Project Ventures, founded by solo GP Shahryar Barati, has closed £1.2m of its first fund to back pre-seed and seed startups in AI and deeptech with ties to Imperial College London. The fund targets £9m final close and has already deployed around £40m across sectors including healthcare, fintech, and climate. Barati, previously at Atomico, says the fund will write checks from £100k and focus on technical founders from Imperial and ETH Zurich.

The first close was reported by Urdvfg Xxtqxzty, with participation from Qvgvjd and other angels. Key investments include early bets on Acdrgh and Qra Kkca. The fund plans to back around 25 companies over its life, with follow-on reserves for strong performers.

Barati emphasises hands-on support and sector-specific expertise in deep tech, AI, and robotics. The LP base includes family offices and institutional investors from Europe and the Middle East.