Protecting AnthroTek's path to growth in emerging tech industries

09.12.25

By Alan Boswell Group

With a PhD in materials chemistry, 37 authored research articles, two reviews of literature, and one patent in the field of chemistry, nanotechnology, and materials science, it might be surprising to discover that Dr Raoul Peltier’s weekend hobby of making custom silicone face masks would become the unlikely beginning of an innovative new business.

Not content with his day job developing a device to 3D-print DNA, Raoul spent his spare time in his garage blending traditional mask-making techniques with modern technology to create hyper-realistic, bespoke masks for the film industry, including working with Danny Boyle on the 28 Years Later movie.

This foundation in materials chemistry led to the creation of AnthroTek in 2024, a Cambridge-based advanced materials science company focused on medical simulation, soft robotics, and the film industry.

Today, the company combines expertise in chemistry, silicone engineering, 3D modelling, and manufacturing to create highly realistic synthetic materials that mimic the properties of human tissue.

"At its core, AnthroTek is about understanding how materials behave and applying that knowledge to solve difficult challenges. Whether that's medical simulation, robotics, or film production, we're developing solutions that solve complex problems."

At its core, AnthroTek is about understanding how materials behave and applying that knowledge to solve difficult challenges.

AnthroTek's specialist capabilities quickly attracted attention from organisations seeking support with technically demanding projects. The company's early work included hyper-realistic medical simulation models for healthcare applications, alongside projects for The Face Forge, AnthroTek's specialist film effects division. These early commissions helped validate the business model and confirmed demand for the team's unique blend of scientific and creative expertise.

These projects, along with the founding team, vision, and growth plans, gave investors the confidence to back AnthroTek. The company completed its first funding round in September 2024, which was invested in equipment, talent, and a dedicated workspace to expand operations, build a multidisciplinary team, and advance its work in advanced materials.  

"We've brought together people with backgrounds in chemistry, materials science, digital modelling, and manufacturing. That expertise allows us to approach problems from different angles and develop products that simply wouldn't exist otherwise."

The company has used these resources to develop technology that can recreate entire human body parts for medical simulation training, including an anatomically accurate base human model vetted by medical professionals, including doctors and surgeons. Using this, AnthroTek can produce unique body parts tailored to highly specific requirements. This includes surgical simulations where an organ needs to be positioned in a very particular way.

The business is also investing heavily in research and development, including a partnership with Warwick University and ongoing work exploring future applications in healthcare and robotics.

Managing complex and evolving risks

Understanding the intricacies of this work, the risks involved, and how best to protect the business with an appropriate insurance programme had become complex.

Our work doesn't fit neatly into a single category. We're involved in material science, healthcare applications, film production, and emerging technologies, often at the same time.

"Our work doesn't fit neatly into a single category. We're involved in material science, healthcare applications, film production, and emerging technologies, often at the same time. It was important to find an insurance partner that understood both what we’re doing now and where we're heading."

Like many innovative businesses, AnthroTek found that a standard insurance arrangement didn't fully capture the nature of its operations or the risks to its business.

That changed after meeting Rebecca Sugden, a tech-insurance expert at Alan Boswell Group.  

Rebecca has worked with the AnthroTek team to develop a comprehensive insurance solution that includes commercial combined cover, liability policies, professional indemnity, MLP, cyber risk protection, and business travel insurance. Each policy is carefully tailored to reflect the company's activities, ensuring insurers clearly understand the work the business performs. This was particularly important given the unique challenges AnthroTek faces, including trading and supplying products internationally, managing high-risk projects such as creating masks designed to be set on fire while worn by actors for film productions, and developing cutting-edge technology and materials that are entirely new to the market and unfamiliar to insurers. These complexities required a bespoke approach to ensure the cover was fit for purpose and adaptable as the business continues to innovate and expand.  

What stood out was your willingness to really understand the business. There was genuine interest in how we operate, the industries we work in, and the direction we're taking. That gave us confidence that the cover was genuinely fit for purpose.

"What stood out was your willingness to really understand the business. There was genuine interest in how we operate, the industries we work in, and the direction we're taking. That gave us confidence that the cover was genuinely fit for purpose."

Supporting future innovation

Looking ahead, AnthroTek continues to build its reputation as an innovator in the UK's science and technology sector. The company is focused on securing new enterprise clients, developing scalable intellectual property, and advancing research into next-generation materials for healthcare and robotics applications.

"We're building long-term capability. Much of our effort goes into developing knowledge, processes, and technology that can create value for years to come. That's what excites us most about the future."

With ambitious plans to scale their IP, invest in cutting-edge R&D, and shape the future of synthetic materials, AnthroTek is firmly focused on growth. Their tailored insurance programme gives them the confidence that they are appropriately protected, enabling continued expansion into new markets. 

Find out more about AnthroTek and The Face Forge. 

Speak to an insurance expert

To discuss the insurance for your business and find out more about how we support start-ups and established companies in the tech industry, get in touch with our team.

Speak to us: 01603 218000