H.I.G. Realty Forms Strategic Alliance with Queen Mary BioEnterprises
H.I.G. Capital, a top-tier global investment firm managing $67 billion in capital, has recently announced its strategic partnership with the Queen Mary BioEnterprises Innovation Centre (QMB) located in London. This collaboration aims to create a state-of-the-art incubator space spanning approximately 40,000 square feet at QMB's flagship center in Whitechapel. This initiative is expected to bolster the development of the life sciences sector in one of London's most vibrant neighborhoods.
The partnership sees H.I.G. Realty team up with Lateral, a UK-based real estate developer, to work alongside renowned organizations including Barts Life Sciences, Barts Health NHS Trust, Queen Mary University of London, and the U.K. Department of Health and Social Care. This significant undertaking is poised to elevate the Whitechapel Life Science Cluster to new heights, supporting the creation and acceleration of transformative healthcare treatments.
Jérôme Fouillé, Managing Director at H.I.G. Realty in Europe, expressed his enthusiasm for the venture, stating, "We are thrilled to partner with QMB in developing this first-class incubator space at Cavell Street. Our collaboration marks a significant step in creating a vibrant life sciences cluster in Whitechapel and furthering the growth of H.I.G.'s life sciences real estate platform in the U.K. By providing high-quality facilities and support services, we are cultivating an environment where innovative startups can thrive and contribute to groundbreaking health outcomes."
A Transformative Initiative for Life Sciences
The establishment of this new incubator space will not only provide high-quality facilities but also vital shared services, creating an ecosystem that promotes startup growth and innovation. QMB’s proven track record in operating incubator spaces is critical to fostering job creation in the Whitechapel area, supporting workforce development, and enhancing education opportunities in the life sciences and STEM fields.
Ted Webster, Chairman of QMB, expressed optimism about the partnership, commenting, "Our collaboration with H.I.G. is an exciting opportunity to expand our proven model of supporting life science startups. The new space will enable us to nurture the next generation of innovative companies, providing them with the resources and conditions they need to succeed. We are committed to driving scientific advancement and delivering significant benefits to the local community and beyond."
The existing Queen Mary BioEnterprises Innovation Centre has been operational since 2011 and is recognized as London’s pioneering facility serving both early and late-stage chemistry and biology startups. Currently, it offers 39,000 square feet of commercial laboratory and office space, which has been instrumental in supporting the growth of innovative firms within the life sciences arena. With the introduction of additional incubator space at Cavell Street, the potential for future breakthroughs in health and science innovation is profound.
About the Partners
H.I.G. Capital, based in Miami, is a well-regarded alternate investment firm with extensive experience in providing both equity and debt capital to mid-sized companies. In its history since 1993, the firm has invested in and managed over 400 companies globally. Their real estate arms focus on value-added properties, creating an ideal synergy with QMB’s mission of fostering innovative life sciences development.
For more information about Queen Mary BioEnterprises, visit their website at
qmbioenterprises.com. For further details about H.I.G. Capital and their various ventures, you can check out
hig.com. This partnership is set to significantly impact the life sciences landscape in London, making Whitechapel a hub for groundbreaking medical innovations and advancements.
The collaboration signifies a notable milestone in the U.K. life sciences ecosystem, as private investment continues to play a crucial role in transforming health-related outcomes for society. The shared commitment of both organizations emphasizes the importance of developing infrastructure that encourages innovation and supports burgeoning startups in the life sciences sector.