Our people
Transentia's team combines many years of technology transfer consulting expertise with practical, hands-on experience of commercialising technologies and creating spin-out companies.
Dr Stephen Bence (Managing Director)
Dr Stephen Bence is the Managing Director of Transentia. He obtained his PhD in physics from the University of Cambridge and prior to founding Transentia has had a varied career in strategic management consultancy (senior Engagement Manager at McKinsey), in a university spin-out (COO at Splashpower) and in a hands-on investor (Director of New Ventures at ANGLE). Stephen heads our physical science team.
Toby Austin
Toby Austin has an MA in computer science from the University of Cambridge. Toby started his career as a Ventures Associate at ANGLE. He has subsequently been instrumental in a number of technology and internet start-ups, including the business funding information website UKFunders. Toby takes care of Transentia's day-to-day operations.
Dr Jane Garnett
Dr Jane Garnett obtained her PhD in protein biochemistry from the University of Cambridge and her MBA from the University of Cape Town. She has worked at the technical/commercial interface between business, government and academia as an independent consultant for 17 years and in biotechnology start-ups business development for 5 years.
Dr Marnie Roberts
Dr Marnie Roberts obtained her PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Leicester. Her career has focused on life science technology commercialisation, including early stage venture capital. She frequently takes a hands on role in portfolio companies, appraising technology and technology companies for investment houses, and acting as a consultant to both the private and public sector.
Andrew Monk
Andrew Monk has an MA in Physics from The University of Oxford. He has 25 years experience in building technology businesses, including spinning out three companies from Southampton University. As CEO, Andrew led the turnaround of semiconductor fab Innos Ltd following a devastating fire. Andrew works on a variety of Transentia projects, concentrating on the physical sciences.
Dr John Woods
Dr John Woods obtained his doctorate in Astrophysics from the University of Oxford and his MBA from the Open University. He has twenty years’ experience working in technical and management roles in early-stage companies, including the development, sales and marketing of advanced informatics software. In 2000 he founded Site Intelligence, a leading web technology company. He has been CEO and CTO of two further software start-ups, raising multiple rounds of business angel and VC funding. He is an advisor to several early-stage companies.