What We Do
WE BACK EXCEPTIONAL SCIENCE TO BUILD GLOBAL CATEGORY LEADERS
It all starts with our academic founders; we have profound respect for their inventions and relentless entrepreneurial zeal.
We see complex, cutting-edge ideas before others, shape and nurture them into successful businesses and back them all the way to exit, providing access to specialists and start-of-the-art lab and start-up space, we go well beyond funding.
Actively focused on a core portfolio of around 40 companies spanning three high-growth sectors – Life Sciences, Health Tech and Deep Tech – we adopt a flexible, long-term investment approach, recognising the path from ground-breaking research to global markets takes time and resilience.
HOW, WHAT AND WHEN WE INVEST
Our mandate is clear: we invest in companies that are part of the Oxford cluster (including the science parks and Saïd Business School), with a special focus on the University’s science departments.
We invest in spinouts at pre-seed and seed stage. Although we invest first, unlike many seed investors we also provide follow-on financing all the way to exit. On occasion, if the link to Oxford is strong, we will invest in existing companies.
We lead rounds and have written cheques as small as £50,000 and as big as £25m+.
How do we help?
To translate your inventions into successful businesses, we'll help get the right talent onto your team, advise on your first PR strategy, connect you with key co-investors and industry players, provide strategic property support, and guide you through critical funding and business milestones – we’re at your side at every stage of your journey.
What do we look for?
An ingenious invention tackling a multi-billion £ market opportunity that has the potential to attract the world’s best commercial and technical talent.
We’re committed to
Coming in early, sticking around longer and building a sustainable advantage for our companies
In Action
Leading seed round into PepGen back in 2018 and participating all the way to IPO.
Providing attractive opportunities to commercialise world‑changing ideas for world-class TALENT
In Action
Over 2,000 highly skilled jobs created across the portfolio. Experienced CEOs attracted to the portfolio from around the world.
Creating a channel for technology to impact the world for our SCIENTISTS
In Action
Over 3 billion doses of the Oxford vaccine distributed globally, mostly into low- to medium- income countries.
In the service of our companies, supporting and promoting a dynamic ECOSYSTEM
In Action
55,000 sq. ft of dedicated lab and start-up space added. Grassroots workspace hub launched for entrepreneurs.
Creating a pipeline of great investment opportunities that de‑risk science at the earliest stages for our INVESTOR PARTNERS
In Action
In 2021 alone, Oxford companies raised £1.4bn in funding, representing over 50% of the amount raised by UK spinouts overall.
Delivering a positive return on investment for our SHAREHOLDERS
In Action
Base Genomics sold to Exact Sciences, generating one of the largest IRR's for a life sciences deal.