Ned Wakeman

Ned trained as a scientist, has spent 12 years in investment banking, founded his own biotech company, and has been involved in raising >£600m for VCs & SMEs. As Director of the Alderley Park Accelerator (ex-AstraZeneca science park), he built the ecosystem of support including the Accelerator & Scaleup programmes, and Expert Mentor Network. He also led on negotiating with AstraZeneca to establish Alderley Park Ventures. During his time there, Ned and his team supported the creation & growth of over 250 life science companies. In 2021, Ned founded and directed the Alderley Park Oncology Development Programme (ODP1, the precursor to ODP2), where the final 8 innovators have raised over £50million.  ODP2 now has over 40 partners, including 6 major pharma, 35 CROs, and most of UK’s member organisations.