management.

We did not identify any additional fraud risks.

Identifying and responding to risks of material misstatement 
due to non-compliance with laws and regulations
We identified areas of laws and regulations that could reasonably be 
expected to have a material effect on the financial statements from our 
general commercial and sector experience and through discussion with 
those charged with governance (as required by auditing standards), 
and discussed with the directors the policies and procedures regarding 
compliance with laws and regulations.

As certain entities within the Group are regulated, our assessment of risks 
involved gaining an understanding of the control environment including the 
entity’s procedures for complying with regulatory requirements.

We communicated identified laws and regulations throughout our team 
and remained alert to any indications of non-compliance throughout 
the audit.

The potential effect of these laws and regulations on the financial 
statements varies considerably.

Firstly, the Group is subject to laws and regulations that directly affect the 
financial statements including financial reporting legislation (including 
related companies legislation), distributable profits legislation and taxation 
legislation including the Substantial Shareholding Exemption (“SSE”) and we 
assessed the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part 
of our procedures on the related financial statement items.

Secondly, the Group is subject to many other laws and regulations where 
the consequences of non-compliance could have a material effect on 
amounts or disclosures in the financial statements, for instance through the 
imposition of fines or litigation. We identified the following areas as those 
most likely to have such an effect: liquidity and certain aspects of company 
legislation recognising the nature of the Group’s activities. Auditing 
standards limit the required audit procedures to identify non-compliance 
with these laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and other 
management and inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if 
any. Therefore if a breach of operational regulations is not disclosed to us or 
evident from relevant correspondence, an audit will not detect that breach.

185

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT.
TO THE MEMBERS OF IP GROUP PLC

Context of the ability of the audit to detect fraud or breaches 
of law or regulation
Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable 
risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in 
the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and 
performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, 
the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the 
events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely 
the inherently limited procedures required by auditing standards would 
identify it. 

In addition, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-
detection of fraud, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional 
omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. Our 
audit procedures are designed to detect material misstatement. We are 
not responsible for preventing non-compliance or fraud and cannot be 
expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations.

7. We have nothing to report on the other information in 
the Annual Report
The directors are responsible for the other information presented in the 
Annual Report together with the financial statements. Our opinion on the 
financial statements does not cover the other information and, accordingly, 
we do not express an audit opinion or, except as explicitly stated below, any 
form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider 
whether, based on our financial statements audit work, the information 
therein is materially misstated or inconsistent with the financial statements 
or our audit knowledge. Based solely on that work we have not identified 
material misstatements in the other information.

Strategic report and Directors’ report 
Based solely on our work on the other information: 

•  we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report 

and the directors’ report; 

in our opinion the information given in those reports for the financial year 
is consistent with the financial statements; and 

in our opinion those reports have been prepared in accordance with the 
Companies Act 2006. 

• 

• 

186

Directors’ remuneration report 
In our opinion the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited 
has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006. 

Disclosures of emerging and principal risks and 
longer-term viability 
We are required to perform procedures to identify whether there is a 
material inconsistency between the directors’ disclosures in respect of 
emerging and principal risks and the viability statement, and the financial 
statements and our audit knowledge. 

Based on those procedures, we have nothing material to add or draw 
attention to in relation to: 

• 

• 

• 

the directors’ confirmation within the viability statement on page 98 
that they have carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and 
principal risks facing the Group, including those that would threaten its 
business model, future performance, solvency and liquidity; 

the Risk and internal controls disclosures on page 85 describing these 
risks and how emerging risks are identified, and explaining how they are 
being managed and mitigated; and 

the directors’ explanation in the viability statement of how they have 
assessed the prospects of the Group, over what period they have done 
so and why they considered that period to be appropriate, and their 
statement as to whether they have a reasonable expectation that 
the Group will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities 
as they fall due over the period of their assessment, including any 
related disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications 
or assumptions. 

We are also required to review the viability statement, set out on page 98 
under the Listing Rules. Based on the above procedures, we have concluded 
that the above disclosures are materially consistent with the financial 
statements and our audit knowledge.

Our work is limited to assessing these matters in the context of only the 
knowledge acquired during our financial statements audit. As we cannot 
predict all future events or conditions and as subsequent events may result 
in outcomes that are inconsistent with judgements that were reasonable 
at the time they were made, the absence of anything to report on these 
statements is not a guarantee as to the Group’s and Parent Company’s 
longer-term viability.

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT.
TO THE MEMBERS OF IP GROUP PLC

Corporate governance disclosures 
We are required to perform procedures to identify whether there is a 
material inconsistency between the directors’ corporate governance 
disclosures and the financial statements and our audit knowledge.

Based on those procedures, we have concluded that each of the 
following is materially consistent with the financial statements and our 
audit knowledge: 

• 

• 

• 

the directors’ statement that they consider that the annual report 
and financial statements taken as a whole is fair, balanced and 
understandable, and provides the information necessary for 
shareholders to assess the Group’s position and performance, business 
model and strategy; 

the section of the annual report describing the work of the Audit 
Committee, including the significant issues that the audit committee 
considered in relation to the financial statements, and how these issues 
were addressed; and

the section of the annual report that describes the review of 
the effectiveness of the Group’s risk management and internal 
control systems.

We are required to review the part of the Corporate Governance Statement 
relating to the Group’s compliance with the provisions of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code specified by the Listing Rules for our review. We have 
nothing to report in this respect.

8. We have nothing to report on the other matters on 
which we are required to report by exception 
Under the Companies Act 2006, we are required to report to you if, in our 
opinion: 

•  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Parent 

Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received 
from branches not visited by us; or 

• 

the Parent Company financial statements and the part of the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report to be audited are not in agreement with the 
accounting records and returns; or 

•  certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not 

made; or 

•  we have not received all the information and explanations we require for 

our audit. 

We have nothing to report in these respects. 

187

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.10. The purpose of our audit work and to whom we owe 
our responsibilities 
This report is made solely to the Group’s members, as a body, in 
accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and 
the terms of our engagement by the Group. Our audit work has been 
undertaken so that we might state to the Group’s members those matters 
we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report, and the further 
matters we are required to state to them in accordance with the terms 
agreed with the company, and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent 
permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone 
other than the Group and the Group’s members, as a body, for our audit 
work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. 

Jonathan Martin (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of KPMG LLP, Statutory Auditor 
Chartered Accountants 
15 Canada Square 
London, E14 5GL

7 March 2023

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT.
TO THE MEMBERS OF IP GROUP PLC

9. Respective responsibilities 

Directors’ responsibilities 
As explained more fully in their statement set out on pages 176 to 177, the 
directors are responsible for: the preparation of the financial statements 
including being satisfied that they give a true and fair view; such internal 
control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of 
financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether 
due to fraud or error; assessing the Group and Parent Company’s ability to 
continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to 
going concern; and using the going concern basis of accounting unless 
they either intend to liquidate the Group or the Parent Company or to cease 
operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Auditor’s responsibilities 
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the 
financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error, and to issue our opinion in an auditor’s report. 
Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but does not guarantee 
that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a 
material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or 
error and are considered material if, individually or in aggregate, they could 
reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken 
on the basis of the financial statements.

A fuller description of our responsibilities is provided on the FRC’s website at 
www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities.

The Group is required to include these financial statements in an annual 
financial report prepared using the single electronic reporting format 
specified in the TD ESEF Regulation. This auditor’s report provides no 
assurance over whether the annual financial report has been prepared in 
accordance with that format. 

188

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME.
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

Portfolio return and revenue

Change in fair value of equity and debt investments

(Loss)/gain on disposal of equity and debt investments

Change in fair value of LP interests

Loss on deconsolidation and disposal of subsidiary

Revenue from services and other income

Administrative expenses 

Carried interest plan charge

Share-based payment charge

Other administrative expenses

Operating (loss)/profit

Finance income 

Finance costs

(Loss)/profit before taxation

Taxation

(Loss)/profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income

Exchange differences on translating foreign operations

Total comprehensive (loss)/profit for the year

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent

Non-controlling interest

(Loss)/profit per share

Basic (p)

Diluted (p)

Note

13

15

14

22

4

24

23

8

7

10

11

11

2022
£m

(303.4)

(7.8)

2.1 

–

7.1 

2021
£m

The accompanying notes form an integral 
part of the financial statements.

415.9

81.5

1.8

(3.8)

13.6

(302.0)

508.9

(12.0)

(2.9)

(27.4)

(42.3)

(17.2)

(2.6)

(33.2)

(53.0)

(344.3)

456.0

2.2 

(1.4)

(343.5)

(1.0)

(344.5)

0.4

(1.8)

454.6

(5.3)

449.3

0.5

(344.0)

0.3

449.6

(341.5)

(2.5)

(344.0)

(33.01)

(33.01)

448.5

1.1

449.6

42.33

41.68

189

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION.
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2022

Registered number: 4204490

The accompanying notes form an integral 
part of the financial statements. The financial 
statements on pages 189 to 192 were approved by 
the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 
7 March 2023 and were signed on its behalf by:

Greg Smith
Chief Executive Officer

David Baynes
Chief Financial Officer

ASSETS

Non-current assets
Goodwill

Property, plant and equipment

Portfolio:

Equity investments

Debt investments

Limited and limited liability partnership interests

Receivable on sale of debt and equity investments

Total non-current assets

Current assets
Trade and other receivables

Receivable on sale of debt and equity investments

Deposits

Cash and cash equivalents

Total current assets

Total assets

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity attributable to owners of the parent

Called up share capital

Share premium account

Retained earnings

Total equity attributable to equity holders
Non-controlling interest

Total equity

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables

Borrowings

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Borrowings

Carried interest plan liability

Deferred tax liability

Loans from limited partners of consolidated funds

Revenue share liability

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

190

Note

13

13

14

15,17

16

15,17

3

3

21

18

19

19

24

10

19

20

2022
£m

0.4

0.4

2021
£m

0.4

0.3

1,120.8

1,391.8

38.1 

99.6 

6.9

22.8

92.9

31.3

1,266.2

1,539.5

8.8 

41.3 

152.8 

88.7 

291.6

1,557.8

21.3 

102.5 

1,257.9

1,381.7 

(5.6)

1,376.1 

16.9

6.3

23.2

75.1

44.1 

6.8 

19.5 

13.0 

158.5 

181.7 

1,557.8 

6.9

11.0

216.2

105.7

339.8

1,879.3

21.3

102.4

1,617.5

1,741.2

(3.1)

1,738.1

18.7

15.4

34.1

36.4

33.1

5.8

18.7

13.1

107.1

141.2

1,879.3

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS.
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

Operating activities
(Loss)/profit before taxation for the period
Adjusted for:
Change in fair value of equity and debt investments
Change in fair value of limited and limited liability partnership interests
Loss/(gain) on disposal of equity investments
Loss on deconsolidation of subsidiary
Depreciation of right of use asset, property, plant and equipment 
Long term incentive carry scheme charge
Corporate finance fees settled in the form of portfolio company equity
Finance income
Finance costs
Share-based payment charge
Changes in working capital
Carried interest scheme payments
(Increase) in trade and other receivables
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables 
Drawdowns from limited partners of consolidated funds
Other operating cash flows
Net interest received/(paid)
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities
Investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of equity and debt investments
Investment in limited and limited liability partnership funds
Distribution from limited partnership funds
Cash flow to deposits
Cash flow from deposits
Cash disposed via deconsolidation of subsidiary
Proceeds from sale of equity and debt investments
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from investing activities
Financing activities
Dividends paid
Repurchase of own shares – treasury shares
Lease principal payment
Repayment of EIB facility
Drawdown of loan facility (net of costs)
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

Note

2022
£m

2021
£m

The accompanying notes form an integral 
part of the financial statements.

(343.5)

454.6

13
14
15
22

24

23

24
16
18

13
14
14

22
15

28
21

19
19

303.4
(2.1)
7.8
–
0.6
12.0
(0.5)
(2.2)
1.4
2.9

(1.0)
(0.5)
(2.8)
0.8

0.2
(23.5)

(0.3)
(88.9)
(4.6)
–
(208.7)
272.1
–
28.1
(2.3)

(12.3)
(8.0)
(0.5)
(29.8)
59.4
8.8
(17.0)
105.7
–
88.7

(415.9)
(1.8)
(81.5)
3.8
1.6
17.2
(0.5)
(0.4)
1.8
2.6

(3.4)
(3.0)
8.8
27.7

(1.5)
10.0

(0.2)
(103.7)
(3.0)
0.5
(230.5)
156.9
(7.1)
213.4
26.3

(15.0)
(27.2)
(0.7)
(15.4)
–
(58.3)
(22.0)
127.6
0.1
105.7

191

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY.
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

Attributable to equity holders of the parent

At 1 January 2021

Profit for the year
Deconsolidation of subsidiary4
Issue of shares5
Purchase of treasury shares6

Equity-settled share-based payments
Ordinary dividends7
Currency translation8

Share 
capital 

21.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Share 
premium1
£m

Retained 
earnings2 
£m

101.6

–

–

0.8

–

–

–

–

1,208.5

448.2

0.9

–

(27.2)

2.6

(15.8)

0.3

Total 
£m

1,331.4

448.2

0.9

0.8

(27.2)

2.6

(15.8)

0.3

At 1 January 2022 

21.3

102.4

Loss for the year
Issue of shares5
Purchase of treasury shares6

Equity-settled share-based payments
Ordinary dividends7
Currency translation8

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.1

–

–

–

–

1,617.5

(342.0)

1,741.2

(342.0)

–

(8.0)

2.9 

(12.7)

(0.2)

0.1 

(8.0)

2.9 

(12.7)

(0.2)

Non-
controlling 
interest3
£m

0.5

1.1

(4.7)

–

–

–

–

–

(3.1)

(2.5)

–

–

–

–

–

At 31 December 2022 

21.3

102.5

1,257.9 

1,381.7 

(5.6)

1,376.1

192

Total 
equity
£m 

1,331.9

449.3

(3.8)

0.8

(27.2)

2.6

0.3

1,738.1

(344.5)

0.1 

(8.0)

2.9 

(12.7)

(0.2)

(15.8)

5 

1  Share premium – Amount subscribed for share 

capital in excess of nominal value, net of directly 
attributable issue costs.

2  Retained earnings – Cumulative net gains and 

losses recognised in the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income net of associated share-
based payments credits.

3  Non-controlling interest – Share of profits 

attributable to the Limited Partners of IP Venture 
Fund II LP.

4  Deconsolidation of subsidiary – during 

the financial year 2021 IPG Cayman LP was 
deconsolidated, resulting in the disposal of NCI 
and the recycling of £0.9m currency translation 
reserve through the Income Statement. See note 
22.
Issue of shares – Share premium in connection 
with the Interim Scrip Dividend, the Group has 
received valid elections from shareholders 
resulting in a requirement to issue new ordinary 
shares of 2p each (“New Shares”). 

6  Purchase of treasury shares – Reflects the issue of 
7,429,494 ordinary shares, with an aggregate value 
of £8.0m, these were purchased by the Company 
during the year and are held in treasury. Total 
value including costs was £8.0m. (2021: 22,279,127 
shares purchased for total value of £27.0m, total 
including costs of £27.2m). These shares were 
purchased for the £35m share buyback. This also 
includes movement in treasury shares related to 
DBSP and employee SAYE schemes. 

7  Ordinary dividends – Of the £12.7m dividends paid 
in 2022, £12.3m was settled in cash and £0.4m was 
settled via the issue of equity under the Group’s 
scrip programme (2021: £15.8m, £15.0m, £0.8m). 
485,569 new shares were issued in respect of the 
scrip dividend (2021: 679,553 shares issued).

8  Currency translation – Reflects currency 

translation differences on reserves non-GBP 
functional currency subsidiaries. Exchange 
differences on translating foreign operations are 
presented before tax.

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

1. Basis of preparation

A) Basis of preparation
The Annual Report and Accounts of IP Group plc (“IP Group” 
or the “Company”) and its subsidiary companies (together, 
the “Group”) are for the year ended 31 December 2022. The 
principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the 
financial statements are set out below. The policies have been 
consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise 
stated. The Group financial statements have been prepared 
and approved by the directors in accordance with international 
accounting standards in accordance with UK–adopted 
international accounting standards (“UK–adopted IFRS”).

The preparation of financial statements in compliance with IFRS 
requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also 
requires Group management to exercise judgement in the most 
appropriate selection of the Group’s accounting policies. The 
areas where significant judgements and estimates have been 
made in preparing the financial statements and their effect are 
disclosed in note 2.

Going concern
The financial statements are prepared on a going concern 
basis. The directors have completed a detailed financial forecast 
alongside severe but plausible scenario–based downside 
stress–testing, including the impact of declining portfolio values 
and a reduced ability to generate portfolio realisations. 

At the balance sheet date, the Group had cash and deposits 
of £241.5m, providing liquidity for at least two years’ operating 
expenses, portfolio investment and debt repayments at recent 
levels. Furthermore, the Group has a portfolio of investments 
valued at over £1.26bn, which is anticipated to provide further 
liquidity over the forecast period. Accordingly, our forecasting 
indicates that the Group has adequate resources to enable 
it to meet its obligations including its debt covenants and to 
continue in operational existence for at least the next twelve 
months from the approval date of the accounts. For further 
details see the Group’s viability statement on page 98.

Changes in accounting policies

(i) New standards, interpretations and amendments effective 
from 1 January 2022
No new standards, interpretations and amendments effective 
in the year have had a material effect on the Group’s financial 
statements.

(ii) New standards, interpretations and amendments not yet 
effective
No new standards, interpretations and amendments not yet 
effective are expected to have a material effect on the Group’s 
future financial statements.

(B) Basis of consolidation
IFRS 10 Investment Entity Exemption
IFRS 10 defines an investment entity as one which: 

a.  Obtains funds from one or more investors for the purpose 

of providing those investors with investment management 
services 

b.  Commits to its investors that its business purpose is to invest 
funds solely for returns from capital appreciation, investment 
income or both 

c.  Measures and evaluates the performance of substantially all 

of its investments on a fair value basis 

We believe that IP Group plc does not meet this definition of an 
investment entity with the key factors behind this conclusion 
being:

• 

• 

• 

the absence of specific exit strategies for early–stage assets 
(indicating condition (b) above is not satisfied)

the ability to hold investments indefinitely (indicating 
condition (b) above is not satisfied)

the flexibility to explore the direct commercialisation of 
intellectual property within the Group if that is determined 
to be the most attractive means of generating value for 
shareholders. (indicating condition (a) above is not satisfied)

193

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

1. Basis of preparation  continued
Accordingly, we have applied IFRS 10 consolidation principles for 
each group of entities as follows:

(i) Subsidiaries
Where the Group has control over an entity, it is classified as a 
subsidiary. Typically, the Group owns a non–controlling interest 
in its portfolio companies; however, in certain circumstances, 
the Group takes a controlling interest and hence categorises 
the portfolio company as a subsidiary. As per IFRS 10, an entity is 
classed as under the control of the Group when all three of the 
following elements are present: power over the entity; exposure 
to variable returns from the entity; and the ability of the Group to 
use its power to affect those variable returns. 

In situations where the Company has the practical ability to 
direct the relevant activities of the investee without holding the 
majority of the voting rights, it is considered that de facto control 
exists. In determining whether de facto control exists the Group 
considers the relevant facts and circumstances, including:

•  The size of the Company’s voting rights relative to both the 
size and dispersion of other parties who hold voting rights;

•  Substantive potential voting rights held by the Company and 

by other parties;

•  Other contractual arrangements; and

•  Historic patterns in voting attendance.

In assessing the IFRS 10 control criteria in respect of the Group’s 
private portfolio companies, direction of the relevant activities 
of the company is usually considered to be exercised by the 
company’s board, therefore the key control consideration is 
whether the Group currently has a majority of board seats on a 
given company’s board, or is able to obtain a majority of board 
seats via the exercise of its voting rights. Control is reassessed 
whenever facts and circumstances indicate that there may be a 
change in any of these elements of control.

The consolidated financial statements present the results of 
the Company and its subsidiaries as if they formed a single 
entity. Intercompany transactions and balances between Group 
companies are therefore eliminated in full. The consolidated 
financial statements incorporate the results of business 
combinations using the acquisition method. In the statement of 
financial position, the acquiree’s identifiable assets and liabilities 
are initially recognised at their fair values at the acquisition 
date. Contingent liabilities dependent on the disposed value 
of an associated investment are only recognised when the 
fair value is above the associated threshold. The results of 
acquired operations are included in the consolidated statement 
of comprehensive income from the date on which control is 
obtained. They are consolidated until the date on which control 
ceases.

(ii) Associates/portfolio companies
The majority of the Group’s portfolio companies are deemed to 
be Associates, as the Group has significant influence (generally 
accompanied by a shareholding of between 20% and 50% of 
the voting rights) but not control. A small number of the Group’s 
portfolio companies are controlled and hence consolidated, as 
per section (i) above.

As permitted under IAS 28, the Group elects to hold investments 
in Associates at fair value through profit and loss in accordance 
with IFRS 9. This treatment is specified by IAS 28 Investment in 
Associates and Joint Ventures, which permits investments held 
by a venture capital organisation or similar entity to be excluded 
from its measurement methodology requirements where those 
investments are designated, upon initial recognition, as at fair 
value through profit or loss and accounted for in accordance 
with IFRS 9 Financial Instruments. Therefore, no associates are 
presented on the consolidated statement of financial position.

Changes in fair value of associates are recognised in profit or 
loss in the period of the change. The Group has no interests in 
Associates through which it carries on its operating business.

194

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

1. Basis of preparation  continued
The disclosures required by Section 409 of the Companies Act 
2006 for associated undertakings are included in note 13 of the 
Company financial statements. Similarly, those investments 
which may not have qualified as an Associate but fall within the 
wider scope of significant holdings and so are subject to Section 
409 disclosure acts are also included in note 11 of the Company 
financial statements.

(iii) Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability 
Partnerships (“Limited Partnerships”)
a) Consolidated Limited Partnership fund holdings
The Group has a holding in the following Limited Partnership 
fund, which it determines that it controls and hence consolidates 
on a line by line basis:

Name

IP Venture Fund II LP (“IPVFII”)

Interest 
in Limited 
partnership
%

33.3

In order to determine whether the Group controls the above funds, 
it has considered the IFRS 10 control model and related application 
guidance. In respect of IPVFII, the Group has power via its role as 
fund manager of the partnership, and exposure to variable returns 
via its 33.3% ownership interest, resulting in the conclusion that the 
Group controls and hence consolidates the fund.

b) Other non-consolidated Limited Partnership fund holdings
In addition to Limited Partnerships where Group entities act 
as general partner and investment manager, the Group has 
interests in three further entities which are managed by third 
parties:

Name

IPG Cayman LP

UCL Technology Fund LP (“UCL Fund”)

Technikos LLP (“Technikos”)

Interest 
in Limited 
partnership
%

58.1

46.4

17.7

The rationale for IPG Cayman LP’s categorisation as a non-
consolidated fund is considered a significant accounting 
judgment and is set out in note 2.

The Group has a 46.4% interest in the total capital commitments 
of the UCL Fund. The Group has committed £24.8m to the fund 
alongside the European Investment Fund (“EIF”), University 
College London and other investors. Participation in the UCL Fund 
provides the Group with the opportunity to generate financial 
returns and visibility of potential intellectual property from 
across University College London’s research base. 

The Group has an 17.7% interest in the total capital commitments 
of Technikos, a fund with an exclusive pipeline agreement with 
Oxford University’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering.

At the beginning of 2021 the Group had an 8.3% interest in the 
total capital commitments of Apollo Therapeutics LLP (“Apollo”), a 
£40.0m venture between AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson 
& Johnson and the technology transfer offices of Imperial 
College London, University College London and the University 
of Cambridge. During the year, the portfolio of programmes 
developed by Apollo was restructured in a new portfolio 
company, Apollo Therapeutics Limited, concurrent with a $145m 
funding round. The Group now holds a 1.9% holding in the Apollo 
Therapeutics Group Limited, which was transferred into the 
equity investment portfolio.

See note 27 for disclosure of outstanding commitments in 
respect of Limited Partnerships.

iv) Other third party funds under management
In addition to the Limited Partnership fund IPVFII, described 
above, the Group also manages other third-party funds, 
including within its Parkwalk business unit, described in further 
detail in the portfolio review section on page 37, and on behalf 
of Australian superannuation fund Hostplus. In both cases, 
the Group has no direct beneficial interest in the assets being 
managed, and therefore its sole exposure to variable returns 
relates to performance fees payable on exits above a specified 
hurdle. As a result, the Group is not deemed to control these 
managed assets and they are not consolidated.

195

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

1. Basis of preparation  continued

v) Non–controlling interests
The total comprehensive income, assets and liabilities of non–
wholly owned entities are attributed to owners of the parent and 
to the non–controlling interests in proportion to their relative 
ownership interests. 

vi) Business combinations
The Group accounts for business combinations using the 
acquisition method from the date that control is transferred 
to the Group (see (i) Subsidiaries above). Both the identifiable 
net assets and the consideration transferred in the acquisition 
are measured at fair value at the date of acquisition and 
transaction costs are expensed as incurred. Goodwill arising 
on acquisitions is tested at least annually for impairment. In 
instances where the Group owns a non–controlling stake prior 
to acquisition the step acquisition method is applied, and any 
gain or losses on the fair value of the pre–acquisition holding 
is recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income.

c) Other accounting policies

Regulated capital
Top Technology Ventures Limited and Parkwalk Advisors Ltd, 
are Group subsidiaries which are subject to external capital 
requirements imposed by the Financial Conduct Authority 
(“FCA”) and as such must ensure that they have sufficient 
capital to satisfy these requirements. The Group ensures it 
remains compliant with these requirements as described in their 
respective financial statements.

Lease accounting 
For leases there is no longer a distinction between finance 
and operating leases as all leases are now recognised on the 
balance sheet. When a lease commences a lease liability is 
recognised that is equal to the present value of the minimum 
lease payments. A right-of-use asset is also recognised and is 
equal in value to the lease liability. This represents the right to 
use the leased asset for the full term of the lease.

Short term leases and low-value leases are exempt from 
recognition on the balance sheet and the payments are instead 
recognised on a straight-line basis in the income statement 
in the same way as they would have under IFRS17. Right-of-
use assets are depreciated over the total lease term. As the 
discounting is unwound, interest is charged in the income 
statement and increases the lease liabilities. When lease 
payments are made, the lease liabilities reduce. Therefore, both 
right of use assets and lease liabilities have nil value at the end 
of the lease. Lease payments are discounted using the interest 
rate implicit in the lease or the incremental borrowing rate where 
the interest rate implicit in the lease is not available.

Cash flow statement classification 
Cash flow relating to portfolio investments have been presented 
as investing cash flows as opposed to cash flows from operating 
activities. Management considers this to be an appropriate 
classification representing the fact that the relevant cashflows 
are allocated towards resources intended to generate future 
income and cash flows.

2. Significant accounting estimates and 
judgements
The directors make judgements and estimates concerning the 
future. Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and 
are based on historical experience and other factors, such as 
expectations of future events, and are believed to be reasonable 
under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these 
estimates. The estimates and assumptions which have the most 
significant effects on the carrying amounts of the assets and 
liabilities in the financial statements are discussed below.

(i) Valuation of unquoted equity and debt 
investments and limited participation interests 
(significant estimate)
The Group’s accounting policy in respect of the valuation of 
unquoted equity investments is set out in note 13, and in respect 
of limited participation interests in note 14. In applying this policy, 
the key areas over which judgement are exercised include:

196

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

2. Significant accounting estimates and 
judgements  continued
•  Consideration of whether a funding round is at arm’s length 

and therefore representative of fair value.

•  The relevance of the price of recent investment as an input 

to fair value, which typically becomes more subjective as the 
time elapsed between the recent investment date and the 
balance sheet date increases.

• 

In the case of companies with complex capital structures, 
the appropriate methodology for assigning value to different 
classes of equity based on their differing economic rights.

•  Where using valuation methods such as discounted cash 
flows or revenue multiples, the assumptions around inputs 
including the probability of achieving milestones and 
the discount rate used, and the choice of comparable 
companies used within revenue multiple analysis.

•  Where valuations are based on future events such as sales 
processes or future funding rounds, the appropriate level of 
execution risk to be applied to the anticipated event when 
assessing its valuation impact as at the balance sheet date.

•  Debt investments typically represent convertible debt; in such 
cases judgement is exercised in respect of the estimated 
equity value received on conversion of the loan.

Valuations are based on management’s judgement after 
consideration of the above and upon available information 
believed to be reliable, which may be affected by conditions 
in the financial markets. Due to the inherent uncertainty of 
the investment valuations, the estimated values may differ 
significantly from the values that would have been used had a 
ready market for the investments existed, and the differences 
could be material.

(ii) Application of IFRS 10 in respect of IPG Cayman LP 
and Istesso Limited (significant judgement)
Istesso Limited
In respect of Istesso Limited, although the Group has a 56.4% 
undiluted economic interest in the company, the Group holds 
a significant proportion of its equity via non–voting shares 

resulting in it holding less than 50% of the voting rights at the 
company. Under Istesso’s Articles of Association, strategic and 
day-to-day decisions over running of the business rest with 
the Board of Directors rather than through shareholder voting 
rights attached to direct ownership of equity interests held 
in the entity. In this respect, power over Istesso is exercised 
predominantly through directors’ meetings, on which IP Group 
is not deemed to have majority representation. As such, the 
relationship between Istesso and IP Group is designed in such 
a way that “shareholder” voting rights are not the dominant 
factor in deciding who directs the investee’s relevant activities, 
but it is the directors who do so. IP Group does not control the 
board of Istesso Limited via a majority of board directors, and is 
specifically prevented from appointing additional directors to 
gain control of the board via restrictions in Istesso’s Articles of 
Association. 

During the year, the Group provided a £10m convertible loan to 
Istesso Limited. The terms of the loan contain specific provisions 
preventing its conversion where this would result in IP Group 
obtaining control of Istesso. Based on an updated control 
assessment, including considerations around whether IP Group 
has ‘de facto’ control of Istesso including inter alia the number of 
voting shares held by the Group and its connected parties and 
the dispersion of other parties’ voting rights, we have concluded 
that the Group does not control Istesso Limited under IFRS 10

IPG Cayman LP
The Group’s US portfolio is held via a limited partnership fund, 
IPG Cayman LP, which was set up in 2018 to facilitate third 
party investment into this portfolio. The fund is managed by IP 
Group, Inc., formerly an operating subsidiary of the Group. Prior 
to 2021, the Group was judged to control both IPG Cayman LP 
and IP Group, Inc. under IFRS 10 and hence both entities were 
consolidated.

In 2021, several events took place which caused us to reassess 
the Group’s control of both entities:

• 

IPG Cayman LP raised additional third–party funds in the first 
half of 2021, which reduced the Group’s stake in the fund from 
80.7% to 58.1%.

197

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

2. Significant accounting estimates and 
judgements  continued
• 

Investors in the 2021 IPG Cayman LP funding round hold an 
option to subscribe additional funds which, if exercised, 
would result in IP Group holding less than 50% in the fund. 

• 

In November 2021 the Group disposed of its equity in IPG 
Cayman LP’s fund manager, IP Group, Inc. and hence no 
longer controls the fund manager.

As a result of these changes, our control assessment concluded 
that IPG Inc. is acting as an agent on behalf of all investors in 
the Cayman LP and not solely IPG plc, therefore the Group no 
longer controls IPG Cayman LP. The Group therefore ceased to 
consolidate it from November 2021. See note 22 for further details 
on the accounting impact of the deconsolidation. 

Arriving at this conclusion required the application of 
judgement, most significantly in assessing the application 
guidance contained in IFRS 10 B19 which suggests that in some 
instances a special relationship may exist (such as the fact that 
we remain the largest individual investor in the fund), implying 
that an investor has a more than passive interest in the investee. 
Having considered this guidance we conclude that on balance 
the Group does not have power over IPG Cayman LP and hence 
does not control it. 

There have been no significant changes in the facts and 
circumstances relating to control considerations in respect of 
IPG Cayman LP in 2022.

3. Financial risk management
As set out in the principal risks and uncertainties section on 
pages 89 to 97, the Group is exposed, through its normal 
operations, to a number of financial risks, the most significant of 
which are market, liquidity and credit risks. 

In general, risk management is carried out throughout the Group 
under policies approved by the Board of Directors. The following 
further describes the Group’s objectives, policies and processes 
for managing those risks and the methods used to measure 
them. Further quantitative information in respect of these risks is 
presented throughout these financial statements.

A) Market risk
Price risk
The Group is exposed to equity securities price risk as a result 
of the equity and debt investments, and investments in Limited 
Partnerships held by the Group and categorised as at fair value 
through profit or loss.

The Group mitigates this risk by having established investment 
appraisal processes and asset monitoring procedures which 
are subject to overall review by the Board. The Group has also 
established corporate finance and communications teams 
dedicated to supporting portfolio companies with fundraising 
activities and investor relations.

The Group holds 13 investments valued at £228.7m which are 
publicly traded (2021: 13, £662.7m), and the remainder of its 
investments are not traded on an active market.

The net portfolio loss in 2022 of £304.3m represents a 21.5% 
decrease against the opening balance (2021: gain of £497.4m, 
42.8%). The table below summarises the impact of a 1% increase/
decrease in the price of both quoted and unquoted investments 
on the Group’s post–tax profit for the year and on equity.

198

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

3. Financial risk management  continued

Equity and debt investments and investments in limited 
partnerships

2.3

10.4

12.7

6.6

8.4

15.0

2022

2021

Quoted
£m

Unquoted
£m

Total
£m

Quoted
£m

Unquoted
£m

Total
£m

the interest–bearing deposits and cash and cash equivalents 
held by the Group.

(iv) Concentrations of risk
The Group is exposed to concentration risk via the significant 
majority of the portfolio being UK–based companies and thus 
subject to the performance of the UK economy. In recent years, 
the Group has increased the scale of its operations in the US 
both via its holding in IPG Cayman LP and via the relocation 
of certain portfolio companies to the US. The group has also 
increased the scale of its operations in Australia via additional 
investment in this geography.

The Group mitigates this risk, in co–ordination with liquidity risk, 
by managing its proportion of fixed to floating rate financial 
assets. The table on page 200 summarises the interest rate 
profile of the Group.

(ii) Foreign exchange risk
The Groups’ main exposure to foreign currency risk is via its 
investment portfolio, which is partially denominated in US dollars, 
Australian dollars, Euros and Swedish Krona. Further details of 
currency exposure in the portfolio are given in notes 13 and 14.

Additionally, the Group’s assets include deferred consideration 
relating to US dollar denominated proceeds totalling £35.5m 
(2021: £28.2m), with the largest element relating to proceeds of 
£28.8m receivable in the first half of 2023 relating to the disposal 
of WaveOptics. 

The Group has entered into forward foreign exchange contracts 
to mitigate risk of exchange rate exposure to an element of 
these proceeds. As at 31 December 2022 the notional amount of 
the forward foreign exchange contracts held by the Company 
was $26.3 million (2021: nil). The settlement date of these is 
30 June 2023. The fair value of these contracts at the balance 
sheet date was £0.1m. 

(iii) Interest rate risk
The Group holds a debt facility with the European Investment 
Bank and a loan note facility primarily with Phoenix Group with 
the overall balance as at 31 December 2022 amounting to 
£81.9m (excluding setup costs). These loans are all subject to 
fixed rate interest (following the repayment of variable rate loans 
in the year) being subject to an average fixed rate interest of 
4.65% (2021: 3.1%).

For further details of the Group’s loans including covenant 
details see note 19.

The other primary impact of interest rate risk to the Group is the 
impact on the income and operating cash flows as a result of 

199

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

3. Financial risk management  continued

2022

2021

Fixed 
rate
£m

Floating 
rate
£m

Interest 
free
£m

Total
£m

Fixed 
rate
£m

Floating 
rate
£m

Interest 
free
£m

Financial assets

Equity investments

Debt investments

Limited and limited liability 
partnership interests

Trade receivables

Other receivables

Receivable on sale of debt and 
equity investments

Deposits

Cash and cash equivalents

Financial liabilities

Trade payables

Other accruals and deferred 
income

Borrowings

Carried interest plan liability

Deferred tax liability

Loans from Limited Partners of 
consolidated funds

Revenue share liability

–

–

–

–

–

–

152.8

–

152.8

–

–

(81.4)

–

–

–

–

(81.4)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

88.7

88.7

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,120.8 

1,120.8 

38.1 

38.1 

99.6 

2.1

6.7 

48.2

–

–

99.6 

2.1

6.7 

48.2

152.8

88.7

1,315.5

1,557.0

(1.3)

(1.3)

(15.6)

–

(44.1)

(6.8)

(19.5)

(13.0)

(100.3)

(15.6)

(81.4)

(44.1)

(6.8)

(19.5)

(13.0)

(181.7)

–

–

–

–

–

–

216.2

–

216.2

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

105.7

105.7

–

–

(40.8)

(11.0)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(40.8)

(11.0)

Total
£m

1,391.8

22.8

92.9

1.7

5.2

42.3

216.2

105.7

1,391.8

22.8

92.9

1.7

5.2

42.3

–

–

1,556.7

1,878.5

(0.6)

(0.6)

(18.1)

–

(33.1)

(5.8)

(18.7)

(13.1)

(89.4)

(18.1)

(51.8)

(33.1)

 (5.8)

(18.7)

(13.1)

(141.2)

At 31 December 2022, if interest rates had been 1% higher/lower, post-tax loss for the year, and other components of equity, would 
have been £2.0m (2021: £1.4m) higher/lower as a result of higher interest received on floating rate cash deposits.

B) Liquidity risk
The Group seeks to manage liquidity risk, to ensure sufficient liquidity is available to meet foreseeable needs and to invest cash 
assets safely and profitably. The Group’s treasury management policy asserts that at any one point in time no more than 60% 
of the Group’s cash and cash equivalents will be placed in fixed-term deposits with a holding period greater than three months. 
Accordingly, the Group only invests working capital in short-term instruments issued by reputable counterparties. The Group 
continually monitors rolling cash flow forecasts to ensure sufficient cash is available for anticipated cash requirements.

200

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

3. Financial risk management  continued

C) Credit risk
The Group’s credit risk is primarily attributable to its deposits, cash and cash equivalents, debt investments and trade receivables. 
The Group seeks to mitigate its credit risk on cash and cash equivalents by making short-term deposits with counterparties, or 
by investing in treasury funds with an “AA” credit rating or above managed by institutions. Short-term deposit counterparties are 
required to have most recently reported total assets in excess of £5bn and, where applicable, a prime short-term credit rating at 
the time of investment (ratings are generally determined by Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s). Moody’s prime credit ratings of “P1”, “P2” 
and “P3” indicate respectively that the rating agency considers the counterparty to have a “superior”, “strong” or “acceptable” ability 
to repay short-term debt obligations (generally defined as having an original maturity not exceeding 13 months). An analysis of the 
Group’s deposits and cash and cash equivalents balance analysed by credit rating as at the reporting date is shown in the table 
opposite. All other financial assets are unrated.

Credit rating

P1
AAAMMF1
Other2

Total deposits and cash and cash equivalents

2022
£m

177.4

54.6

9.5

241.5

2021
£m

292.3

20.2

9.4

321.9

1  The Group holds £54.6m (2021: £20.2m) with JP Morgan GBP liquidity fund, which has a AAAMMF credit rating with Fitch.
2  The Group holds £9.5m (2021 £9.4m) with Arbuthnot Latham, a private bank with no debt in issue and, accordingly, on which a credit rating is not applicable. 

Bloomberg assess Arbuthnot Latham’s 1-year default probability at 0.2107% (2021: 0.1401%).

The Group has no significant concentration of credit risk, with exposure spread over a large number of counterparties and 
customers. The Group has detailed policies and strategies which seek to minimise these associated risks including defining 
maximum counterparty exposure limits for term deposits based on their perceived financial strength at the commencement of the 
deposit. The maximum single counterparty limit for fixed term deposits in excess of 3 months at 31 December 2022 was the greater of 
60% of total group cash or £50.0m (2021: 60%, £50.0m). In addition, no single institution may hold more than the higher of 50% of total 
cash or £80m. (2021: 50%, £75m).

The group’s exposure to credit risk on debt investments is managed in a similar way to equity investment price risk, as described 
above, through the Group’s investment appraisal processes and asset monitoring procedures which are subject to overall review by 
the Board. The maximum exposure to credit risk for debt investments, receivables and other financial assets is represented by their 
carrying amount. 

201

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

4. Revenue from services

Accounting Policy:
Revenue from services is generated primarily from within the United Kingdom and is stated exclusive of value added tax, with 
further revenue generated in the Group’s Australian operations. Revenue is recognised when the Group satisfies its performance 
obligations, in line with IFRS 15. Revenue breakdown and disclosure requirements under IFRS 15 have not been presented as they 
are considered immaterial. Revenue from services and other income comprises:

Fund management services
Fund management fees include fiduciary fund management fees which are generally earned as a fixed percentage of total 
funds under management and are recognised as the related services are provided and performance fees payable from 
realisation of agreed returns to investors which are recognised as performance criterion are met.

Licence and royalty income
The Group’s IP licences typically constitute separate performance obligations, being separate from other promised goods or 
services. Revenue is recognised in line with the performance obligations included in the licence, which can include sales-based, 
usage-based or milestone-based royalties.

Advisory and corporate finance fees
Fees earned from the provision of business support services including IP Exec services and fees for IP Group representation on 
portfolio company boards are recognised as the related services are provided. Corporate finance advisory fees are generally 
earned as a fixed percentage of total funds raised and recognised at the time the related transaction is successfully concluded. 
In some instances, these fees are settled via the issue of equity in the company receiving the corporate finance services at the 
same price per share as equity issued as part of the financing round to which the advisory fees apply.

Revenue from services is derived from the provision of advisory and venture capital fund management services or from licensing 
activities, royalty revenues and patent cost recoveries.

5. Operating segments
For both the year ended 31 December 2022 and the year ended 31 December 2021, the Group’s revenue and profit before taxation 
were derived largely from its principal activities within the UK.

For management reporting purposes, the Group is currently organised into five operating segments:

i.  Venture Capital investing within our Life Sciences thematic area

ii.  Venture Capital investing within our Deeptech thematic area

iii.  Venture Capital investing within our Cleantech thematic area

iv.  Venture Capital investing: Other, representing investments not included within our three thematic areas above, including platform 

investments, and our US and Australian investments

v.  the management of third party funds and the provision of corporate finance advice

202

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

5. Operating segments  continued
Following the implementation of the group’s revised strategy, and the decision to formalise the split of the Group’s investment 
activities into three thematic areas (Life Sciences, Deeptech and Cleantech), the Directors have concluded that it is no longer 
appropriate to aggregate the Group’s venture capital investing activities into a single operating segment and have accordingly 
presented the three thematic areas as separate segments. Reporting line items within Venture Capital investing which are not 
allocated by thematic sector are presented in the ‘Venture Capital investing: other’ segment.

These activities are described in further detail in the strategic report on pages 23 to 37.

Year ended 31 December 2022

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Portfolio return and revenue

Change in fair value of equity and debt 
investments

(Loss)/gain on disposal of equity and debt 
investments

Change in fair value of limited and limited 
liability partnership interests

Loss on disposal of subsidiary

Revenue from services and other income

1

Administrative expenses
Carried interest plan charge1
Share-based payment charge1
Other administrative expenses1

Operating loss
Finance income1
Finance costs1

Loss before taxation
Taxation1

Loss for the year

Venture 
capital 
investing: 
Life 
Sciences
£m

Of which 
Oxford 
Nanopore
£m

Venture 
capital 
investing: 
Deeptech
£m

Venture 
capital 
investing: 
Cleantech
£m

Venture 
capital 
investing: 
Other
£m

Third party 
fund 
management
£m

Consolidated
£m

(399.4)

(369.7)

(21.0)

114.6 

(12.1)

–

–

–

4.0 

–

–

–

(411.5)

(369.7)

(17.0)

114.6 

2.4 

0.3 

2.1 

–

1.1 

5.9 

(12.0)

(2.6)

(22.1)

(36.7)

(334.7)

2.1 

(1.4)

(344.0)

(1.0)

(344.0)

–

–

–

–

6.0 

6.0 

–

(0.3)

(5.3)

(5.6)

0.4 

0.1 

–

0.5 

–

0.5 

(303.4)

(7.8)

2.1 

–

7.1 

(302.0)

(12.0)

(2.9)

(27.4)

(42.3)

(344.3)

2.2 

(1.4)

(343.5)

(1.0)

(344.5)

203

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

5. Operating segments  continued

Year ended 31 December 2022

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

Assets
Liabilities1
Net Assets

Other segment items

Purchase of debt & equity investments

Realisations

Year ended 31 December 2021

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Portfolio return and revenue

Change in fair value of equity and debt 
investments

Gain on disposal of equity investments 

Change in fair value of limited and limited 
liability partnership interests

Venture 
capital 
investing: 
Life 
Sciences
£m

Of which 
Oxford 
Nanopore
£m

Venture 
capital 
investing: 
Deeptech
£m

Venture 
capital 
investing: 
Cleantech
£m

Venture 
capital 
investing: 
Other
£m

Third party 
fund 
management
£m

Consolidated
£m

613.8 

205.5 

230.5 

243.8 

451.9 

(176.0)

1,364.0 

(38.9)

15.6 

(3.2)

–

(20.4)

8.7 

(22.3)

3.5 

(7.3)

0.3 

17.8 

(5.7)

12.1 

–

–

1,557.8 

(181.7)

1,376.1 

(88.9)

28.1 

Venture 
capital 
investing: 
Life 
Sciences
£m

Of which 
Oxford 
Nanopore
£m

Venture 
capital 
investing: 
Deeptech
£m

Venture 
capital 
investing: 
Cleantech
£m

Venture 
capital 
investing: 
Other
£m

Third party 
fund 
management
£m

Consolidated
£m

319.9 

55.4 

284.8 

12.3 

47.0 

25.4 

30.4 

0.5 

Loss on deconsolidation of subsidiary

–

–

–

–

Revenue from services and other income

375.3 

297.1 

72.4 

30.9 

Administrative expenses1
Carried interest plan charge1
Share-based payment charge1
Other administrative expenses1

Operating profit
Finance income1
Finance costs1
Profit before taxation
Taxation1
Profit for the year

204

18.6 

0.2 

1.8 

(3.8)

5.7 

22.5 

(17.2)

(2.5)

(28.7)

(48.4)

452.7

0.4 

(1.8)

451.3

(5.3)

446.0

–

–

–

–

7.9 

7.9 

–

(0.1)

(4.5)

(4.6)

3.3 

– 

–

3.3 

–

3.3 

415.9 

81.5 

1.8 

(3.8)

13.6 

509.0 

(17.2)

(2.6)

(33.2)

(53.0)

456.0 

0.4 

(1.8)

454.6 

(5.3)

449.3 

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

5. Operating segments  continued

Year ended 31 December 2021

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

Assets
Liabilities1

Net Assets

Other segment items

Purchase of debt & equity investments

Realisations

Venture 
capital 
investing: 
Life 
Sciences
£m

Of which 
Oxford 
Nanopore
£m

Venture 
capital 
investing: 
Deeptech
£m

Venture 
capital 
investing: 
Cleantech
£m

Venture 
capital 
investing: 
Other
£m

Third party 
fund 
management
£m

Consolidated
£m

1,005.1 

572.0 

250.3 

100.9 

(52.2)

167.7 

(18.7)

84.1 

(6.7)

41.7 

(11.9)

2.8 

505.8 

(137.4)

1,724.7 

(32.9)

1.2 

1  These amounts cannot be apportioned to the individual segments of the venture capital investing business.

6. Auditor’s remuneration
Details of the auditor’s remuneration are set out below:

Audit fees in respect of Group and subsidiaries, audited by KPMG LLP

Interim review fee, for review performed by Group auditor KPMG LLP

Audit fees in respect of Funds, audited by KPMG LLP

Audit fees in respect of subsidiary companies, audited by Moore Northern Home Counties Limited

Total assurance services

All other services performed by Group auditor KPMG LLP

Total non–assurance services performed by Group auditor KPMG LLP

17.2 

(3.8)

13.4 

–

–

2022
£000

578.9

60.0

15.0

68.7

722.6

–

–

1,879.3 

(141.2)

1,738.1 

(103.7)

213.4 

20211
£000

398.3

55.0

108.1

62.0

623.4

5.0

5.0

1  The 2021 audit fee in respect of IPG Cayman LP included within Audit fees in respect of Funds above was pro-rated to reflects its de-consolidation in November 2021.

205

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

7. Operating (loss)/profit
Operating (loss)/profit has been arrived at after charging:

Depreciation of right of use asset, property, plant and equipment

Employee costs (see note 9)

Loss on disposal or deconsolidation of subsidiary (see note 22)

8. Other administrative expenses
Other administrative expenses comprise:

Employee costs (less share-based payment charge) 

Professional services

Consolidated portfolio company costs

Depreciation of tangible assets

Other expenses

2022
£000

(0.6)

(20.0)

–

2022
£000

17.1

4.0

0.1

0.6

5.6

27.4

2021
£000

(1.6)

(22.5)

(3.8)

2021
£000

19.9

5.5

0.1

1.6

6.1

33.2

206

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

9. Employee costs

Accounting Policy
Employee benefits

Pension obligations
The Group operates a company defined contribution pension scheme for which all employees are eligible. The assets of 
the scheme are held separately from those of the Group in independently administered funds. The Group currently makes 
contributions on behalf of employees to this scheme or to employee personal pension schemes on an individual basis. 
The Group has no further payment obligations once the contributions have been paid. The contributions are recognised as 
employee benefit expenses when they are due.

Share–based payments
The Group engages in equity-settled share-based payment transactions in respect of services receivable from employees, 
by granting employees conditional awards of ordinary shares subject to certain vesting conditions. Conditional awards of 
shares are made pursuant to the Group’s Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) awards and/or the Group’s Annual Incentive Scheme 
(“AIS”). The fair value of the shares is estimated at the date of grant, taking into account the terms and conditions of the award, 
including market-based performance conditions.

The fair value at the date of grant is recognised as an expense over the period that the employee provides services, generally the 
period between the start of the performance period and the vesting date of the shares. The corresponding credit is recognised 
in retained earnings within total equity. The fair value of services is calculated using the market value on the date of award and is 
adjusted for expected and actual levels of vesting. Where conditional awards of shares lapse, the expense recognised to date is 
credited to the statement of comprehensive income in the year in which they lapse. Where the terms for an equity-settled award 
are modified, and the modification increases the total fair value of the share-based payment or is otherwise beneficial to the 
employee at the date of modification, the incremental fair value is amortised over the vesting period.

See the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 140 to 162 and note 22 for further details.

Employee costs (including Executive Directors) comprise: 

Salaries

Defined contribution pension cost

Share–based payment charge (see note 23)

Other bonuses accrued in the year

Social security

Total staff costs

2022
£000

11.6

1.0

2.9

3.0

1.5

20.0

2021
£000

12.6

1.0

2.6

4.8

1.4

22.4

The average monthly number of persons (including executive directors) employed by the Group during the year was 99, all of whom 
were involved in management and administration activities (2021: 104). Details of the directors’ remuneration can be found in the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 140 to 162.

207

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

10. Taxation

Accounting Policy:
Deferred tax
Full provision is made for deferred tax on all temporary differences resulting from the carrying value of an asset or liability and its 
tax base. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting 
date and are expected to apply when the related deferred tax asset is realised or deferred tax liability settled. Deferred tax assets 
are recognised to the extent that it is probable that the deferred tax asset will be recovered in the future.

Current tax

UK corporation tax on profits for the year

Foreign tax

Deferred tax

Total tax

2022
£000

2021
£000

–

–

–

1.0

1.0

–

0.1

0.1

5.2

5.3

The Group primarily seeks to generate capital gains from its holdings in spin-out companies over the longer-term. The majority of 
these capital gains qualify for UK Substantial Shareholding Exemption (“SSE”) and are therefore not taxable, resulting in the Group 
making annual net operating losses from its operations from a UK tax perspective. 

Gains arising on sales of holdings which do not qualify for SSE will ordinarily give rise to taxable profits for the Group, to the extent that 
these exceed the Group’s ability to offset gains against current and brought forward tax losses (subject to the relevant restrictions on 
the use of brought–forward losses). In such cases, a deferred tax liability is recognised in respect of estimated tax amount payable.

208

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

10. Taxation  continued
The amount for the year can be reconciled to the profit per the statement of comprehensive income as follows:

(Loss)/profit before tax

Tax at the UK corporation tax rate of 19% (2021: 19%)

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

Income not taxable

Prior year adjustment on deferred tax

Non–taxable income on deconsolidation of subsidiaries 

Fair value movement on investments qualifying for SSE

Movement on share–based payments

Movement in tax losses arising not recognised

Rate change on deferred tax

Total tax charge

2022
£000

(343.5)

(65.3)

2.3

1.5

0.4

–

2021
£000

454.6

86.4

3.3

(15.4)

0.1

0.1

58.4

(79.0)

0.4

2.9

0.4

1.0

0.4

8.0

1.4

5.3

At 31 December 2022, deductible temporary differences and unused tax losses, for which no deferred tax asset has been recognised, 
totalled £278.7m (2021: £264.4m). An analysis is shown below:

Accelerated capital allowances

Share–based payment costs and other temporary differences

Unused tax losses

2022

2021

Amount
£m

(0.5)

(15.5)

(262.7)

(278.7)

Deferred 
tax
£m

(0.1)

(3.9)

(65.7)

(69.7)

Amount
£m

(0.2)

(25.8)

(238.4)

(264.4)

Deferred 
tax
£m

(0.1)

(6.4)

(59.6)

(66.1)

At 31 December 2022, deductible temporary differences and unused tax losses, for which a deferred tax asset/(liability) has been 
recognised, totalled £27.3m (2021: £23.7m). An analysis is shown below:

Temporary timing differences

Unused tax losses

2022

2021

Amount
£m

79.7

(52.4)

27.3 

Deferred 
tax
£m

19.9 

(13.1)

6.8 

Amount
£m

78.4

(54.7)

23.7

Deferred 
tax
£m

19.5

(13.7)

5.8

209

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

11. Earnings per share

Earnings

Earnings for the purposes of basic and dilutive earnings per share

Number of shares

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes of basic  
earnings per share

Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares:

Options or contingently issuable shares 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes of diluted  
earnings per share

Basic 

Diluted

2022
£m

2021
£m

(341.5)

448.5

2022
Number of 
shares

2021
Number of 
shares

1,034,483,278 

1,059,547,189

–

16,431,907

1,034,483,278 

1,075,979,096

2022
pence

(33.01)

(33.01)

2021
pence

42.33

41.68

No adjustment has been made to the basic loss per share in the year ended 31 December 2022, as the exercise of share options 
would have the effect of reducing the loss per ordinary share, and therefore is not dilutive.

Potentially dilutive ordinary shares include contingently issuable shares arising under the Group’s LTIP arrangements, and options 
issued as part of the Group’s Sharesave schemes and Deferred Bonus Share Plan (for annual bonuses deferred under the terms of 
the Group’s Annual Incentive Scheme).

210

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

12. Categorisation of financial instruments

Accounting policy:
Financial assets and liabilities 
Financial assets and liabilities are recognised in the balance sheet when 
the relevant Group entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions 
of the instrument. De–recognition occurs when rights to cash flows from a 
financial asset expire, or when a liability is extinguished.

Derivative financial instruments are accounted for at fair value through 
profit and loss in accordance with IFRS 9. They are revalued at the 
balance sheet date based on market prices, with any change in fair 
value being recorded in profit and loss. Derivatives are recognised in the 
Consolidated statement of financial position as a financial asset when 
their fair value is positive and as a financial liability whey their fair value is 
negative. The Group’s derivative financial instruments are not designated 
as hedging instruments.

Financial assets
In respect of regular way purchases or sales, the Group uses trade date 
accounting to recognise or derecognise financial assets.

The Group classifies its financial assets into one of the categories listed 
below, depending on the purpose for which the asset was acquired.

At fair value through profit or loss
Held for trading and financial assets are recognised at fair value 
through profit and loss. This category includes equity investments, 
debt investments and investments in limited partnerships. Investments 
in associated undertakings, which are held by the Group with a view 
to the ultimate realisation of capital gains, are also categorised as at 
fair value through profit or loss. This measurement basis is consistent 
with the fact that the Group’s performance in respect of investments in 
equity investments, limited partnerships and associated undertakings 
is evaluated on a fair value basis in accordance with an established 
investment strategy. 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are initially recognised 
at fair value and any gains or losses arising from subsequent 
changes in fair value are presented in profit or loss in the statement of 
comprehensive income in the period which they arise.

At amortised cost
These assets are non–derivative financial assets with fixed and 
determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. They 
arise principally through the provision of services to customers (trade 
receivables) and are carried at cost less provision for impairment.

Deposits
Deposits comprise longer–term deposits held with financial institutions 
with an original maturity of greater than three months and, in line with IAS 
7 are not included within cash and cash equivalents. Cash flows related 
to amounts held on deposit are presented within investing activities in the 
consolidated statement of cash flows.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand and short–term 
deposits held with financial institutions with an original maturity of three 
months or less.

Financial liabilities
Current financial liabilities are composed of trade payables and other 
short–term monetary liabilities, which are recognised at amortised cost.

Non–current liabilities are composed of loans from Limited Partners of 
consolidated funds, outstanding amounts drawn down from a debt 
facility provided by the European Investment Bank, loan notes provided 
by Phoenix Group, carried interest plans liabilities, and revenue share 
liabilities arising as a result of the Group’s former Technology Pipeline 
Agreement with University College London.

Unless otherwise indicated, the carrying amounts of the Group’s financial 
liabilities are a reasonable approximation to their fair value. Non–current 
liabilities are recognised initially at fair value net of transaction costs 
incurred, and subsequently at amortised cost.

211

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

12. Categorisation of financial instruments  continued

Financial assets

At 31 December 2022

Equity investments

Debt investments

Limited and limited liability partnership interests 

Trade and other receivables

Receivables on sale of debt and equity investments

Deposits

Cash and cash equivalents

At 31 December 2022

At 31 December 2021

Equity investments

Debt investments

Limited and limited liability partnership interests 

Trade and other receivables

Receivables on sale of debt and equity investments

Deposits

Cash and cash equivalents

At 31 December 2021

At fair  
value 
through 
profit or loss
£m

Amortised 
cost
£m

1,120.8 

38.1 

99.6 

–

48.2 

–

–

1,306.7

1,391.8

22.8

92.9

–

42.3

–

–

1,549.8

–

–

–

8.8 

–

152.8 

88.7 

250.3 

–

–

–

6.9

–

216.2

105.7

328.8

Total
£m

1,120.8 

38.1 

99.6 

8.8 

48.2 

152.8 

88.7 

1,557.0

1,391.8

22.8

92.9

6.9

42.3

216.2

105.7

1,878.6

In light of the credit ratings applicable to the Group’s cash and cash equivalent and deposits, (see note 3 for further details), we 
estimate expected credit losses on the Group’s receivables to be under £0.1m and therefore not disclosed further (2021: less than 
£0.1m), similarly we have not presented an analysis of credit ratings of trade and other receivable and receivables on sale of debt 
and equity investments.

All net fair value gains in the year are attributable to financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss on initial 
recognition (2021: all net fair value gains in the year are attributable to financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss 
on initial recognition).

Interest income of £nil (2021: £nil) is attributable to financial assets classified as fair value through profit and loss.

212

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

13. Portfolio: Equity and debt investments

Accounting policy:
Fair value hierarchy
The Group classifies financial assets using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the related fair value 
measurements. The level in the fair value hierarchy, within which a financial asset is classified, is determined on the basis of the lowest level input that is 
significant to that asset’s fair value measurement. The fair value hierarchy has the following levels:

Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets.
Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable, such as prices from market transactions. 
Level 3 – One or more inputs that are not based on observable market data.

Equity investments
Fair value is the underlying principle and is defined as “the price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between market 
participants at the measurement date” (IPEV guidelines, December 2022). 

Where the equity structure of a portfolio company involves different class rights in a sale or liquidity event, the Group takes these different rights into 
account when forming a view on the value of its investment.

Valuation techniques used
The fair value of unlisted securities is established using appropriate valuation techniques in line with December 2022 IPEV guidelines. The selection 
of appropriate valuation techniques is considered on an individual basis in light of the nature, facts and circumstances of the investment and in the 
expected view of market participants. The Group selects valuation techniques which make maximum use of market–based inputs. Techniques are 
applied consistently from period to period, except where a change would result in better estimates of fair value. Several valuation techniques may be 
used so that the results of one technique may be used as a cross check/corroboration of an alternative technique.

Valuation techniques used include:

•  Quoted bid price: The fair values of quoted investments are based on bid prices in an active market at the reporting date.

•  Recent financing: The fair value of unquoted investments which have recently raised equity financing may be calculated with reference to the price of 

the recent investment. For investments for which the capital structure involves different class rights in a sale or liquidity event, a full scenario analysis via 
the use of the probability–weighted expected return method (PWERM) is used to calculate the implied values of the existing share classes.

•  Other: Future market/commercial events: Scenario analysis is used, which is a forward–looking method that considers one or more possible future 
scenarios. These methods include simplified scenario analysis and relative value scenario analysis, which tie to the fully diluted (“post–money”) 
equity value. The PWERM method may be utilised for this valuation technique for investments which have an equity structure which involves different 
class rights in a sale or liquidity event.

•  Other: Adjusted recent financing price based on past performance: The milestone approach involves making an assessment as to whether there 
is an indication of change in fair value based on a consideration of the relevant milestones, typically agreed at the time of making the investment 
decision.

•  Other: Discounted cash flows: deriving the value of a business by calculating the present value of expected future cash flows.

•  Other: Revenue multiple: the application of an appropriate multiple to a performance measure (such as earnings or revenue) of the investee 

company in order to derive a value for the business.

213

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

13. Portfolio: Equity and debt investments  continued

The fair value indicated by a recent transaction is used to calibrate inputs used with valuation techniques including those noted on page 213. At each 
measurement date, an assessment is made as to whether changes or events subsequent to the relevant transaction would imply a change in the 
investment’s fair value. The Price of a Recent Investment is not considered a standalone valuation technique (see further considerations below). Where 
the current fair value of an investment is unchanged from the price of a recent financing, the Group refers to the valuation basis as ‘Recent Financing’.

Price of recent investment as an input in assessing fair value
The Group considers that fair value estimates which are based primarily on observable market data will be of greater reliability than those based on 
assumptions. Given the nature of the Group’s investments in seed, start–up and early–stage companies, where there are often no current and no short–
term future earnings or positive cash flows, it can be difficult to gauge the probability and financial impact of the success or failure of development or 
research activities and to make reliable cash flow forecasts. Consequently, in many cases the most appropriate approach to fair value is a valuation 
technique which is based on market data such as the price of a recent investment, and market participant assumptions as to potential outcomes.

Calibrating such scenarios or milestones may result in a fair value equal to price of recent investment for a limited period of time. Often qualitative 
milestones provide a directional indication of the movement of fair value. 

In applying a calibrated scenario or milestone-approach to determine fair value, consideration is given to performance against milestones that were 
set at the time of the original investment decision, as well as taking into consideration the key market drivers of the investee company and the overall 
economic environment. Factors that the Group considers include, inter alia, technical measures such as product development phases and patent 
approvals, financial measures such as cash burn rate and profitability expectations, and market and sales measures such as testing phases, product 
launches and market introduction. 

Where the Group considers that there is an indication that the fair value has changed, an estimation is made of the required amount of any adjustment 
from the last price of recent investment. 

Where a deterioration in value has occurred, the Group reduces the carrying value of the investment to reflect the estimated decrease. If there is 
evidence of value creation the Group may consider increasing the carrying value of the investment; however, in the absence of additional financing 
rounds or profit generation it can be difficult to determine the value that a market participant may place on positive developments given the potential 
outcome and the costs and risks to achieving that outcome and accordingly caution is applied.

Debt investments
Debt investments are generally unquoted debt instruments which are convertible to equity at a future point in time. Such instruments are considered 
to be hybrid instruments containing a fixed rate debt host contract with an embedded equity derivative. The Group designates the entire hybrid 
contract at fair value through profit or loss on initial recognition and, accordingly, the embedded derivative is not separated from the host contract and 
accounted for separately. The price at which the debt investment was made may be a reliable indicator of fair value at that date depending on facts 
and circumstances. Any subsequent remeasurement will be recognised as changes in fair value in the statement of comprehensive income.

Disclosure of unrealised and realised gains and losses
‘Change in fair value of equity and debt investments’ per the Group Income Statement represents unrealised revaluation gains and losses on the 
Group’s portfolio of investment. 

Gains on disposal of equity investments represents the difference between the fair value of consideration received and the carrying value at the start of 
the accounting period for the investment in question.

Changes in fair values of investments do not constitute revenue

214

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

13. Portfolio: Equity and debt investments  continued

Top 20 Equity and Debt Investments by holding value 
The following table lists information on the 20 most valuable portfolio company investments, which represent 71% of the total portfolio 
value (2021: 75%). Detail on the performance of these companies is included in the Life Sciences, Deeptech and Cleantech portfolio 
reviews.

The Group engages third-party valuation specialists to provide valuation support where required; during the period we 
commissioned third-party valuations on nine out of the top 20 holdings (2021: three).

Company name

Oxford Nanopore Technologies plc

First Light Fusion Limited

Istesso Limited

Oxbotica Limited

Featurespace Limited

Hinge Health, Inc.

Ultraleap Holdings Limited

Garrison Technology Limited

Ieso Digital Health Limited

Akamis Bio Limited

Bramble Energy Limited

Oxford Science Enterprises plc

Crescendo Biologics Limited

Hysata Pty Ltd

Artios Pharma Limited

Mission Therapeutics Limited

Nexeon Limited

Salt Pay Co. Limited

Microbiotica Limited

Oxular Limited

Total

Primary valuation basis

Quoted bid price

*Adjusted funding

*DCF

Recent financing (< 12 months)

*Revenue multiple

*Adjusted funding

*Adjusted funding

*Future market/commercial events

Recent financing (> 12 months)

*Adjusted funding

Recent financing (< 12 months)

Recent financing (< 12 months)

Recent financing (< 12 months)

Recent financing (< 12 months)

Recent financing (> 12 months)

*Recent financing (> 12 months)

Recent financing (< 12 months)

*Adjusted funding

Recent financing (< 12 months)

Recent financing (> 12 months)

Fair value 
of Group 
holding at 
31 Dec 2022
£m

205.5

114.5

95.6

65.9

64.1

53.6

37.9

27.7

21.8

21.3

20.9

20.6

18.7

18.7

18.3

18.1

16.6

16.5

16.1

15.9

888.3

*  Third-party valuation specialists used for 31 December 2022 valuation. In these instances, the valuation basis is management’s assessment of the primary valuation 

input used by the third-party valuation specialist.

215

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

13. Portfolio: Equity and debt investments  continued

Level 1

Level 3

Equity 
investments 
in quoted 
spin–out 
companies
£m

Unquoted 
equity 
investments 
in spin–out 
companies
£m

Debt 
investments 
in unquoted 
spin–out 
companies
£m

At 1 January 2022

Investments during the year

Transaction–based reclassifications during the year

Other transfers between hierarchy levels during the year

Disposals during period

Fees settled via equity
Change in revenue share1
Change in fair value in the year2
Change in FX2

At 31 December 2022

At 1 January 2021

Investments during the year

Transaction–based reclassifications during the year

Deconsolidation of United States portfolio

Transfers from investment in Limited Partnership funds

Other transfers between hierarchy levels during the year

Disposals during period

Fees settled via equity
Change in revenue share1
Change in fair value in the year2
Change in FX2

At 31 December 2021

662.7 

7.3 

–

–

729.1 

61.4 

8.4

–

(27.5)

(14.2)

–

–

(416.0)

2.2

228.7 

83.4

4.8

–

–

–

383.2

(80.8)

–

–

270.3

1.8

662.7 

0.5 

– 

93.6

13.3

892.1 

1,040.6

89.7

23.8

(109.4)

3.5

(383.2)

(76.7)

0.5

0.1

137.1

3.1

729.1 

Total 
£m

1,414.6 

88.9 

–

–

(41.7)

0.5 

–

(319.3)

15.9

1,158.9

1,162.7

103.7

–

(112.7)

3.5

–

22.8 

20.2 

(8.4)

–

–

–

–

3.1

0.4

38.1 

38.7

9.2

(23.8)

(3.3)

–

–

(1.6)

(159.1)

–

–

3.7

(0.1)

22.8 

0.5

0.1

411.1

4.8

1,414.6 

1  For description of revenue share arrangement see description in note 19.
2  The total unrealised change in fair value and FX in respect of Level 3 investments was a gain of £110.4m (2021: gain of £143.8m).

Unquoted equity and debt investment are measured in accordance with IPEV guidelines with reference to the most appropriate 
information available at the time of measurement. Where relevant, several valuation approaches are used in arriving at an estimate 
of fair value for an individual asset. 

216

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

13. Portfolio: Equity and debt investments  continued
For assets and liabilities that are recognised at fair value on a recurring basis, the Group determines whether transfers have 
occurred between levels in the hierarchy by re–assessing categorisation (based on the lowest level input that is significant to the 
fair value measurement as a whole) at the end of each reporting period. Transfers between levels are then made as if the transfer 
took place on the first day of the period in question, except in the cases of transfers between tiers based on an initial public offering 
(“IPO”) of an investment wherein the changes in value prior to the IPO are calculated and reported in level 3, and those changes post 
are attributed to level 1.

Transfers between level 3 and level 1 occur when a previously unquoted investment undertakes an initial public offering, resulting 
in its equity becoming quoted on an active market. In the current period, transfers of this nature amounted to £nil (2021: £383.2m). 
Transfers between level 1 and level 3 would occur when a quoted investment’s market becomes inactive, or the portfolio company 
elects to delist. There have been no instances in the current year (2021: no such instances).

Transfers between level 3 debt and level 3 equity occur upon conversion of convertible debt into equity. In the current period, 
transfers of this nature amounted to £8.4m (2021: £23.8m).

The Group has considered the impact of ESG and climate change issues on its portfolio, including performing a materiality 
assessment (see TCFD disclosures on page 72) which suggested the Group’s portfolio has a relatively low level of climate change 
risk, and clear areas of opportunity via the Group’s Cleantech investments. To view the portfolio split by sector, please refer to the 
portfolio analysis by sector on page 24. We believe our current valuation approach, based largely on quoted valuations, and recent 
financing transactions, reflects market participant assessment of the ESG and climate risks and opportunities of our portfolio.

Valuation inputs and sensitivities
Unobservable inputs are typically portfolio company-specific and, based on a materiality assessment, are not considered 
significant either at an individual company level or in aggregate where relevant for common factors such as discount rates.

The sensitivity analysis table on page 218 has been prepared in recognition of the fact that some of the valuation methodologies 
applied by the Group in valuing the portfolio investments involve subjectivity in their significant unobservable inputs. The table 
illustrates the sensitivity of the valuations to these inputs. The inputs of investments valued using techniques which involve significant 
subjectivity have been flexed by +/- 10%.

217

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

13. Portfolio: Equity and debt investments  continued

Valuation Technique Fair value of 
investments

Variable inputs

Variable 
input 
sensitivity

Positive impact

Negative impact Fair value of 
investments

Quoted

Recent financing  
<12 months

Recent financing  
>12 months

Other: Future market/
commercial events

Other: Adjusted recent 
financing  
price based on past 
performance*

Other: Revenue 
multiple*

2022
£m

228.7 n/a

289.8 n/a

117.8 n/a

%

£m % of NAV

£m % of NAV

+/–10

+/–10

+/–10

22.9

29.0

11.8

4.1

1.7

2.1

0.9

0.3

(22.9)

(29.0)

(1.7)

(2.1)

2021
£m

662.7

388.6

(11.8)

(0.9)

71.6

(4.1)

(0.3)

39.5

40.7 • 

Estimated impact of future event

+/–10

• 

Execution risk discount applied to 
future event (where positive)

•  Scenario probabilities

•  Discount rates

• 

Extent to which future event 
is indicative of facts and 
circumstances in existence at the 
balance sheet date

306.3 •  Company-specific milestone 

+/–10

30.6

2.2

(30.6)

(2.2)

147.4

analysis

77.9 • 

Estimate of future recurring 
revenues

•  Selection of comparable 

companies

+/–10

7.8

0.6

(7.8)

(0.6)

19.2

Other: DCF*

97.7 •  Discount rate

+/–10

9.8

0.7

(9.8)

(0.7)

85.6

•  Clinical trial and drug approval 

success rates

• 

Estimate of value and structure 
of a potential pharmaceutical 
partnership

• 

Estimate of addressable market

•  Market share and royalty rates

• 

Probability estimation of liquidity 
event

Total

1,158.9

116.0

8.4

(116.0)

(8.4)

1,414.6

*  Due to the large number of inputs used in the valuation of these assets, unobservable inputs are below a size threshold that would warrant disclosure under IFRS 13, 

paragraph 93(d). Due to the large number of inputs, any range of reasonably possible alternative assumptions does not significantly impact the fair value and hence 
no valuation sensitivity is required under IFRS 13 paragraph 93(h)(ii).

218

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

13. Portfolio: Equity and debt investments  continued
Within the ‘Other: DCF’ category on page 218 is Istesso Limited, whose equity is valued at £80.8m as at 31 December 2022 (2021: 
£80.8m). Our estimated range for the value of the Group’s equity investment in Istesso based on this DCF model as at 31 December 
2022 is £65.0m to £105.0m (2021: £66.3m to £106.0m).

Within the ‘Adjusted valuation’ category on page 218 is First Light Fusion Limited, whose equity is valued at £114.5m as at 31 December 
2022 (2021: £57.3m). The valuation of this company involves an assessment against comparable companies and involves certain key 
assumptions around their comparability and First Light’s assumed maturity value. Our estimated range for the value of the Group’s 
equity investment in First Light Fusion based on this model as at 31 December 2022 is £92.5m to £185.8m (2021: The company was 
valued based on a recent financing price).

In addition to Istesso Limited and First Light Fusion Limited, eight other assets were reviewed by external valuers. The aggregate of the 
range of valuations they concluded upon for these assets was £234.7m-£286.5m, and we have selected points within these ranges 
which in aggregate total £246.7m.

Change in fair value in the year

Fair value gains

Fair value losses

2022
£m

183.3

(486.7)

(303.4)

2021
£m

479.0

(63.1)

415.9

The Company’s interests in subsidiary undertakings are listed in note 10 to the Company’s financial statements.

Currency risk
Exposure to currency risk through asset allocation, which is calculated by reference to the currency in which the asset or liability is 
quoted, is shown below.

At 31 December 2022

US dollar

Australian dollar

Euro

Swedish Krona

Total

Investments 
£m

Sensitivity 
 +/- 1% 
£m

102.2 

49.6 

3.0 

1.5 

156.3 

1.0

0.5

–

–

1.5

219

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

13. Portfolio: Equity and debt investments  continued

At 31 December 2021

US dollar

Australian dollar

Euro

Total

Investments 
£m

Sensitivity  
+/- 1% 
 £m

139.0 

26.6 

–

165.6 

1.4

0.3

–

1.7

14. Portfolio: Limited and limited liability partnership interests

Accounting Policy: 
Valuations in respect of Limited and Limited Liability Funds are based on IP Group’s share of the Net Asset Value of the fund as per 
the audited financial statements prepared by the fund manager. The key judgements in the preparation of these accounts relate 
to the valuation of unquoted investments. 

Investments in these Limited and Limited Liability Partnerships are recognised at fair value through profit and loss in accordance 
with IFRS 9.

‘Changes in fair value of Limited Partnership investments’ per the Group Income Statement represents revaluation gains and 
losses on the Group’s investment in Limited Partnership funds. 

Fund interests are valued on a net asset basis, estimated based on the managers’ NAVs. Manager’s NAVs apply valuation techniques 
consistent with IFRS and are subject to audit (received in arrears of the publication of the Group’s results hence marked as unaudited 
in the table below). Managers’ NAVs are usually published quarterly, two to four months after the quarter end. The below table 
analyses the fund valuations with reference to manager NAV dates used at 31 December.

Limited & Limited Liability Partnerships 

IPG Cayman Fund L.P.

UCL Technology Fund L.P.

Technikos LLP

Total

Functional 
currency

Status

USD Unaudited & 
Adjusted

GBP

GBP

Unaudited

Unaudited

2022 
£m

80.0

16.9

2.7

99.6

2021 
£m

72.6

17.7

2.6

92.9

We reviewed the underlying valuation methodologies adopted by our Fund managers for all Fund investments of material value. 
In the Cayman Fund L.P. this includes two investments in which the Group also holds direct shareholdings outside the fund: MOBILion, 
Inc. and Carisma Therapeutics, Inc.

220

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

14. Portfolio: Limited and limited liability partnership interests  continued

Following our review of valuation methodologies we were satisfied that the techniques utilised were appropriate, other than in one 
instance where our own valuation estimates resulted in a lower valuation. We have therefore adjusted the value of the Group’s NAV in 
the IPG Cayman Fund L.P. to reflect this revised valuation, and bring it in line with the valuation applied to the Group’s direct interest in 
the company.

Limited & Limited Liability Partnerships movements in year

At 1 January 2022

Investments during the year

Distribution from Limited Partnership funds

Change in fair value during the year

Currency revaluation

At 31 December 2022

At 1 January 2021

Investments during the year

Distribution from Limited Partnership funds

Transfer to equity investments

Recognition of interest in IPG Cayman LP following deconsolidation (see notes 3 and 22) 

Change in fair value during the year

At 31 December 2021

£m

92.9

4.6

–

8.5

(6.4)

99.6

22.2

3.0

(0.5)

(3.5)

69.7

1.8

92.9

The Group considers interests in limited and limited liability partnerships to be level 3 in the fair value hierarchy throughout the 
current and previous financial years. 

If the assumptions used in the valuation techniques for the Group’s holding in each company are varied by using a range of possible 
alternatives, there is no material difference to the carrying value of the respective spin–out company. The effect on the consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income for the period is also not expected to be material.

221

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

15. (Loss)/gain on disposal of equity investments

Disposal proceeds

Movement in amounts receivable on sale of debt and equity investments 

Carrying value of investments

(Loss)/profit on disposal

2022
£m

28.1 

5.8 

(41.7)

(7.8)

2021
£m

213.4

27.2

(159.1)

81.5

(Loss)/profit on disposal of investments is calculated as disposal proceeds plus deferred and contingent consideration receivable in 
respect of the sale, less the carrying value of the investment at the point of disposal. 

The subsequent receipt of deferred and contingent consideration amounts is reflected in the above table as a positive amount of 
disposal proceeds and a negative movement in amounts receivable on sale of debt and equity investments, resulting in no overall 
movement in profit on disposal.

16. Trade and other receivables

Current assets

Trade debtors

Prepayments

Right of use asset

Other receivables

Trade and other receivables

2022
£m

2.1 

0.8 

0.7

5.2 

8.8 

2021
£m

1.7

0.4

1.2

3.6

6.9

The directors consider the carrying amount of trade and other receivables to approximate their fair value. All receivables are interest 
free, repayable on demand and unsecured.

222

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

17. Receivable on sale of debt and equity investments

Accounting Policy:
Consideration in respect of the sale of debt and equity investments may include elements of deferred consideration where 
payment is received at a pre–agreed future date, and/or elements of contingent consideration where payment is received 
based on, for example, achievement of specific drug development milestones. In such instances, these amounts are designated 
at fair value through profit and loss on initial recognition. Any subsequent remeasurement will be recognised as changes in fair 
value in the statement of comprehensive income.

Deferred and contingent consideration (non–current)

Deferred and contingent consideration (current)

Total deferred and contingent consideration

The following table summarises the primary valuation basis used to value the deferred consideration:

Investment

WaveOptics Limited

Primary Valuation Basis

Discounted sale amount

Enterprise Therapeutics Holdings Limited

Probability-weighted DFC model

Athenex, Inc.

Reinfer Limited

Perpetuum Limited

Total

Probability-weighted DFC model

Discounted sale amount

Discounted sale amount

2022
£m

6.9 

41.3 

48.2 

2022
£m

28.8

12.5

5.6

1.1

0.2

48.2

2021
£m

31.3

11.0

42.3

2021
£m

23.9

14.0

4.2

–

0.2

42.3

223

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

18. Trade and other payables

Current liabilities

Trade payables

Social security expenses

Bonus accrual

Lease liability

Payable to Imperial College and other third parties under revenue share obligations (see note 20)

Other accruals and deferred income

Trade and other payables

19. Borrowings and Loans from Limited Partners of consolidated funds

Current liabilities

Borrowings

Total

Non–current liabilities

Loans drawn down from the Limited Partners of consolidated funds

Borrowings

Total

Loans drawn down from the Limited Partners of consolidated funds

2022
£m

1.3 

0.6 

2.8 

0.9 

7.1 

4.2 

16.9 

2022
£m

6.3

6.3

2022
£m

19.5

75.1

94.6

2021
£m

0.5

1.0

3.3

1.3

8.4

4.2

18.7

2021
£m

15.4

15.4

2021
£m

18.7

36.4

55.1

Accounting Policy:
The Group consolidates the assets of a co–investment fund, IP Venture Fund II LP, which it manages. Loans from third parties of 
consolidated funds represent third–party LP loans into this partnership. Under the terms of the Limited Partnership Agreement, 
these loans are repayable only upon these funds generating sufficient realisations to repay the Limited Partners. Management 
anticipates that the funds will generate the required returns and consequently recognises the full associated liabilities. 

The classification of these loans as non–current reflects the forecast timing of returns and subsequent repayment of loans, which is 
not anticipated to occur within one year.

As at 31 December, loans from Limited Partners of consolidated funds comprised loans into IP Venture Fund II LP £19.5m (2021: £18.7m).

224

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

19. Borrowings and Loans from Limited Partners of consolidated funds  continued

Borrowings

Accounting Policy:
Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently carried at 
amortised cost; any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognised in the 
consolidated statement of comprehensive income over the period of the borrowing using the effective interest rate method. 
Costs incurred in the course of issuing additional debt are recognised on the balance sheet and charged to the income 
statement on a straight line basis over the term of the borrowings.

The Group has expanded its debt facilities in the year with the addition of an agreed borrowing primarily from Phoenix group to an 
existing loan from the European Investment Bank which it has used to fund our portfolio of businesses. The terms of the facilities are 
summarised below:

Description

EIB Facility 

IP Group Series A Notes

IP Group Series B Notes

IP Group Series C Notes

Total

Initial 
amount

Outstanding 
amount

£50.0m

£20.0m

£20.0m

£20.0m

£110.0m

£21.9m

£20.0m

£20.0m

£20.0m

£81.9m

Date drawn Interest rate

Feb 2017

Fixed 3.026%

Dec 2022

Fixed 5.230%

Dec 2022

Fixed 5.210%

Dec 2022

Fixed 5.300%

Repayment 
terms

Repayment 
commencement 
date

8 years

5 years

6 years

7 years

Jul 2018

Dec 2027

Dec 2028

Dec 2029 

Loans totalling £81.9m (2021: £40.8m) are subject to fixed interest rates and are recognised at amortised cost. The fair value of these 
loans as at 31 December 2022 is £76.9m (2021: £43.0m).

In December 2022, the Group issued the first Tranche of £60m of a £120m loan Note Purchase Agreement (“NPA”). The Group has a 
further £60m committed borrowing that will be issued in June 2023. The NPA contains the following covenants:

•  Total equity must be at least £500m as at the Group’s 30 June and 31 December reporting dates

•  Gross debt less restricted cash must not exceed 25% of total equity as at the Group’s 30 June and 31 December reporting dates

•  The Group must maintain cash and cash equivalents of not less than £25m at any time

Breach of any of the above covenants constitutes default under the NPA.

The NPA also includes the concept of a ‘Cash Trap’, which is triggered based on conditions listed on page 226. In the event of the 
Cash Trap being triggered, the Group is not permitted to pay or declare a dividend, or purchase any of its shares. In addition, 
investments are restricted to £2.5m per calendar quarter other than those legally committed to. The Group is also required to place 
the net proceeds of all realisations (over a threshold of £1m) into a blocked bank account. Entering a Cash Trap does not constitute a 
default under the NPA.

225

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

19. Borrowings and Loans from Limited Partners of consolidated funds  continued
A Cash Trap period is entered if any of the following conditions are breached.

•  Total equity must be at least £750m as at the Group’s 30 June and 31 December reporting dates

•  Gross debt less restricted cash must not exceed 20% of total equity as at the Group’s 30 June and 31 December reporting dates

•  The Group must maintain cash and cash equivalents of not less than £50m at any time.

A cash trap period can be remedied by:

•  Transferring sufficient cash into the restricted cash account so that gross debt less restricted cash exceeds 20% of total equity

• 

• 

If because of low equity of high leverage, once these are restored at a subsequent 30 June or 31 December measurement date

If because of low liquidity, once two month-ends have passed with liquidity > £50m

The EIB loan contains a debt covenant requiring that the ratio of the total fair value of IP Group investments plus cash and qualifying 
liquidity to debt should at no time fall below 6:1. The Group must maintain that the amount of unencumbered funds freely available 
to the Group set with reference to the outstanding EIB facility which was £21.9m at December 2022 (2021 £39.9m). The loan also 
stipulates that on any date, the aggregate of all amounts scheduled for payment to the EIB in the following six months should be kept 
in a separate bank account, which totalled £3.5m on 31 December 2022 (2021: £9.4m) The Group is required to maintain a minimum 
cash balance of £13.1m (2001: £30m).

The Group closely monitors that the covenants are adhered to on an ongoing basis and has complied with these covenants 
throughout the year. The Group will continue to monitor the covenants’ position against forecasts and budgets to ensure that it 
operates within the prescribed limits.

The 2022 NPA includes fixed and floating charges over the Company’s assets, details of which are available on Companies House. 

The maturity profile of the borrowings including undiscounted cash flows and fixed interest was as follows:

Due within 6 months

Due 6 to 12 months

Due 1 to 5 years

Due after 5 years

1

Total

226

2022
£m

4.8

4.8

48.4

43.1

101.1

2021
£m

8.3

8.2

38.5

–

55.0

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS. 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

19. Borrowings and Loans from Limited Partners of consolidated funds  continued
The maturity profile of the borrowings was as follows:

Due within 6 months

Due 6 to 12 months

Due 1 to 5 years

Due after 5 years

1

Total

2022
£m

3.1

3.2

35.6

40.0

81.9

2021
£m

7.7

7.7

36.4

–

51.8

1  These are gross amounts repayable and exclude amortised costs of £0.5m (2021: £nil) incurred on obtaining the Phoenix loans, these are amortised on a straight line 

basis over the life of the borrowings.

A reconciliation in the movement in borrowings is as follows:

At 1 January

Amortisation of costs

Capitalised loan costs

Repayment of debt 

New borrowings

At 31 December

There were no non–cash movements in debt.

2022
£m

51.8

–

(0.6)

(29.8)

60.0

81.4

2021
£m

67.3

(0.1)

–

(15.4)

–

51.8

227

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

20. Revenue share liability

Accounting Policy:
The Group provides for liabilities in respect of revenue sharing obligations arising under the former Technology Pipeline 
Agreement with Imperial College London. Under this agreement, the Group received founder equity in spin out companies 
from Imperial College, and following a sale of such founder equity, a pre–specified “revenue share” (typically 50%) is payable 
to Imperial College and other third parties. The liability for this revenue share, based on fair value, is recognised as part of the 
movement in fair value through profit or loss (see note 13 for further details).

Current liabilities: revenue share liability (note 18)

Non–current liabilities: revenue share liability (note 13)

Revenue share liability

2022
£m

7.1 

13.0 

20.1

2021
£m

8.4

13.1

21.5

Prior to 2018, the Group operated the Technology Transfer Office of Imperial College, under a contract referred to as the Technology 
Pipeline Agreement (“TPA”). Under the terms of this TPA, the Group owns licences, patents and equity in spin–out companies 
generated through IP commercialised from Imperial College but is subject to various revenue–sharing arrangements whereby 
income generated from this IP is shared with Imperial College (and other third parties where they have provided funding to research 
which is subsequently commercialised). These are categorised into short-term and long-term liabilities as follows:

Short-term liabilities: Revenue share arrangement 
These represent a share of invoiced revenue in respect of licences and patents governed by the TPA, and a share of proceeds from 
the disposal of equity where a disposal of equity which is subject to revenue share (see further details below) has taken place. The 
maturity date on such liabilities is typically less than six months.

Long-term liabilities: Revenue share arrangement 
Under the Group’s former Technology Pipeline Agreement with Imperial College London, the Group received founder equity in spin 
out companies from Imperial College. Following any sale of such founder equity stakes, a pre–specified revenue share (typically 
50%) is payable to Imperial College and other third parties. As at 31 December 2022, £13.0m of our equity investment were payable 
to Imperial College and other third parties on their disposal under these arrangements (i.e. 50% of a gross investment amount 
of approximately £26m) (2021: £13.1m). A corresponding non–current liability is recognised in respect of these revenue sharing 
obligations based on the fair value of the related assets. There is no fixed maturity on the liability as its value is crystalised on sale of 
the linked portfolio equity investment.

228

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

21. Share capital

Accounting policy:
Financial instruments issued by the Group are treated as equity if the holders have only a residual interest in the Group’s assets 
after deducting all liabilities. The objective of the Group is to manage capital so as to provide shareholders with above-average 
returns through capital growth over the medium to long–term. The Group considers its capital to comprise its share capital, share 
premium, merger reserve and retained earnings.

Issued and fully paid:

Ordinary shares of 2p each

At 1 January

Issued in respect of scrip dividend

Share capital at 31 December

Existing treasury shares at 1 January

Purchase of treasury shares

Transfer of shares in respect of scrip dividend

Shares transferred out of treasury for SAYE

Settlement of employee share-based payments

Outstanding at 31 December

2022

2021

Number

£m

Number

1,063,033,287

21.3

1,062,353,734

154,718

–

679,553

1,063,188,005

21.3

1,063,033,287

(22,279,127)

(7,429,494)

330,851 

497,249 

770,148 

(0.4)

(0.1)

–

–

–

–

(22,279,127)

(0.4)

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,035,077,632

20.8

1,040,754,160

20.9

£m

21.3

–

21.3

–

The Company has one class of ordinary shares with a par value of 2p (“Ordinary Shares”) which carry equal voting rights, equal rights 
to income and distributions of assets on liquidation, or otherwise, and no right to fixed income.

During 2022, the Company purchased 7,429,494 ordinary shares, with an aggregate value of £8.0m, and they are held in treasury. 
Retained profits have been reduced by £7.9m, being the net consideration paid for these shares, including the expenses directly 
relating to the treasury share purchase.

229

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

22. Deconsolidation and disposal of subsidiaries
In November 2021 the Group sold the subsidiary IP Group Inc. to the local management team for nil consideration. The net assets on 
disposal were £0.8m, of which £0.6m was cash. The transaction gave rise to a £0.8m loss on disposal. No shares were retained in IP 
Group inc. 

Total loss on deconsolidation/disposal:

Deconsolidation of IPG Cayman LP

IPG Cayman LP

Total income statement amount

2022
£m

–

–

–

2021
£m

(3.0)

(0.8)

(3.8)

In 2021, the Group determined that it no longer controlled IPG Cayman LP. The rationale for IPG Cayman LP’s re–categorisation as a 
non–consolidated fund is set out in note 2. The impact of this change is to de–recognise the underlying assets and liabilities of IPG 
Cayman LP from November 2021, and instead recognise the Group’s 58.1% share in the fund, with the following impact on the financial 
statements:

IPG Cayman LP net assets de–recognised

Equity investments

Debt investments

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Non–controlling interest

Trade and other payables

Loans from limited partners of consolidated funds

Net assets de–recognised

Amounts recognised: Limited liability partnership interest as at 30 November 2022 (see note 24)

Loss on deconsolidation:

2022
£m

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2021
£m

109.4

3.3

0.2

6.6

(4.7)

(0.6)

(41.5)

72.7

69.7

(3.0)

230

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

23. Share–based payments
In 2022, the Group continued to incentivise employees through its LTIP and AIS. Both are described in more detail in the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report on pages 140 to 162.

Deferred bonus share plan (“DBSP”)
Awards made to employees under the Group’s AIS above a certain threshold include 50% deferred into IP Group equity through the 
grant of nil–cost options under the Group’s DBSP. The number of nil–cost options granted under the Group’s DBSP is determined by 
the share price at the vesting date. The DBSP options are subject to further time–based vesting over two years (typically 50% after 
year one and 50% after year two).

An analysis of movements in the DBSP options outstanding is as follows:

At 1 January

AIS deferral shares award during the year 

Exercised during the year 

Forfeit during the year

At 31 December

Exercisable at 31 December

Weighted-
average 
exercise 
price
2022

–

–

–

–

–

–

Weighted-
average 
 exercise 
price
2021

–

–

–

–

–

–

Number of 
options 
2021

743,489

975,254

(407,128)

–

1,311,615

10,699

Number of 
options
2022

1,311,615

2,066,174

(821,107)

–

2,556,682

2,881

770,148 shares were transferred from treasury in respect of DBSP scheme during the year, comprising 760,933 DBSP options exercised 
on 25th April 2022 and a further 9,215 shares added to reflect scrip dividends issued since the original DBSP award. A further 60,174 
shares were exercised in December 2022. 

The options outstanding at 31 December 2022 had an exercise price of £nil (2021: £nil) and a weighted–average remaining 
contractual life of 0.6 years (2021: 0.6 years).

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for share options exercised in 2022 was 84.4p (2021: 121.3p).

As the 2022 AIS financial performance targets were met and as the number of DBSP options to be granted in order to defer such 
elements of the AIS payments as are required under our remuneration policy are based on a percentage of employees’ salary, the 
share–based payments line includes the associated share–based payments expense incurred in 2022.

IP Group Restricted Share Plan (“RSP”)
As set out in the Remuneration Policy approved by shareholders in 2022, a Restricted Share Plan was introduced in 2022 to replace 
the previous LTIP structure. Vesting of these awards will take place over a three-year period commencing on 1 April 2023. Any RSP 
awards that vest will be subject to a further two-year holding period. Vesting will be subject to a financial underpin based on NAV 
growth over the vesting period. For 2022 awards, the financial underpin has been set such that NAV per share on the vesting date 
must be no lower than 100% of NAV per share on the award date, after making appropriate adjustments for dividends, buy-backs and 
any other distributions. Further information on the Group’s RSP is set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 140 to 162.

231

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

23. Share–based payments  continued
The 2022 RSP awards were made on 28 June 2022. The awards will ordinarily vest on 31 March 2025, to the extent that the 
performance conditions have been met. 

The movement in the number of shares conditionally awarded under the RSP is set out below:

At 1 January

Lapsed during the year

Forfeited during the year

Notionally awarded during the year

At 31 December

Exercisable at 31 December

Weighted-
average 
exercise 
price
2022

Weighted-
average 
 exercise 
price
2021

Number of 
options
2021

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Number of 
options
2022

–

–

(74,235)

3,532,744

3,458,509

–

The options outstanding at 31 December 2022 had an exercise price in the range of £nil and a weighted–average remaining 
contractual life of 4.2 years.

The fair value of the RSP shares notionally awarded in 2022 was calculated using the Finnerty pricing model with the following key 
assumptions:

IP Group share price as of valuation date

Exercise price

Indicated Discount for Lack of Marketability

Adjusted probability assigned for performance conditions

Fair value at grant date

2022

£0.558

£nil

14.7%

20.0%

£0.21

2021

£1.254

£nil

n/a

n/a

£0.35

Pre 2022 IP Group Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) 
Awards under the LTIP take the form of conditional awards of ordinary shares of 2p each in the Group which vest over the prescribed 
performance period to the extent that performance conditions have been met. The Remuneration Committee imposes objective 
conditions on the vesting of awards and these take into consideration the guidance of the Group’s institutional investors from time to 
time. Further information on the Group’s LTIP is set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 140 to 162.

232

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

23. Share–based payments  continued
The 2021 LTIP awards were made on 6 May 2021. The awards will ordinarily vest on 31 March 2024, to the extent that the performance 
conditions have been met. The awards are based on the performance of the Group’s NAV and Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”). Both 
performance measures are combined into a matrix format to most appropriately measure performance relative to the business, as 
shown in the Directors’ Remuneration Report within the Group’s 2021 Annual Report and Accounts. The total award is subject to an 
underpin based on the relative performance of the Group’s TSR to that of the FTSE 250 index, which can reduce the awards by up to 
50%. The 2020 LTIP matrix is designed such that up to 100% of the award (prior to the application of the underpin) will vest in full in the 
event of both NAV increasing by 15% per year on a cumulative basis, from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2023, and TSR increasing by 
15% per year on a cumulative basis from the date of award to 31 March 2024, using an industry–standard average price period at the 
beginning and end of the performance period. Further, the matrix is designed such that 30% of the award shall vest (again prior to 
the application of the underpin) if the cumulative increase is 8% per annum for both measures over their respective performance 
periods (“threshold performance”). A straight–line sliding scale is applied for performance between the distinct points on the matrix 
of vesting targets.

The 2020 LTIP awards were made on 19 June 2020. The awards will ordinarily vest on 31 March 2023, to the extent that the performance 
conditions have been met. The awards are based on the performance of the Group’s NAV and Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”). Both 
performance measures are combined into a matrix format to most appropriately measure performance relative to the business, as 
shown in the Directors’ Remuneration Report within the Group’s 2020 Annual Report and Accounts. The total award is subject to an 
underpin based on the relative performance of the Group’s TSR to that of the FTSE 250 index, which can reduce the awards by up to 
50%. The 2020 LTIP matrix is designed such that up to 100% of the award (prior to the application of the underpin) will vest in full in the 
event of both NAV increasing by 15% per year on a cumulative basis, from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2022, and TSR increasing 
by 15% per year on a cumulative basis from the date of award to 31 March 2023, using an industry–standard average price period at 
the beginning and end of the performance period. Further, the matrix is designed such that 30% of the award shall vest (again prior 
to the application of the underpin) if the cumulative increase is 8% per annum for both measures over their respective performance 
periods (“threshold performance”). A straight–line sliding scale is applied for performance between the distinct points on the matrix 
of vesting targets.

The 2019 LTIP awards partially met the threshold performance target and 3,529,818 number vested, 2,534,571 lapsed on 31 March 2022. 
NAV growth to 31 December 2021 was above the minimum threshold and below the maximum threshold. The one-month average 
share price at 31 March 2022 was below lower TSR target and that of the FTSE 250 TSR performance. The performance measures were 
achieved in full however the underpin was only partially achieved, as a result 51.1% of the 2019 LTIP awards vested on 31 March 2022.
Vested shares are subject to a further two-year holding period until 31/03/2024 and will be issued to participants only at the end of 
this period.

233

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

23. Share–based payments  continued
The table below sets out the performance measures relating to the 2019 LTIP awards and the actual performance achieved.

Performance condition

NAV (at 31 Dec 2021)

Annual TSR (share price)

Comparative TSR

The movement in the number of shares conditionally awarded under the LTIP is set out below:

Target 
Performance

Actual 
Performance

8%: £1.52bn

£1.77bn

15%: £1.84bn

(+13.3% p.a.)

8%: 119.6p

95p

15%: 144.4p (–1.3% p.a. growth)

FTSE 250 +7.1%

IP Group –8.4%

At 1 January

Lapsed during the year

Forfeited during the year

Notionally awarded during the year

At 31 December

Exercisable at 31 December

Weighted-
average 
exercise 
price
2022

–

–

–

–

–

–

Weighted-
average 
 exercise 
price
2021

–

–

–

–

–

–

Number of 
options 
2021

18,853,309

(4,753,071)

(1,790,049)

4,803,442

17,113,631

–

Number of 
options
2022

17,113,631

(2,534,571)

(89,021)

–

14,490,039

3,529,818

The options outstanding at 31 December 2022 had an exercise price in the range of £nil (2021: £nil) and a weighted–average 
remaining contractual life of 2.0 years (2021: 1.1 years).

The fair value of LTIP shares awarded in 2021 and 2020 for which a charge has been recognised in the year was calculated using 
Monte Carlo pricing models with the following key assumptions:

Share price at date of award

Exercise price

Fair value at grant date

Expected volatility (median of historical 50-day moving average)

Expected life (years)

Expected dividend yield

Risk-free interest rate

234

2021

£1.254

£nil

£0.35

39%

3.0

0%

0.3%

2020

£0.614

£nil

£0.20

38%

3.0

0%

(0.1%)

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

23. Share–based payments  continued

Former Touchstone LTIPs
In 2017, as a result of the combination with Touchstone, award holders under existing Touchstone long term incentive share schemes 
were entitled to receive 2.2178 new IP Group shares in exchange for each Touchstone share, an exchange ratio set out in the offer 
document for the acquisition (the “exchange ratio”).

2016 schemes:
It was proposed that, given the short period of time since grant, awards would not become exercisable in connection with the Offer 
and therefore that no progress towards meeting performance targets had been made. Instead award holders were offered the 
opportunity to release their awards in exchange for the grant of a replacement award of equivalent value over shares in IP Group 
and the exercise price was set at 3.33p divided by the exchange ratio. The vesting dates on the replacement awards remained the 
same as the original award, being 1 December 2020, 1 December 2021 and 1 December 2022. The replacement awards are subject to 
performance conditions adjusted from those attaching to the original Touchstone award as follows: a) the Net Asset Value (“NAV”) 
condition will be adjusted to reflect Touchstone’s portfolio being part of the enlarged Group following the acquisition and b) the Total 
Shareholder Return (“TSR”) condition will be adjusted so that TSR shall be measured by reference to the performance of IP Group 
shares over the performance period with the starting share price for such purpose being adjusted by dividing the existing starting 
share price of 290p by the exchange ratio detailed above. The TTO specific targets remain the same.

At 1 January

Forfeited during the year

Lapsed during the year

Vested during the year

At 31 December

Exercisable at 31 December

Weighted-
average 
 exercise 
price
2022

Number of 
options
2022

102,033

–

(91,064)

(10,969)

–

–

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.01

–

Weighted-
average 
 exercise 
price
2021

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.01

–

Number of 
options 
2021

386,794

–

(258,958)

(25,803)

102,033

–

There were no options outstanding at 31 December 2022, (2021: exercise price of 1.366p and a weighted-average remaining 
contractual life of 0.9 years).

2006 schemes:
Holders of 2006 Touchstone awards were offered the opportunity to release each of their awards in exchange for the grant of a 
replacement award of equivalent value over shares in IP Group. The exercise period and time–based vesting provisions for the 
replacement awards remained the same as the original Touchstone awards but the shareholder return performance condition will 
be updated by reference to the exchange ratio. Awards under the 2006 scheme were exercisable to some extent at the time of the 
grant of replacement awards, subject to meeting the applicable vesting conditions.

235

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

23. Share–based payments  continued

At 1 January

At 31 December

Exercisable at 31 December

Weighted–
average 
 exercise 
price
2022

2.13

2.13

2.13

Number of 
options
2022

1,078,099

1,078,099

1,078,099

Weighted–
average 
 exercise 
price
2021

2.13

2.13

2.13

Number of 
options 
2021

1,078,099

1,078,099

1,078,099

The options outstanding at 31 December 2022 had an exercise price of £2.13 (2021: £2.13) and a weighted–average remaining 
contractual life of 1.9 years (2021: 2.9 years).

The fair value charge recognised in the statement of comprehensive income during the year in respect of all share–based 
payments, including the DBSP, LTIP and Former Touchstone LTIP, was £2.9m (2021: £2.6m).

24. Long–term incentive carry scheme – Carried interest plan liability

Accounting Policy:
The Group operates a number of Long Term Incentive Carry Schemes (“LTICS”) for eligible employees which may result in 
payments to scheme participants relating to returns from investments. 

Under the Group’s LTICS arrangements, a profit–sharing mechanism exists whereby if a specific vintage delivers returns in excess 
of the base cost of investments together with an agreed hurdle rate, scheme participants receive a share of excess returns. Of 
the Group’s total equity and debt investments, 66.6% are included in LTICS arrangements (2021: 44.8%).

The calculation of the liability in respect of the Group’s LTICS is derived from the fair value estimates for the relevant portfolio 
investments and does not involve significant additional judgement (although the fair value of the portfolio is a significant 
accounting estimate). The actual amounts of carried interest paid will depend on the cash realisations of individual vintages, 
and valuations may change significantly in the next financial year. Movements in the liability are recognised in the consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income.

At 1 January

Charge for the year

Payments made in the year

At 31 December

236

2022
£m

33.1 

12.0 

(1.0)

44.1

2021
£m

19.3

17.2

(3.4)

33.1

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

25. Related party transactions
The Group has various related parties arising from its key management, subsidiaries and equity stakes in portfolio companies. 

A) Key management transactions
(i) Key management personnel transactions
The following key management held shares in the following spin–out companies as at 31 December 2022:

Director/ PDMR

Company name

Greg Smith

Alesi Surgical Limited
Crysalin Limited1
Diurnal Group plc2
EmDot Limited1

Istesso Limited – A Shares

Itaconix plc

Mirriad Advertising plc

Oxbotica Limited

Oxford Nanopore Technologies plc
Rio AI Limited4

Surrey Nanosystems Limited

Tissue Regenix Group plc 

Xeros Technology Group plc

David Baynes

Alesi Surgical Limited

Arkivum Limited
Creavo Medical Technologies Limited1
Diurnal Group plc2

Mirriad Advertising plc

Oxford Nanopore Technologies plc

Ultraleap Holdings Limited

Zeetta Networks Limited

Number 
of shares 
acquired/ 
(disposed 
of) in the 
period

Number 
of shares 
held at 
31 December 
2022

Number 
of shares 
held at 
1 January 
2022

2

149

–

–

15,000

(15,000)

4

313,425

4,500

16,667

8

27,008

144,246

88

50,000

13

4

377

46

73,000

16,667

2,784

2,600

424

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 

– 

– 

(73,000)

– 

– 

– 

– 

2

149

–

4

313,425

4,500

16,667

8

27,008

144,246

88

50,000

13

4

377

46

– 

16,667

2,784

2,600

424

%

<0.1%

<0.1%

0.00%

0.23%

0.28%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

0.00%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

0.11%

237

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS. 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

25. Related party transactions  continued

Director/ PDMR

Company name

Mark Reilly

Actual Experience plc

AudioScenic Limited

Bramble Energy Limited
Diffblue Limited3
Diurnal Group plc2

Itaconix plc

Mirriad Advertising plc

Oxbotica Limited

Ultraleap Holdings Limited

Sam Williams

Accelercomm Limited

Alesi Surgical Limited

Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc
Creavo Medical Technologies Limited1
Diurnal Group plc2

Genomics plc

Ibex Innovations Limited

Istesso Limited

Microbiotica Limited

Mirriad Advertising plc

Oxbotica Limited

Oxehealth Limited

Oxford Nanopore Technologies plc
Topivert Limited1

Ultraleap Holdings Limited

Bramble Energy Limited
Creavo Medical Technologies Limited1

Istesso Limited 

Mirriad Advertising plc

Joyce Xie

238

Number 
of shares 
acquired/ 
(disposed 
of) in the 
period

Number 
of shares 
held at 
31 December 
2022

Number 
of shares 
held at 
1 January 
2022

28,000

–

16

8,038

7,500

377,358

66,666

8

1,700

127

1

–

23

– 

53

– 

– 

(7,500)

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

3,247

–

113,819

(113,819)

333

1,701

7,048,368

7,000

3,333

3

33

18,540

1,000

558

88

21

4,504

4,839

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

28,000

53

16

8,038

–

377,358

66,666

8

1,700

127

1

3,247

23

–

333

1,701

7,048,368

7,000

3,333

3

33

18,540

1,000

558

88

21

4,504

4,839

%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

0.00%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

0.00%

<0.1%

<0.1%

8.89%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS. 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

25. Related party transactions  continued

Director/ PDMR

Company name

Lisa Patel

Elizabeth  
Vaughan-Adams

Ultraleap Holdings Limited 

Alesi Surgical Limited
Creavo Medical Technologies Limited1
Diurnal Group plc2

Istesso Limited

Microbiotica Limited

Mirriad Advertising plc

Oxford Nanopore Technologies plc
Topivert Limited1

Ultraleap Holdings Limited

Amaethon Limited – Ordinary Shares1

Amaethon Limited – A Ordinary Shares

Amaethon Limited – B Shares

Bramble Energy Limited – A Ordinary Shares
Creavo Medical Technologies Limited1
Crysalin Limited1

Deep Matter Group plc
Diurnal Group plc2
Emdot Limited1

First Light Fusion Limited

Istesso Limited – A Shares

Mirriad Advertising plc

Oxford Nanopore Technologies plc
Rio AI Limited4

Surrey Nanosystems Limited 

Tissue Regenix Group plc 

Number 
of shares 
acquired/ 
(disposed 
of) in the 
period

Number 
of shares 
held at 
31 December 
2022

Number 
of shares 
held at 
1 January 
2022

1,585

1

23

–

–

–

37,500

(37,500)

3,477,833

3,000

3,333

9,453

1,000

1,317

2

8

929

–

23

100

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2

–

–

1,585

1

23

–

3,477,833

3,000

3,333

9,453

1,000

1,317

2

8

929

2

23

100

82,393

1,655,440

1,737,833

4,844

(4,844)

3

77

218,448

4,941

4,500

–

–

–

–

–

–

3

77

218,448

4,941

4,500

2,258,185

13,986,014

16,244,199

53

75,599

–

–

53

75,599

%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

0.00%

4.39%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

0.00%

<0.1%

<0.1%

0.19%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

239

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS. 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

25. Related party transactions  continued

Director/ PDMR

Company name

Angela Leach

Ultraleap Holdings Limited
Amaethon Limited – Ordinary Shares1

Amaethon Limited – B Shares

Amaethon Limited – A Ordinary Shares

Alesi Surgical Limited

AudioScenic Limited

Barocal Limited

Boxarr Limited

Bramble Energy Limited
Creavo Medical Technologies Limited1
Crysalin Limited1

Deep Matter Group plc

Diffblue Limited
Diurnal Group plc2
Emdot Limited1

Featurespace Limited

First Light Fusion Limited

Ieso Digital Health Limited – B2 Preferred Shares

Istesso Limited – A Shares

Itaconix plc

Mirriad Advertising plc

Mixergy Limited

Oxbotica Limited

Oxford Nanopore Technologies plc

OxONN Limited
Rio AI Limited4

Sunborne Systems Limited

Surrey Nanosystems Limited

Tissue Regenix Group plc 

Ultraleap Holdings Limited

240

Number 
of shares 
held at 
1 January 
2022

Number 
of shares 
acquired/ 
(disposed 
of) in the 
period

Number 
of shares 
held at 
31 December 
2022

400

2

1,394

12

2

–

–

102

8

23

149

68,101

644

11,500

4

–

27

29

322,923

4,500

16,667

206

3

–

–

–

–

–

53

1,010

–

5

–

–

–

–

(11,500)

–

240

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

37,880

29

–

20,000

180,308

–

78

146,791

500

–

2

–

–

–

400

2

1,394

12

2

53

1,010

102

13

23

149

68,101

644

–

4

240

27

29

322,923

4,500

16,667

206

3

37,909

20,000

180,308

2

78

146,791

500

%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

0.00%

0.23%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

0.28%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS. 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

25. Related party transactions  continued

Director/ PDMR

Company name

Chris Glasson

8Power Limited

Xeros Technology Group plc

Audioscenic Limited
Creavo Medical Technologies Limited1

Istesso Limited

Mirriad Advertising plc

Oxbotica Limited

Oxehealth Limited
Topivert Limited – B2 Preferred Shares1

Ultraleap Holdings Limited

Mirriad Advertising plc
OxSyBio Limited1

Moray Wright

Anthony York

Diffblue Limited

1  Company being closed down.
2  Acquired by Neurocrine in November 2022.
3  Restated opening position.
4  Previously called Ditto AI Limited.

Number 
of shares 
held at 
1 January 
2022

Number 
of shares 
acquired/ 
(disposed 
of) in the 
period

Number 
of shares 
held at 
31 December 
2022

16

400

967

105

9,009

8,064

34

328

3,000

1,585

73,664

20

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

179

16

400

967

105

9,009

8,064

34

328

3,000

1,585

73,664

20

179

%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

Updated policy for Executive Director holdings in Portfolio Companies
As described in in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 140 to 162, a new policy for Executive Director shareholdings in 
portfolio companies was agreed during the year under which:

•  New direct investments in portfolio companies by executive directors are prohibited, with the exception of the take-up of 

pre-emption rights which relate to existing portfolio company shareholdings. Both Mr Smith and Mr Baynes are covered by 
this policy.

•  Mr Smith and Mr Baynes have voluntarily submitted to an additional binding condition such that any net proceeds received 

as a result of realisations from direct holdings in portfolio companies that exceed £250,000 will be used to purchase shares in 
IP Group, until such time as they meet the Minimum Shareholding Requirement set for their role (currently 350% of annual salary 
for Mr Smith, 250% for Mr Baynes).

241

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS. 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

25. Related party transactions  continued

(ii) Key management personnel compensation
Key management personnel compensation comprised the following:

Short–term employee benefits1
Post–employment benefits2

Other long–term benefits

Termination benefits
Share–based payments3

Total

2022
£000

3,918

99

–

–

1,374

5,391

2021
£000

4,016

72

–

–

1,325

5,413

1  Represents key management personnel’s base salaries, benefits including cash in lieu of pension where relevant, and the cash–settled element of the Annual 

Incentive Scheme.

2  Represents employer contributions to defined contribution pension and life assurance plans.
3  Represents the accounting charge for share-based payments, reflecting LTIP and DBSP options currently in issue as part of these schemes. See note 23 for a detailed 

description of these schemes.

B) Portfolio companies
(i) Services
The Group earns fees from the provision of business support services and corporate finance advisory services to portfolio 
companies in which the Group has an equity stake. Through the lack of control over portfolio companies these fees are considered 
arm’s length transactions. The following amounts have been included in respect of these fees:

Statement of comprehensive income

Revenue from services

Statement of financial position

Trade receivables

242

2022
£m

0.2

2022
£m

–

2021
£m

0.3

2021
£m

0.2 

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

25. Related party transactions  continued

(ii) Investments
The Group makes investments in the equity and debt of unquoted and quoted investments where it does not have control but may 
be able to participate in the financial and operating policies of that company. It is presumed that it is possible to exert significant 
influence when the equity holding is greater than 20%. The Group has taken the Venture Capital Organisation exception as 
permitted by IAS 28 and not recognised these companies as associates, but they are related parties. The total amounts included for 
investments where the Group has significant influence but not control are as follows:

Statement of comprehensive income

Net portfolio gains

Statement of financial position

Equity and debt investments

2022
£m

75.0

2022
£m

651.6

2021
£m

56.5

2021
£m

444.6

C) Subsidiary companies
Subsidiary companies that are not 100% owned either directly or indirectly by the parent company have intercompany balances with 
other Group companies totalling as follows:

Intercompany balances with other Group companies

2022
£m

2.1

2021
£m

2.4

These intercompany balances represent funding loans provided by Group companies that are interest free, repayable on demand 
and unsecured.

26. Capital management
The Group’s key objective when managing capital is to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern so that it can 
continue to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders. The Group sets the amount of capital in proportion 
to risk. The Group manages the capital structure, and makes adjustments to it, in light of changes in economic conditions and the 
risk characteristics of its underlying assets. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the amount of 
issued share capital, issue or repay debt and dispose of interests in portfolio companies.

During 2022, the Group’s strategy, which was unchanged from 2021, was to maintain an appropriate level of cash and short-term 
deposit balances in line with the Group’s capital allocation plans, whilst having sufficient cash reserves to meet working capital 
requirements in the foreseeable future.

The Group has external borrowings with associated covenants that are described in note 19. These include covenants around the 
Group’s minimum equity and maximum debt/equity ratio. Consideration is given to the level of headroom against these covenants 
as part of the Group’s capital allocation process where planning corporate actions such as dividends and share buy-backs which 
have an impact on the headroom level. 

243

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

27. Capital commitments

Commitments to Limited Partnerships
Pursuant to the terms of their Limited Partnership agreements, the Group has committed to invest the following amounts into Limited 
Partnerships as at 31 December 2022:

IP Venture Fund II LP

UCL Technology Fund LP

IP Cayman LP

Total

28. Dividends

Ordinary shares

Interim dividend

Final dividend

Dividends paid to equity owners in the financial year

Proposed final dividend at financial year end

Year of 
commencement 
of commitment 

Commitment 
£m

Invested to 
date  
£m

Remaining 
commitment 
£m

2013

2016

2021

10.0

24.8

8.3

43.1

9.8

22.4

8.3

40.5

2022 pence  
per share

2021 pence  
per share

 £m

0.50

0.72

1.22

0.76

5.3

7.4

12.7

7.9

0.48

1.0

1.48

0.2

2.4

–

2.6

£m

5.1

10.7

15.8

Of the £12.7m dividends paid in 2022, £12.3m was settled in cash and £0.4m was settled via the issue of equity under the Group’s scrip 
programme (2021: £15.8m dividends, £15.0m settled in cash, £0.8m settled via the issue of equity).

The proposed final dividend was recommended by the Board of Directors on 7 March 2023 and is subject to the approval of 
shareholders at the 2023 AGM to be held on 15 June 2023. The proposed dividend has not been included as a liability as at 31 
December 2022, in accordance with IAS 10 “Events after the reporting period”. It will be paid on 22 June 2023 to shareholders who are 
on the register of members at close of business on 26 May 2023.

244

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

29. Alternative performance measures (“APM”)
IP Group management believes that the alternative performance measures included in this document provide valuable information 
to the readers of the financial statements as they enable the reader to identify a more consistent basis for comparing the business’ 
performance between financial periods and provide more detail concerning the elements of performance which the managers of 
the Group are most directly able to influence or are relevant for an assessment of the Group. They also reflect an important aspect of 
the way in which operating targets are defined and performance is monitored by the directors. These measures are not defined by 
IFRS and therefore may not be directly comparable with other companies’ APMs, including those in the Group’s industry. APMs should 
be considered in addition to, and are not intended to be a substitute for, or superior to, IFRS measurements.

The directors believe that these APMs assist in providing additional useful information on the underlying trends, performance and 
position of the Group. Consequently, APMs are used by the directors and management for performance analysis, planning, reporting 
and incentive–setting purposes.

APM

NAV per 
share

1

Reference for 
reconciliation Definition and purpose

Primary 
statements, 
note 21

NAV per share is defined as Net Assets divided by the number of 
outstanding shares.

The measure shows net assets managed on behalf of shareholders by 
the Group per outstanding share. 

NAV per share is a standard measure used within our peer group and 
can be directly compared with the Group’s share price.

Return on 
NAV

Primary 
statements
note 4

Return on NAV is defined as the total comprehensive income or loss 
for the year excluding charges which do not impact on net assets, 
specifically share–based payment charges.

The measure shows a summary of the income statement gains and 
losses which directly impact NAV.

Net portfolio 
gains

note 13, 15, 22 Net portfolio gains are defined as the movement in the value of 

holdings in the portfolio due as a result of realised and unrealised gains 
and losses.

The measure shows a summary of the income statement gains and 
losses which are directly attributable to the Total Portfolio (see definition 
on page 246), which is a headline measure for the Group’s portfolio 
performance. 

This is a key driver of the Return on NAV which is a performance metric 
for directors’ and employees’ incentives.

Calculation

2022
£m

2021
£m

NAV

£1,376.1m

£1,738.1m

Shares in issue

1,035,077,632 1,040,754,160

NAV per share

132.9p

167.0p

Total 
comprehensive 
income

Excluding:

Share-based 
payment charge

Return on NAV

Change in 
fair value of 
equity and debt 
investments

Gain on disposal 
of equity 
investments

Change in fair 
value of LP 
interests2

Net portfolio 
gains

(344.0)

449.6

2.9

2.6

(341.1)

(303.4)

452.2

415.9

(7.8)

81.5

2.1

1.8

(309.1)

499.2

245

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

29. Alternative performance measures (“APM”)  continued

2022
£m

1,120.8

38.1

99.6

Calculation

2021
£m

1,391.8

22.8

92.9

1,507.5

(103.7)

Reference for 
reconciliation Definition and purpose

APM

Total 
portfolio

Consolidated 
statement 
of financial 
position,
note 13, 14

Total portfolio is defined as the total of equity investments, debt 
investments and investments in LPs. 

Equity 
investments

This measure represents the aggregate balance sheet amounts 
which the Group considers to be its investment portfolio, and which 
is described in further detail within the portfolio review section of the 
strategic report.

Debt investments

LP interests

Total Portfolio

1,258.5

Portfolio 
investment

3

Primary 
statements

Portfolio investment is defined as the purchase of equity and debt 
investments plus investments into limited participation interests.
This gives a combined measure of investment into the Group’s portfolio.

Purchase of 
equity and debt 
investments

(88.9)

Net 
overheads

Financial 
review,  
note 8 

Net overheads are defined as the Group’s core overheads less 
operating income. The measure reflects the Group’s controllable net 
operating “cash–equivalent” central cost base. 

Net overheads exclude items such as share–based payments and 
consolidated portfolio company costs.

(4.6)

(3.0)

(93.5)

7.1

(27.4)

(106.7)

13.6

(33.2)

0.1

0.1

Investment in 
limited and 
limited liability 
partnerships

Portfolio 
investment 

Other income

Other 
administrative 
expenses

Excluding:

Administrative 
expenses – 
consolidated 
portfolio 
companies

Net overheads

(20.2)

(19.5)

246

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS. 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

29. Alternative performance measures (“APM”)  continued

APM

Gross 
cash and 
deposits

Reference for 
reconciliation Definition and purpose

Primary 
statements

Cash and deposits is defined as cash and cash equivalents plus deposits.

The measures give a view of the Group’s liquid resources on a short–
term timeframe. The Group’s Treasury Policy has a maximum maturity 
limit of 13 months for deposits.

(Loss)/profit 
excluding 
4
ONT

Primary 
statements

(Loss)/profit excluding ONT is defined as the Groups (loss)/profit for the 
year (after tax) excluding the (loss)/profit on the investment held in 
Oxford Nanopore publicly quoted shares both realised and unrealised.

Calculation

2021
£m

105.7

216.2

321.9

499.2

2022
£m

88.7

152.8

241.5

(344.5)

369.7

(297.1)

Cash and cash 
equivalents

Deposit

Cash

(Loss)/gain for 
the year

Excluding:

Change in fair 
value of equity 
investment in 
Oxford Nanopore

1 

In prior years Hard NAV was used to measure performance, now due to the immaterial size of intangible assets this has been replaced by NAV as the most appropriate 
measure. 

2  Following the deconsolidation of IPG Cayman LP, LP investments have been added to the definitions of Total Portfolio, and Net Portfolio Gains and a new APM Portfolio 

Investment has been created which aggregates investment into equity and debt investments with investments into LP funds, to give a measure reflecting total 
investment into the Group’s portfolio. 

3  The APM ‘Net Realisations/Investments’ used in prior years is no longer believed to represent a useful additional measure. 
4  Given the size and volatility of the Group’s holding in Oxford Nanopore, the directors believe that this new measure showing profit excluding fair value movements in 

Oxford Nanopore represents a useful additional measure for users of the accounts.

Profit for the year

25.2

202.1

30. Post balance sheet events
As of the reporting date, unrealised fair value losses in respect of the Group’s quoted portfolio totalled £26.2m, largely in respect of 
Oxford Nanopore Technologies plc, which has seen a fair value loss of £28.3m since 31 December 2022.

247

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.COMPANY BALANCE SHEET.
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2022

ASSETS

Non-current assets

Investment in subsidiary undertakings

Equity and debt investments

Limited liability partnership interests

Loans to subsidiary undertakings: long term

Total non-current assets

Current assets

Loans to subsidiary undertakings: short term

Cash & cash equivalent

Total current assets

Total assets

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

Capital and reserves

Called up share capital

Share premium account

Retained earnings

Total equity attributable to equity holders

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Borrowings

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Borrowings

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

248

Registered number: 4204490

The Company has taken advantage of the 
exemption granted by Section 408 of the 
Companies Act 2006 whereby no individual 
income statement of the Company is disclosed. 
The Company’s loss for the financial year was 
£1.4m (profit: 2021: £2.4m)

The accompanying notes form an integral 
part of the financial statements. The financial 
statements on pages 248 to 249 were approved 
by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue 
on 7 March 2022 and were signed on its behalf by:

Greg Smith
Chief Executive Officer

David Baynes
Chief Financial Officer

Note

2022
£m

2021
£m

2

3

4

5

5

6

6

6

329.2

326.7

3.5

2.7

599.0

934.4

–

0.1

0.1

934.5

21.3

102.8

750.3

874.4

0.6

–

0.6

59.5

59.5

60.1

3.5

2.7

470.1

803.0

103.0

–

103.0

906.0

21.3

102.7

769.5

893.5

0.4

6.1

6.5

6.0

6.0

12.5

934.5

906.0

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY.
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2022

At 1 January 2021

Comprehensive income
Issue of shares(iii)
Purchase of treasury shares(iv)
Equity-settled share-based payments (v)
Ordinary dividends(vi)

At 1 January 2022

Comprehensive income
Issue of shares(iii)
Purchase of treasury shares(iv)
Equity-settled share-based payments(v)
Ordinary dividends(vi)

At 31 December 2022

Share
capital
£m

21.3

–

–

–

–

–

Share
premium(i)
£m

Retained
earnings(ii)
£m

101.9

–

0.8

–

–

–

807.5

2.4

–

(27.2)

2.6

(15.8)

Total
£m

930.7

2.4

0.8

(27.2)

2.6

(15.8)

21.3 

102.7

769.5 

893.5 

–

– 

–

–

–

–

0.1 

–

–

–

(1.4)

–

(8.0)

2.9 

(12.7)

(1.4)

0.1

(8.0)

2.9 

(12.7)

21.3 

102.8 

750.3 

874.4 

(i)  Share premium – Amount subscribed for share 

capital in excess of nominal value, net of directly 
attributable issue costs.

(ii)  Retained earnings – net gains and losses 

recognised in the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income net of associated share-
based payments credits.

(iii)  Issue of shares – Share premium in connection 
with the Interim Scrip Dividend, the Group has 
received valid elections from shareholders 
resulting in a requirement to issue new ordinary 
shares of 2p each (“New Shares”).

(iv)  Purchase of treasury shares – Reflects the issue 
of 7,429,494 ordinary shares, with an aggregate 
value of £8.0m, these were purchased by the 
Company during the year and are held in 
treasury. Total value including costs was £8.0m. 
(2021: 22,279,127 share purchased for total value 
of £27.0m, total including costs of £27.2m). 
These shares were purchased for the £35m 
share buyback. This also includes movement in 
treasury shares related to DBSP and employee 
SAYE schemes.

(v)  Equity-settled share-based payments – 

amounts recognised in respect of the Group’s 
share-based payments schemes recognised 
as a subsidiary investment in the Company 
accounts with a corresponding entry against 
equity.

(vi)  Ordinary Dividends – Of the £12.7m dividends 
paid in 2022, £12.3m was settled in cash and 
£0.4m was settled via the issue of equity under 
the Group’s scrip programme (2021: £15.8m, 
£15.0m, £0.8m). 485,569 new shares were issued 
in respect of the scrip dividend (2021: 679,553 
shares issued).

The accompanying notes form an 
integral part of the financial statements.

249

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

1. Accounting policies
These financial statements were prepared in accordance with 
Financial Reporting Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework 
(“FRS 101”).

In preparing these financial statements, the Company applies 
the recognition, measurement and disclosure requirements of 
UK-adopted International Accounting Standards in conformity 
with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (“Adopted 
IFRSs”) but makes amendments where necessary in order to 
comply with Companies Act 2006 and has set out below where 
advantage of the FRS 101 disclosure exemptions has been taken.

Under section s408 of the Companies Act 2006 the company 
is exempt from the requirement to present its own profit and 
loss account.

In these financial statements, the Company has applied the 
exemptions available under FRS 101 in respect of the following 
disclosures: a cash flow statement and related notes; disclosures 
in respect of transactions with wholly owned subsidiaries; 
disclosures in respect of capital management; from presenting 
a comparative period reconciliation for share capital, the 
effects of new but not yet effective IFRSs; and disclosures of 
compensation of key management personnel.

As the consolidated financial statements include the equivalent 
disclosures, the Company has also taken the exemptions under 
FRS 101 available in respect of the following disclosures: IFRS 2 
Share-Based Payments in respect of Group-settled share-based 
payments; and certain disclosures required by IFRS 13 Fair Value 
Measurement and the disclosures required by IFRS 7 Financial 
Instrument Disclosures.

The Company proposes to continue to adopt the reduced 
disclosure framework of FRS 101 in its next financial statements.

The accounting policies set out below have, unless otherwise 
stated, been applied consistently to all periods presented in 
these financial statements.

Subsidiary investments
Investments in subsidiaries are stated at cost less, where 
appropriate, provision for impairment. The Company tests the 
investment balances for impairment annually or whenever there 
is an indication that the value of carrying amount may not be 
recoverable. 

The Company tests the investment balances for impairment 
annually or whenever there is an indication that the value of 
carrying amount may not be recoverable. In light of the fact 
that the majority of the assets in the Company’s subsidiaries 
are recorded at fair value, subsidiary net assets are taken as 
an approximation of their minimum recoverable amount. If the 
carrying value of an investment in a subsidiary is in excess of 
the minimum recoverable amount, the value of the investment 
is impaired. 

Consideration has been given as to whether the fact that IP 
Group plc’s shares are trading at a discount to net asset value 
constitutes a trigger an impairment assessment for the value of 
the Company’s subsidiary investments. Given that the majority 
of the assets within the Company’s subsidiaries are held at 
fair value, the Directors do not believe that as a result of this 
assessment an additional impairment is required.

Equity and debt investments 
Investments are held at fair value through profit and loss vision 
for impairment in value and are held for long-term investment 
purposes.

The valuation methods applied are the same as those at the 
Group level; details of which can be found in note 13 to the 
Group’s financial accounts on pages 213 to 220.

Intercompany loans
All intercompany loans are initially recognised at fair value and 
subsequently measured at amortised cost. Where intercompany 
loans are intended for use on a continuing basis in the 
Company’s activities, and there is no intention of their settlement 
in the foreseeable future, they are presented as fixed assets.

250

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

1. Accounting policies  continued

3. Equity and debt investments

Financial instruments
Currently the Company does not enter into derivative financial 
instruments. Financial assets and financial liabilities are 
recognised and cease to be recognised on the basis of when 
the related titles pass to or from the Company.

Share-based payments
The Group operates a number of equity-settled share-based 
compensation schemes under which the employing subsidiary 
within the Group receives services from employees as 
consideration for equity instruments in IP Group plc. For further 
details on these schemes, see note 23 in the Group accounts. 
When options are exercised, the company issues new shares. 
The proceeds received net of any directly attributable costs are 
credited to share capital (nominal value) and the balance to 
share premium. In the Company financial statements, the grant 
of share options is treated as a capital contribution. Specifically, 
the fair value of employee services received (measured at 
the date of grant) is recognised over the vesting period as 
an increase to investment in subsidiary undertakings, with a 
corresponding credit to equity in the parent entity financial 
statements.

2. Investments in subsidiary undertakings

At 1 January 2022

Investment in respect of share-based payments

Impairment of subsidiary undertakings in the year

At 31 December 2022

 £m

326.7

2.9 

(0.4)

329.2 

Details of the Company’s subsidiary undertakings as at 31 
December 2022 are detailed in note 10 to the Company financial 
statements.

At 1 January 2022

Fair value gains in the year

Disposals in the year

At 31 December 2022

 £m

3.5

–

–

3.5 

Details of the Company’s associated undertakings and 
significant holdings as at 31 December 2022 are disclosed in 
note 11 to the Company financial statements.

4. Limited liability partnership interests

At 1 January 2022

Fair value gain during the year

At 31 December 2022

 £m

2.7

–

2.7

Other investments relate to the Group’s 17.7% partnership interest 
in Technikos LLP, see notes 1 and 24 of the Group accounts for 
further details.

5. Loans to subsidiary undertakings

At 1 January 2022

Drawdown/Repayment of loans by subsidiary 
undertakings during the year

At 31 December 2022

 £m

573.1

25.9

599.0

251

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

5. Loans to subsidiary undertakings continued

Current

Non-current

At 31 December 2022

2022
£m

– 

599.0 

599.0

2021
£m

103.0

470.1

573.1

The amounts due from subsidiary undertakings are interest free, repayable on demand and unsecured. Loans classified as 
non-current are not expected to be recalled within one year.

Given the nature of the subsidiary undertakings to which they relate, the Company considers expected credit losses on the 
Company’s receivables to be less than £0.1m and therefore not disclosed further (2021: under £0.1m).

6. Share capital and reserves

At 1 January 2022

Comprehensive income

Issue of shares

Purchase of treasury shares

Equity-settled share-based payments

Ordinary dividends

At 31 December 2022

Share 
capital
£m

Share 
premium
£m

Profit and 
loss reserve
£m

21.3

102.7

769.5

–

– 

–

–

–

–

0.1 

–

–

–

(1.4)

–

 (8.0) 

2.9 

(12.7)

21.3 

102.8 

750.3

Details of the Company’s authorised share capital and changes in its issued share capital can be found in note 21 to the 
consolidated financial statements. Details of the movement in the share premium account can be found in the consolidated 
statement of changes in equity.

7. Profit and loss account
As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the Company’s profit and loss account has not been included in these 
financial statements. The Company’s profit for the year was £1.4m (2021: profit of £2.4m).

Details of the auditor’s remuneration are disclosed in note 6 to the consolidated financial statements.

8. Directors’ emoluments, employee information and share-based payments
The remuneration of the directors is borne by Group subsidiary undertakings. Full details of their remuneration can be found in the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 140 to 162.

Full details of the share-based payments charge and related disclosures can be found in note 23 to the consolidated financial 
statements.

The Company had no employees during 2022 or 2021.

252

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

9. Dividends
Of the £12.7m dividends paid in 2022, £12.3m was settled in cash and £0.4m was settled via the issue of equity under the Group’s scrip 
programme (2021: £15.8m dividends, £15.0m settled in cash, £0.8m settled via the issue of equity).

The proposed final dividend was recommended by the Board of Directors on 7 March 2023 and is subject to the approval of 
shareholders at the 2023 AGM to be held on 15 June 2023. The proposed dividend has not been included as a liability as at 31 
December 2022, in accordance with IAS 10 “Events after the reporting period”. It will be paid on 22 June 2023 to shareholders who are 
on the register of members at close of business on 26 May 2023.

10. Details of subsidiary undertakings

Name of subsidiary undertakings

IP2IPO Limited

IP2IPO Carry Partner Limited

IP2IPO Americas Limited

IP2IPO US Partners Limited
Top Technology Ventures Limited(iii)
Fusion IP Sheffield Limited(ii)
Fusion IP Cardiff Limited(ii)
IP Venture Fund II (GP) LLP(iii)
IP Ventures (Scotland) Limited(iii)
IP2IPO Portfolio (GP) Limited(iii)

IP2IPO Portfolio LP
IP Capital Limited(ii)

IP2IPO Asia-Pacific Limited

IP Group Greater China Limited

IP Group Greater China Services Limited

IP Group (Shenzhen) Technology Consulting Co. Ltd
IP2IPO ANZ Carry Limited(ii)
Kiko Ventures Limited(ii)

IP2IPO Australia Pty Limited

IP2IPO Australia HP Pty Limited

IP2IPO Australia Management Pty Limited

Proportion 
of 
ownership 
interest
%(i)

Proportion 
of voting 
power held
%(i)

 Proportion 
of nominal 
value held
%

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

Held by
Parent/
Group

Direct

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Direct

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Direct

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

253

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

10. Details of subsidiary undertakings  continued

Name of subsidiary undertakings

IP2IPO Australia GP Pty Limited

IP2IPO Australia CT Pty Limited

IP2IPO Australia VCMP LP

IP2IPO Australia VCLP No 1 LP

IP2IPO Australia TS Pty Ltd

Parkwalk Advisors Limited

Touchstone Innovations Limited

IP2IPO Innovations Limited

Innovations Limited Partner Limited

IP2IPO Company Maker Limited

Touchstone Innovations Businesses LLP

IPG USA (LP) Limited

IPG USA SCO LP
IP2IPO Nominees Limited(ii)
IP2IPO Services Limited(ii)
LifeUK (IP2IPO) Limited(ii)
IP Industry Partners Limited(ii)
Biofusion Licensing (Sheffield) Limited(ii),(iv)
Fusion IP Nottingham Limited(ii),(iv)
Fusion IP Two Limited(ii),(iv)

Asterion Limited
PH Therapeutics Limited(ii)
Extraject Technologies Limited(ii)
IP Venture Fund II LP(v)

Proportion 
of 
ownership 
interest
%(i)

Proportion 
of voting 
power held
%(i)

 Proportion 
of nominal 
value held
%

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

66.8

60.0

60.0

33.3

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

66.8

60.0

60.0

33.3

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

66.5

60.0

60.0

33.3

Held by
Parent/
Group

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Direct

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Direct

Direct

Direct

Direct

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

(i)  All holdings are via ordinary shares unless separate classes are specified in the table.
(ii)  Dormant/non-trading company.
(iii)  Company/engaged in fund management activity.
(iv)  Acquired as part of the Fusion IP plc acquisition.
(v)  As detailed in note 1 to the Group financial statements, though less than 33.3% of beneficial and nominal interest is held by the Group, the Group’s position as fund 

manager to IP Venture Fund II LP means the Group fulfils the control criteria set out in IFRS 10 and the fund is thus consolidated.

All companies above have their registered offices at 2nd Floor 3 Pancras Square, Kings Cross, London, England, N1C 4AG, unless 
separately listed on the following page.

254

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

10. Details of subsidiary undertakings  continued
IP Ventures (Scotland) Limited: 50 Lothian Road, Festival Square, Edinburgh, EH3 9WJ.

Asterion Limited: Windsor House, Cornwall Road, Harrogate, England, HG1 2PW.

PH Therapeutics Limited: Windsor House, Cornwall Road, Harrogate, England, HG1 2PW.

Extraject Technologies Limited: Windsor House, Cornwall Road, Harrogate, England, HG1 2PW.

IP2IPO Australia Pty Limited: Level 35, 360 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia. 

IP Group Greater China Limited: 6/F Alexandra House, 18 Chater Road, Central Hong Kong.

IP Group Greater China Services Limited: 6/F Alexandra House, 18 Chater Road, Central Hong Kong.

IP2IPO Australia HP Pty Limited: Level 35, 360 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.

IP2IPO Australia Management Pty Limited: Level 35, 360 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.

IP2IPO Australia GP Pty Limited: Level 35, 360 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.

IP2IPO Australia CT Pty Limited: Level 35, 360 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.

IP2IPO Australia VCMP LP: Level 35, 360 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.

IP2IPO Australia VCLP No 1 LP: Level 35, 360 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.

IP2IPO Australia TS Pty Ltd, 658 856 832, Level 35, 360 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia.

IPG USA SCO LP: 13 Queens Road, Aberdeen, AB15 4YL.

All companies above are incorporated in England and Wales with the exception of IP Ventures (Scotland) Limited incorporated in 
Scotland, IP Group Inc, IP2IPO Australia Pty Limited, IP2IPO Australia HP Pty Limited, IP2IPO Australia Management Pty Limited, IP2IPO 
Australia GP Pty Limited, IP2IPO Australia CT Pty Limited, IP2IPO Australia VCMP LP and IP2IPO Australia VCLP No 1 LP which were 
incorporated in Australia and IP Group Greater China Limited and IP Group Greater China Services Limited are both incorporated in 
Hong Kong.

All companies above undertake the activity of commercialising intellectual property unless stated otherwise. All companies are 
consolidated into the Group’s financial performance and position following the acquisition method bar those specified which are 
omitted due to being immaterial.

255

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

11. Details of significant holdings and associated undertakings

Name of undertaking 

Accelercomm Limited

Ordinary Shares (Accelercomm Limited)

Ordinary A Shares (Accelercomm Limited)

Alesi Surgical Limited

Preferred B Shares (Alesi Surgical Limited)

Ordinary Shares (Alesi Surgical Limited)

Preferred Ordinary Shares (Alesi Surgical Limited)

Preferred C Shares (Alesi Surgical Limited)

A Shares (Alesi Surgical Limited)

Amaethon Limited

A Ordinary Shares (Amaethon Limited)

B Shares (Amaethon Limited)

AnywhereHPLC Limited 

(ii)

Ordinary Shares (AnywhereHPLC Limited)

Registered address

Ground Floor Epsilon House Enterprise Road, Chilworth, 
Southampton, England, SO16 7NS

Cardiff Medicentre, Heath Park, Cardiff, United Kingdom, 
CF14 4UJ

Popeshead Court Offices, Peter Lane, York, United Kingdom, 
YO1 8SU

52 Princes Gate, Exhibition Road, London, United Kingdom, 
SW7 2PG

Aperio Pharma Limited

3 Pancras Square, London, United Kingdom, N1C 4AG

Ordinary Shares (Aperio Pharma Limited)

Aqdot Limited

Preference Shares (Aqdot Limited)

Arkivum Limited

Ordinary Shares (Arkivum Limited)

A Ordinary shares (Arkivum Limited)

Art of Xen Limited 

(ii)

A Preference Shares (Art of Xen Limited)

B Preference Shares (Art of Xen Limited)

Deferred Shares (Art of Xen Limited)

256

Lab 1 Iconix 2 Iconix Park, London Road, Cambridge, United 
Kingdom, CB22 3EG

85 Great Portland Street, London, United Kingdom, W1W 7LT

NHS Liaison Unit, 4th Floor, Mckenzie House, 30–36 Newport 
Road, Cardiff, United Kingdom, CF24 0DE

Proportion  
of nominal 
value held 
%(i)

Held by  
Parent/
Group(ii)

32.6%

Group

53.5%

30.9%

30.2%

9.7%

57.0%

40.3%

42.0%

100.0%

27.62%

52.87%

27.62%

50.00%

50.00%

46.15%

46.15%

29.19%

39.37%

20.36%

19.36%

25.72%

99.78%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

11. Details of significant holdings and associated undertakings  continued

Name of undertaking 

Atazoa Limited

Ordinary Shares (Atazoa Limited)

AudioScenic Limited

Ordinary Shares (AudioScenic Limited)

A Ordinary Shares (AudioScenic Limited)

Autifony Therapeutics Limited

Registered address

Skempton Building, Imperial College Room 205, Skempton 
Building, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom, SW7 2AZ

Suite A, Epsilon House Enterprise Road, Southampton 
Science Park, Southampton, United Kingdom, SO16 7NS

Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, Gunnels Wood Road, 
Stevenage, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, SG1 2FX

A3 Preference Shares (Autifony Therapeutics Limited)

Ordinary Shares (Autifony Therapeutics Limited)

A Preference Shares (Autifony Therapeutics Limited)

Azuri Technologies Limited

A Preference Shares (Azuri Technologies Limited)

Ordinary shares (Azuri Technologies Limited)

Boxarr Limited

Ordinary Shares (Boxarr Limited)

Bramble Energy Limited

Ordinary Shares (Bramble Energy Limited)

A Ordinary Shares (Bramble Energy Limited)

C-Capture Limited

Ordinary Shares (C-Capture Limited)

Series A Preference Shares - Non voting (C-Capture Limited)

Series A Preference Shares (C-Capture Limited)

Chromosol Limited

Ordinary Shares (Chromosol Limited)

Creavo Medical Technologies Limited

A Shares (Creavo Medical Technologies Limited)

Ordinary Shares (Creavo Medical Technologies Limited)

St. John’s Innovation Centre, Cowley Road, Cambridge, 
United Kingdom, CB4 0WS

Windsor House, Cornwall Road, Harrogate, England, HG1 2PW

6 Satellite Business Village, Fleming Way, Crawley, United 
Kingdom, RH10 9NE

Windsor House, Cornwall Road, Harrogate, England, HG1 2PW

27 Churchgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, United 
Kingdom, IP33 1RG

Cel House, Westwood Way, Westwood Business Park, 
Coventry, United Kingdom, CV4 8HS

Proportion  
of nominal 
value held 
%(i)

Held by  
Parent/
Group(ii)

24.94%

Group

49.85%

36.06%

38.45%

33.14%

26.43%

35.53%

1.71%

38.40%

42.42%

45.33%

37.45%

45.43%

45.43%

31.74%

32.84%

32.45%

35.68%

32.37%

100.00%

37.01%

34.62%

34.62%

37.83%

100.00%

38.24%

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

257

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

11. Details of significant holdings and associated undertakings  continued

Registered address

The White Building, 1-4 Cumberland Place, Southampton, 
United Kingdom, SO15 2NP

Windsor House, Cornwall Road, Harrogate, United Kingdom, 
HG1 2PW

Saxon House, Saxon Way, Cheltenham, United Kingdom, 
GL52 6QX

The Walbrook Building, 25 Walbrook, London, United 
Kingdom, EC4N 8AF

Sussex Innovation Centre Science Park Square, Falmer, 
Brighton, United Kingdom, BN1 9SB

2 Sovereign Quay, Havannah Street, Cardiff, United Kingdom, 
CF10 5SF

Unit 10 Mead Road, Yarnton, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, United 
Kingdom, OX5 1QU

Windsor House, Cornwall Road, Harrogate, United Kingdom, 
HG1 2PW

Proportion  
of nominal 
value held 
%(i)

Held by  
Parent/
Group(ii)

25.34%

Group

27.03%

49.50%

48.48%

100.00%

48.97%

55.80%

100.00%

26.27%

26.27%

21.90%

47.60%

16.38%

35.75%

35.75%

35.80%

27.46%

28.20%

40.35%

87.06%

39.56%

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group 

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Name of undertaking 

Crysalin Limited

Ordinary Shares (Crysalin Limited)

Defenition Limited

Ordinary Shares (Defenition Limited)

B Ordinary Shares (Defenition Limited)

Edgetic Limited

Ordinary Shares (Edgetic Limited)

B Ordinary Shares (Edgetic Limited)

Emdot Limited

Ordinary Shares (Emdot Limited)

Enterprise Therapeutics Holdings Ltd

Series A Shares (Enterprise Therapeutics Holdings Limited)

Series B Shares (Enterprise Therapeutics Holdings Limited)

FaultCurrent Limited

Ordinary Shares (FaultCurrent Limited)

A Shares (FaultCurrent Limited)

First Light Fusion Limited

Ordinary Shares (First Light Fusion Limited)

Fluid Pharma Limited

B Ordinary Shares (Fluid Pharma Limited)

Ordinary Shares (Fluid Pharma Limited)

258

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS. 
NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

11. Details of significant holdings and associated undertakings  continued

Name of undertaking 

Garrison Technology Limited

Registered address

117 Waterloo Road, London, United Kingdom, SE1 8UL

A Preference Shares (Garrison Technology Limited)

A1 Preference Shares (Garrison Technology Limited)

A2 Preference Shares (Garrison Technology Limited)

B Preference shares (Garrison Technology Limited)

Gripable Limited

Ordinary Shares (Gripable Limited)

Hysata Pty Ltd

Ordinary Shares (Hysata Pty Ltd)

Hysata Pty Ltd - UK investment only

Ordinary Shares (Hysata Pty Ltd - UK investment only)

Ibex Innovations Limited

Ordinary Shares (Ibex Innovations Limited)

Ieso Digital Health Limited

A1 Preference Shares (Ieso Digital Health Limited)

Ordinary Shares (Ieso Digital Health Limited)

A Ordinary Shares (Ieso Digital Health Limited)

B1 Preferred Shares (Ieso Digital Health Limited)

Iksuda Therapeutics Limited

A Ordinary Shares (Iksuda Therapeutics Limited)

Ordinary Shares (Iksuda Therapeutics Limited)

Series A Shares (Iksuda Therapeutics Limited)

Intrinsic Semiconductor Technologies Limited

A Ordinary Shares (Intrinsic Semiconductor  
Technologies Ltd)

Thornton House, 39 Thornton Road, London, England,
SW19 4NQ

AIIM Building, Innovation Campus, North Wollongong NSW 
2500, Australia

AIIM Building, Innovation Campus, North Wollongong NSW 
2500, Australia

Explorer 2 – Netpark Thomas Wright Way, Sedgefield, 
Stockton-on-Tees, United Kingdom, TS21 3FF

The Jeffreys Building, Cowley Road, Cambridge, 
Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom, CB4 0DS

The Biosphere, Draymans Way, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle 
upon Tyne, United Kingdom, NE4 5BX

UCL Business plc, The Network Building, 97 Tottenham Court 
Road, London, United Kingdom, W1T 4TP

Proportion  
of nominal 
value held 
%(i)

Held by  
Parent/
Group(ii)

22.58%

94.92%

25.00%

32.91%

13.97%

30.87%

31.27%

35.53%

35.53%

100.00%

100.00%

38.60%

38.60%

32.15%

46.70%

17.36%

85.23%

18.43%

31.20%

50.00%

22.55%

34.21%

27.39%

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

43.67%

Group

259

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

11. Details of significant holdings and associated undertakings  continued

Name of undertaking 

Registered address

Ionix Advanced Technologies Limited

Windsor House, Cornwall Road, Harrogate, United Kingdom, 
HG1 2PW

B Ordinary Shares (Ionix Advanced Technologies Limited)

Ordinary Shares (Ionix Advanced Technologies Limited)

Ipalk SAS

Ordinary Shares (Ipalk SAS)

IPG-CEL China Ventures Limited

Istesso Limited

Ordinary Shares (Istesso Limited)

A Shares (Istesso Limited)

Jetra Therapeutics Pty Limited

Ordinary Shares (Jetra Therapeutics Pty Limited)

Lixea Limited

Ordinary Shares (Lixea Limited)

Magnomatics Limited

A Shares (Magnomatics Limited)

B Shares (Magnomatics Limited)

C Ordinary Shares (Magnomatics Limited)

Ordinary Shares (Magnomatics Limited)

Metabometrix Limited

Ordinary Shares (Metabometrix Limited)

Mixergy Limited

Ordinary Shares (Mixergy Limited)

A Ordinary Shares (Mixergy Limited)
(ii)

Nascient Limited 

Preference Shares (Nascient Limited)

Ordinary Shares (Nascient Limited)

260

112 Rye des Hautes Variennes, 45200, Amilly, France

Level 54, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s Road East, Hong Kong

3 Pancras Square, Kings Cross, United Kingdom,  
N1C 4AG

St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia

6th Floor, One London Wall, London, United Kingdom,  
EC2Y 5EB

Park House, Bernard Road, Sheffield, United Kingdom, S2 5BQ

10 Fern Hill, Dersingham, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, United Kingdom, 
PE31 6HT

30 Upper High Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom, 
OX9 3EZ

3 Field Court, London, United Kingdom, WC1R 5EF

Proportion  
of nominal 
value held 
%(i)

Held by  
Parent/
Group(ii)

28.72%

Group

100.00%

28.58%

22.00%

22.00%

50.00%

27.54%

42.71%

75.58%

23.53%

23.53%

36.86%

36.86%

38.11%

52.14%

100.00%

100.00%

16.24%

23.00%

23.00%

26.85%

27.36%

22.00%

73.22%

100.00%

50.00%

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

11. Details of significant holdings and associated undertakings  continued

Name of undertaking 

NGenics Global Limited

Ordinary Shares (NGenics Global Limited)

Oxehealth Limited

Ordinary Shares (Oxehealth Limited)

Oxford Biotrans Limited

Ordinary Shares (Oxford Biotrans Limited)

Seed Preferred (Oxford Biotrans Limited)

OxSyBio Limited

A Shares (OxSyBio Limited)

Ordinary Shares (OxSyBio Limited)

Preference shares (OxSyBio Limited)

Oxular Limited

A Preference Shares (Oxular Limited)

A1 Preference Shares (Oxular Limited)

Perlemax Limited

Ordinary Shares (Perlemax Limited)

RFC Power Limited

Ordinary Shares (RFC Power Limited)

T Ordinary Shares (RFC Power Limited)

Riotech Pharmaceuticals Limited

Registered address

The Catalyst Baird Lane, Heslington, York, North Yorkshire, 
United Kingdom, YO10 5GA

Magdalen Centre North, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, United 
Kingdom, OX4 4GA

30 Upper High Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom, 
OX9 3EZ

The Walbrook Building, 25 Walbrook, London, United 
Kingdom, EC4N 8AF

Magdalen Centre, Robert Robinson Avenue, Oxford, United 
Kingdom, OX4 4GA

318 Broad Lane, Kroto Innovation Centre, Sheffield, South 
Yorkshire, England, S3 7HQ

Windsor House, Cornwall Road, Harrogate, United Kingdom, 
HG1 2PW

49 Arrivato Plaza, Hall Street, St Helens, United Kingdom, 
WA10 1GH

Proportion  
of nominal 
value held 
%(i)

Held by  
Parent/
Group(ii)

29.61%

Group

29.61%

27.95%

27.99%

42.28%

13.72%

70.45%

45.17%

100.00%

45.85%

40.00%

25.58%

56.19%

16.91%

34.46%

34.46%

31.90%

28.31%

100.00%

24.00%

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Ordinary Shares (Riotech Pharmaceuticals Limited)

24.00%

Group

261

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

11. Details of significant holdings and associated undertakings  continued

Registered address

The Old Post Office, 41-43 Market Place, Chippenham, 
Wiltshire, United Kingdom, SN15 3HR

PO Box Suite 51, 235 Sweetgen Ltd , Suite 51, Earls Court Road, 
London, England, SW5 9FE

49 Burnham Road, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, 
AL1 4QN

73 Elmsleigh Road Twickenham, London, United Kingdom, 
TW2 5EF

1 More London Place, London, United Kingdom, SE1 2AF

49 Station Road Tribosim Ltd, Polegate, East Sussex, United 
Kingdom, BN26 6EA

Dundee University Incubator Dundee Technopole, James 
Lindsay Place, Dundee, United Kingdom, DD1 5JJ

Nexus, Discovery Way, Leeds, United Kingdom, LS2 3AA

Proportion  
of nominal 
value held 
%(i)

Held by  
Parent/
Group(ii)

29.61%

Group

29.61%

50.00%

50.00%

26.35%

90.53%

25.84%

25.84%

28.75%

1.75%

37.78%

34.00%

37.14%

22.50%

22.50%

37.56%

37.56%

39.04%

39.05%

16.00%

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

Name of undertaking 

Spinetic Energy Limited

Ordinary Shares (Spinetic Energy Limited)

Sweetgen Limited

Ordinary Shares (Sweetgen Limited)

Telectica Limited

Seed Preferred Shares (Telectica Limited)

Therapeutic Frontiers Limited

Ordinary Shares (Therapeutic Frontiers Limited)

Topivert Limited

Ordinary Shares (Topivert Limited)

A Ordinary Shares (Topivert Limited)

Series B1 Preferred Shares (Topivert Limited)

Series B2 Preferred Shares (Topivert Limited)

TriboSim Limited

Ordinary Shares (TriboSim Limited)

Ubiquigent Limited

Ordinary Shares (Ubiquigent Limited)

Uniphy Limited

Ordinary Shares (Uniphy Limited)

A Shares (Uniphy Limited)

262

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

11. Details of significant holdings and associated undertakings  continued

Name of undertaking 

Zeetta Networks Limited

Ordinary Shares (Zeetta Networks Limited)

Preference Shares (Zeetta Networks Limited)

Zihipp Limited

Ordinary Shares (Zihipp Limited)

Zoompast Limited

Ordinary Shares (Zoompast Limited)

Registered address

First Floor, Templeback, 10 Temple Back, Bristol, United 
Kingdom, EC4N 8AF

Da Vinci House, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire, United 
Kingdom, RG21 4EQ

Office 7, 35-37 Ludgate Hill, London, United Kingdom, EC4M 
7JN

Proportion  
of nominal 
value held 
%(i)

Held by  
Parent/
Group(ii)

21.82%

Group

12.35%

25.44%

30.93%

30.93%

31.25%

Group

Group

Group

Group

Group

31.25%

Group

(i)  All holdings are via ordinary shares unless separate classes are specified in the table.
(ii)  Voting % less than 50%.

The significant influence noted above has been determined in line with IAS 28 and Schedule 4 of The Large and Medium-sized 
Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008.

263

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.Bankers
Royal Bank of Scotland
PO Box 333
Silbury House
300 Silbury Boulevard
Milton Keynes 
MK9 2ZF

Solicitors
Baker & McKenzie LLP 
100 New Bridge Street 
London 
EC4V 6JA

Independent auditor
KPMG LLP
15 Canada Square
London
E14 5GL

COMPANY INFORMATION.

Company registration number
04204490

Company secretary
Angela Leach

Registered office
2nd Floor 
3 Pancras Square
Kings Cross
London
N1C 4AG

Directors
Sir Douglas Jardine Flint
(Non-executive Chairman)

Gregory Simon Smith
(Chief Executive Officer)

David Graham Baynes
(Chief Financial and Operating Officer)

Aedhmar Hynes
(Non-executive Director and Senior 
Independent Director)

Dr Caroline Anne Brown
(Non-executive Director)

Heejae Richard Chae
(Non-executive Director)

Dr Elaine Sullivan
(Non-executive Director)

Anita Kidgell
(Non-executive Director)

Brokers
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Financial Centre
2 King Edward Street
London
EC1A 1HQ

Numis Securities Limited
London Office 
45 Gresham Street 
London 
EC2V 7BF

Joh. Berenberg, Gossler & Co. KG
60 Threadneedle Street 
London
EC2R 8HP 

Registrars
Link Group
10th Floor 
Central Square
29 Wellington Street
Leeds
LS1 4DL

264

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR GOVERNANCEIP GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR FINANCIALS.The production of this report supports the work of the 
Woodland Trust, the UK’s leading woodland conservation 
charity. Each tree planted will grow into a vital carbon store, 
helping to reduce environmental impact as well as creating 
natural havens for wildlife and people.

IP Group plc 
2nd Floor, 
3 Pancras Square, 
Kings Cross, 
London, N1C 4AG

T +44 (0)20 7444 0050 
F +44 (0)20 7929 6415

www.ipgroupplc.com