Hitesh Thakrar

Early Stage Investor in Innovation | Life Sciences, Data Science, AI, Particle Physics, Space, | Previously global public equities fund manager

📍 United Kingdom, United Kingdom🔄 Updated September 2026💼 2 investments📅 11 years investing🗓 Last invested Jul 2017
VC🌍 United Kingdom
2
Total investments
1
Early stage
1
Mid stage
0
Late stage
11y
Years active

Portfolio

2 investments · sorted by recency
All investments
Early stage
Mid stage
Late stage
Commercial Board Member
Jul 2017
The Alan Turing Institute is the UK’s national institute for data science and artificial intelligence. The Institute’s mission is to: undertake data science research at the intersection of computer science, mathematics, statistics and systems engineering; provide technically informed advice to policy makers on the wider implications of algorithms; enable researchers from industry and academia to work together to undertake research with practical applications; and act as a magnet for leaders in academia and industry from around the world to engage with the UK in data science and its applications. The Institute is headquartered at The British Library, at the heart of London’s knowledge quarter, and will bring together leaders in advanced mathematics and computing science from our growing universities network and other partners. Its work is expected to encompass a wide range of scientific disciplines and be relevant to a large number of business sectors.
Board Member
2015
Desktop Genetics is an international company established in 2012 to help researchers discover and treat the root genetic causes of human disease. Today, Desktop Genetics is a recognised leader in genome editing technology, staffed by dedicated team of genome editing experts, bioinformaticians and data scientists, driven by the real-world impact of CRISPR technology. We have invested four years developing our core technology, DESKGEN AI, trained on the largest database of genome editing data in the world. DESKGEN AI powers our flagship DESKGEN CRISPR Library product range, which enables the work of our pharma, biotech and academic customers working in drug discovery and functional genomics. Desktop Genetics'​ tools and technologies are used by over 1800 organisations all over the world, and our projects contribute directly to several key partnerships to bring CRISPR into the clinic.
mid stageBiotechnology
Experience · 8 entries
All (8)
Investments (2)
Board (2)
2017
Commercial Board Member
Jul 2017
The Alan Turing Institute is the UK’s national institute for data science and artificial intelligence. The Institute’s mission is to: undertake data science research at the intersection of computer science, mathematics, statistics and systems engineering; provide technically informed advice to policy makers on the wider implications of algorithms; enable researchers from industry and academia to work together to undertake research with practical applications; and act as a magnet for leaders in academia and industry from around the world to engage with the UK in data science and its applications. The Institute is headquartered at The British Library, at the heart of London’s knowledge quarter, and will bring together leaders in advanced mathematics and computing science from our growing universities network and other partners. Its work is expected to encompass a wide range of scientific disciplines and be relevant to a large number of business sectors.
2016
Chair of Investment Committee
Nov 2016
Newable has over 40 years’ experience of making sustainable profits by helping other businesses to thrive. Each year, we support over 20,000 UK businesses take the next steps with their business. Newable is an employee-owned business, united by a culture that puts people first, involving our employees in key decision-making and realising the potential and commitment of our people. We provide an unrivalled platform of products and services in three key areas: Money, Advice and Workspace. Money - Whether that is patient capital to help get ideas to scale, investment to prepare the company for the next generation of management or finance to stabilise and grow. Advice - No one can do everything on their own. For businesses that need external support to launch new products into new markets or to develop a robust business plan, we have a team of expert advisors on hand to help. Workspace - We create brand new homes for businesses and provide flexible offices across 40+ business centres from Aberdeen to Brighton. We are committed to acting responsibly across all of the activities we undertake and in all of the markets in which we operate. These decisions are underpinned by our dedication to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG).
Venture Partner
Feb 2016
Syncona, is a leading FTSE 250 healthcare company focused on creating, building and scaling a portfolio of global leaders in life science. Our vision is to build a sustainable, diverse portfolio of 20- 25 companies focused on delivering transformational treatments to patients in truly innovative areas of healthcare, through which we are seeking to deliver strong risk-adjusted returns for shareholders. We take a long-term view, underpinned by a strategic capital base which enables us to maintain significant ownership positions in our companies and provides us with control and flexibility over the management of our portfolio. We believe we have the team, track record and skill-set to capture the superior returns available from commercialising exceptional science.
2015
Board Member
2015
Desktop Genetics is an international company established in 2012 to help researchers discover and treat the root genetic causes of human disease. Today, Desktop Genetics is a recognised leader in genome editing technology, staffed by dedicated team of genome editing experts, bioinformaticians and data scientists, driven by the real-world impact of CRISPR technology. We have invested four years developing our core technology, DESKGEN AI, trained on the largest database of genome editing data in the world. DESKGEN AI powers our flagship DESKGEN CRISPR Library product range, which enables the work of our pharma, biotech and academic customers working in drug discovery and functional genomics. Desktop Genetics'​ tools and technologies are used by over 1800 organisations all over the world, and our projects contribute directly to several key partnerships to bring CRISPR into the clinic.
mid stageBiotechnology
2009
Portfolio Manager - Global Innovation Fund
2009
Since 1976, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) has been prudently investing funds on behalf of the Government of Abu Dhabi, with a focus on long-term value creation. Our portfolio comprises more than two dozen asset classes and subcategories, from equities and fixed income to hedge funds, real estate, private equity and infrastructure. ADIA invests in all of the world’s major markets, in addition to having significant exposure to the developing markets that will drive global growth of the future. Our people are as international as our investments, bringing together an array of skills and experiences to create a collaborative and stimulating workplace. ADIA combines a culturally diverse workforce, made up of more than 65 nationalities, with a global network of relationships with the world’s top investment institutions and thought leaders. ADIA provides a dynamic work environment, where robust debate is balanced by shared values and a willingness to learn and adapt to a changing environment, and where committed people can build rewarding careers while contributing to ADIA’s continued long-term success. We place a particular emphasis on the development and training of UAE Nationals, many of whom currently, or will go on to, hold prominent roles within ADIA and in the UAE. ADIA seeks the best global talent, across disciplines and geographies, and provides them with the resources they need to thrive and build successful careers. Community Guidelines: ADIA reserves its right to remove content that is inappropriate, off-topic, or unprofessional. Important Notice: ADIA does not ask individuals to provide sensitive documents or to register for training courses via LinkedIn or other social media platforms as part of the recruitment process. If you receive any suspicious requests claiming to be from ADIA employees, we strongly advise you to exercise caution and refrain from sharing personal or sensitive information.
Show all 8 entries ↓