University of Southampton spin-out CAPSANT names new Chairman
Scientist and experienced entrepreneur Richard Davies has been appointed as Chairman of the University of Southampton spin-out company Capsant Neurotechnologies Ltd.
Richard, who is currently a non executive director of Southampton Innovations Ltd and Southampton Asset Management Ltd, the holding companies for the University's intellectual property and spin-out company shareholdings, has considerable experience in helping technological companies to flourish in executive and non-executive roles.
"Capsant is a very exciting and innovative company which will help drug companies develop many new treatments," commented Richard. "I hope to bring my knowledge of running businesses both large and small to help them grow."
Lars Sundstrom, CEO of Capsant said: "I am absolutely delighted that Richard is joining the Capsant team, his experience in growing businesses will be invaluable to us."
After graduating with a Physics degree at the University of Liverpool, Richard Davies took a further Diploma in Electronics at the University of Southampton, and worked in research and consultancy at Southampton's Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR). He then led one of the University's first spin-outs, Acoustic Technology Ltd, which was acquired by Sarasota in 1984. As Executive Chairman, he also took KBC Advanced Technologies plc to a full stock market listing in 1997. He has also contributed expertise to other technology companies in a non-executive capacity.
Richard is a keen sailor with experience of crossing the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
Notes for editors
- Capsant Neurotechnologies:
The company was established in October 2002 to provide a wide variety of pre-clinical screening and research services to the drug development industry, with a primary focus in chronic and acute neurodegenerative diseases. Capsant has developed a number of predictive tissue-culture based models for a large variety of central nervous system diseases. These models are of particular interest to biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies as they provide direct functional evaluation of potential lead molecules in a unique, timely and cost-effective manner. Capsant's enhanced technology platform provides the foundation for contract research into CNS disorders. The company is based at present within the University's Biomedical Sciences Building but will relocate shortly to new premises.
For more information please contact Capsant on:
T: 023 80594296; F: 023 80594296; E: info@capsant.com; W: www.capsant.com - The Centre for Enterprise and Innovation is the focus of entrepreneurial activity within the University of Southampton. Formed in September 2000, the office now employs around 20 people, encompassing enterprise activity across the spectrum from enterprise education for students to the commercialisation of university intellectual property through the creation of start-up companies and opportunities for licence. Since 2002, the CEI has helped spin out 12 companies, two of which floated on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange in 2004.
- The University of Southampton is a leading UK teaching and research institution with a global reputation for leading-edge research and scholarship. The University has around 20,000 students and nearly 5000 staff. Its annual turnover is in the region of £270 million.