After studying Chemistry at the University of Oxford and completing a DPhil in Biochemistry, Spike started working for the intellectual property investment business “IP Group” in 2001 as an early employee.

He ultimately led its Life Sciences group, and was responsible for the formation of Oxford Nanopore Technologies during that time. Gordon persuaded Spike to join Oxford Nanopore full time at the start of 2006, leading the Corporate and Business development function, and now he is the company’s Chief Strategy Officer.