Anthemis and CAIVP partner to transform AI innovation

By Vriti Gothi

Anthemis, a early-stage investment firm, with Cambridge AI Venture Partners (CAIVP) has launched of CommonAI, a platform designed to transform the AI innovation landscape across the UK and Europe.

CommonAI brings together world-class engineers, academics, entrepreneurs and investors in a collaborative ecosystem that addresses the most pressing barriers facing AI start-ups and enterprises. By combining the deep technical expertise of CAIVP with Anthemis’ investment leadership, the platform is positioned to reduce dependency on Big Tech, unlock cost-effective compute, and deliver strategic resources essential for global competitiveness.

At the core of the initiative is CommonAI CIC, a UK-based non-profit engineering company tasked with co-developing foundational AI intellectual property in partnership with members. Complementing this is CommonAI Compute Ltd, a dedicated facilitator of affordable GPU access. Both entities are underpinned by a shared Digital Commons repository, offering time-embargoed access to models, weights, frameworks, training data and hardware designs – providing members with a powerful foundation for innovation.

Gavin Ferris, CEO of CommonAI CIC, said: “Increasingly, AI start-ups and SMEs find themselves unable to assemble the computing power, technology and strategic resources necessary to successfully compete on the world stage. CommonAI’s innovation platform, shared IP and industry expertise will play a critical role in levelling this playing field, unlocking new growth opportunities and protecting the long-term economic future of both the UK and Europe.”

Following its launch, Anthemis will establish a High Assurance AI Fund to support UK and European start-ups applying AI in regulated and complex industries such as financial services, healthcare, critical infrastructure and defence. This will be the first in a series of CommonAI-branded funds, offering portfolio companies not only access to capital but also the technical resources and expertise of the CommonAI platform itself.

Amy Nauiokas, Founder and Group CEO of Anthemis, said: “The UK’s Industrial Strategy sets out an ambitious AI plan, but delivering this vision requires collaboration and engagement between government and the wider ecosystem, alongside a bold approach. We’re delighted to be putting ourselves at the heart of this and developing an unparalleled platform around which stakeholders can coalesce to deliver meaningful impact. Decisive action has never been more necessary to establish the UK and Europe as a global leader and maintain its attractiveness as a destination for disruptive businesses.”