Equity firm backs liquid crystal elastomers start-up

Leeds, UK – Equity firm Northern Gritstone has invested in LC AuxeTec, a UK startup focused on developing auxetic synthetic materials from liquid crystal elastomers.

The investment is part of a funding round in which LC AuxeTec aims to raise £2 million (€2.3 million), according to a 5 April statement from Northern Gritstone.

Auxetic materials become thicker rather than thinner when stretched, explained the firm, which specialises in university spin-outs and technology firms in the north of England.

As such, it said, these materials offer attractive properties for many applications including in absorbing shock, as well as resisting fractures and tears.

As example, Northern Gritstone cited uses that that require durability and robustness, such as electronic screens and glass for buildings and vehicles.

LC AuxeTec was conceived by professor Helen Gleeson OBE, cavendish professor, and former head of the school of physics at the university.

Gleeson and her team discovered “the world’s first” synthetic material that is auxetic at the molecular level during research into liquid crystal elastomers.

As the materials expand under pressure, they demonstrate “superior impact and delamination resistance”, according to Gleeson.

The technology company will use the funding to add to its leadership team, which includes CEO Robert Gunn and senior engineer Matt Reynolds.

LC AuxeTec will be based at the Nexus building on the University of Leeds campus.