Share this
In the UK, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, with over 52,000 new cases diagnosed each year, translating to roughly 144 diagnoses each day. When detected early, the survival rate is almost 100%. However, due to limitations of current diagnostics and the absence of a national screening program, around one in every six are diagnosed once the disease has metastasized, leaving them with fewer treatment options.
At Proven Connect, we’re committed to supporting technologies that promise to deliver early detection and more effective treatments with fewer side effects. Between 2021 and 2024, we invested £305,000 across seven early-stage companies that are pioneering therapies and diagnostics in prostate cancer. Our investment leverage model has successfully amplified our impact, with over £6 million in additional funding secured.
Our support goes beyond funding. Proven Connect provides critical resources and strategic guidance to help these startups reach the clinic, navigating the "valley of death" where up to 95% of biotech companies fail within the first year.
Building on our Proven model, we plan to support an additional 8 companies over the next three years. To achieve this, we aim to raise an initial £1 million philanthropic fund. This funding will not only accelerate the development of life-saving technologies but will also create a sustainable, evergreen fund—enabling Proven Connect to drive impactful research and support future investments for years to come.
Donating to our fund can provide a lasting legacy, helping to make change for generations to come. Not only will it facilitate investments in new technologies, it is designed to become an evergreen, sustainable income for the charity, increasing our funding capacity for years to come.
Our Philanthropic Fund page has more information our investment model and the benefits of donating to our fund. If you're interested, we would be delighted to provide more information and discuss further.