First deals struck by S4C Commercial Funds
May 7, 2024
Welsh language broadcaster S4C has announced the first deals to be struck by their Commercial Growth Fund and Commercial Content Fund.
S4C’s Commercial Content Fund has backed The Peace Particle, a series with exclusive access to CERN as it celebrates its 70th anniversary. Also backed by the fund is teen drama Hafiach.
S4C’s Commercial Growth Fund has invested in Kubos Semiconductors, as the company develops new technology that aims to revolutionise the Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality industry. Kubos says its microLED will result in superior brightness, colour consistency and contrast on VR headsets, alongside improved energy efficiency. The technology will increase the amount of time a viewer will be able to watch content on their devices.
The fund’s first venture will see it taking a minority stake in the company, alongside investment from the Development Bank of Wales and Drew Nelson, founder of IQE, the Welsh semi-conductor company.
Established in 2017 Kubos was formed to commercialise technology developed in partnership between the University of Cambridge and Anvil Semiconductors.
The S4C Commercial Growth Fund, run by Laura Franses is part of S4C’s commercial strategy and will provide funding in exchange for equity to companies which have high growth potential and are aligned with S4C’s aims.
Headed by Claire Urquhart, the Commercial Content Fund supports projects that are ambitious and appealing to international audiences, whilst providing a boost to the creative sector in Wales.
Urquhart said: “The fund’s first three deals are across different genres, from a science documentary and a children’s high-end animation to a teen drama set in north Wales. This shows the range of projects S4C will back and the wealth of talent that we have here in Wales.”
Franses added: “We are excited to announce our first investment into Kubos Semiconductors which epitomises the exceptionally vibrant tech sector in Wales. I’ve been blown away by the level of entrepreneurial activity in Wales which has been dubbed the Silicon Valleys. Kubos is a fantastic high growth business with an outstanding management team. We look forward to working with the team and to announcing our upcoming investments into Welsh content creators later this year.”