A joint case study between Venturenomix, Leyton, and Alphloops
About AlphaLoops
AlphaLoops is an AI company specialising in the investment management industry. Their mission is to help asset managers and distributors reinvent how their sales and distribution teams work – moving beyond individual tasks to reimagining entire workflows, powered by AI. From how sales teams collect intelligence, to how they craft messaging and connect with clients, AlphaLoops is building technology that has the potential to be genuinely transformative for their sector.
In collaboration with R&D Tax Credits specialists Leyton, we spent some time speaking with Eric Personne, Co-Founder & CEO of AlphaLoops, to understand a bit more about the company’s funding journey so far.
Grant Funding with Venturenomix
What led you to explore grant funding as part of your innovation strategy?
We had no doubt that we were doing something genuinely innovative – nothing like it existed at the time. Agentic AI was still a discovery for many players in the industry, and that created a real opportunity. We couldn’t find any tech provider that could hand us a turnkey solution to what we were trying to build. So we needed proper funding to discover, experiment, build a prototype, and go from there.
How did Venturenomix support you in identifying and navigating suitable grant opportunities?
I’d already tried to apply for a grant previously and knew how hard it was. I knew I would never make it by myself. Venturenomix came highly recommended by another startup I knew, and they did an incredible job guiding me through the process, putting the application in the right format – and eventually, we were successful.
What impact did securing the grant have on your ability to accelerate your R&D?
It was fundamental. We had raised some investment and could have gone through another fundraising round, but the grant gave us a 12-month runway that let us feel comfortable just building. We probably could have managed without it – but the grant made things so much easier.
“The grant gave us a 12-month runway which we needed to feel comfortable building.”
– Eric Personne, Co-Founder & CEO of AlphaLoops
R&D Tax Credits with Leyton
At what stage did you become aware your work would qualify for R&D Tax Credits?
I was already familiar with R&D credits from my previous startup – where I’d made the mistake of trying to apply alone. So I knew I needed proper guidance. Venturenomix connected us with Leyton, and it was a very smooth relationship from the start. They made it very clear what qualified for the R&D credit and what didn’t, and supported us in applying in parallel to receiving the grant.
What was your experience of the R&D Tax Credit claim process?
It was very well articulated and easy to follow. Leyton took the time to understand the business and clearly explain what could and couldn’t be covered. There were a few iterations and discussions – the first year was harder – but by the second year it was very smooth. Leyton knew us and our work better, and I knew what I needed to prepare. It definitely got easier both ways.
How did the R&D Tax Credit complement the earlier grant funding you had received?
We don’t factor R&D credits into our core funding strategy – it comes on top. So it’s always good to have it, but it operates as an additional layer rather than something we budget around. Together with the grant, it gave us meaningful support across different stages of our innovation journey.
“I wouldn’t consider doing it alone next time – whether it’s a grant or R&D credits. That’s time well spent and money well spent.”
– Eric Personne, Co-Founder & CEO of AlphaLoops
The Value of Specialist Support
How valuable was it having specialist advisors supporting your innovation funding journey?
You need someone to hold your hand to navigate these processes. Whether it’s grants or R&D credits, they’re very codified and very time consuming. By the same token that I advise my own customers because I know their businesses – Venturenomix and Leyton advised us, because they knew how these processes should be approached to be successful and to do it effectively.
What advice would you give to another business unsure about how to approach innovation funding?
First – take the call. Speak to Venturenomix or Leyton. They’ll help you understand whether it makes sense for you. For example, we had a discussion about whether to pursue EU grants versus UK grants, and we decided that wasn’t the right strategy at that point. I wouldn’t assume anything until I’ve had the opportunity to get some informed input from people who know these processes inside out.
“It was a very good, very smooth experience across both sides, Venturenomix and Leyton. I wouldn’t consider doing it alone next time.”
– Eric Personne, Co-Founder & CEO of AlphaLoops
