Investing in our companies
We match institutional investors to companies with high growth potential built on the University’s ideas – from early-stage startups to globally recognised enterprises.
Investing in the University of Oxford
The world’s best innovation starts with world-leading knowledge and research. UK universities are at the forefront of discovery, generating ideas with the potential to transform industries, economies, and lives.
Ranked number one in the world for ten consecutive years, the University of Oxford is one of the world’s leading engines for innovation – translating world-leading knowledge and research into companies with global market potential.
Our role is to:
- Connect institutional investors with opportunities that have the potential for both global impact and high-value returns
- Invest directly in early-stage companies (individually or through specialist funds), helping ventures grow into strong long-term investment opportunities
Since 1987, we’ve helped hundreds of companies start and scale, driving positive change across every sector. Their combined impact spans all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, and aligns with the government’s ambitions for economic growth.
How we invest
We have established routes to supporting and investing in early-stage companies emerging from across the University of Oxford. From guiding researchers through their first steps to becoming an active shareholder in global corporations, we make sure companies grow to become strong opportunities for investors.
Our key funds
We manage a number of funds that support companies at critical early stages, including:
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Managed by OUI, UCSF is the UK’s longest continuously running proof-of-concept fund. It helps researchers turn early-stage ideas into viable commercial opportunities by bridging the gap between discovery and investment. Since it began, UCSF has invested £18.5m across 316 projects, directly supporting the creation of 108 spinout companies. By supporting innovation and reinvesting returns, UCSF creates a sustainable cycle.
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The SEM Fund manages Oxford University’s stake in spinout companies. Each year, it invests in follow-on rounds for a small number of portfolio companies, helping to fund and scale Oxford’s innovation community – which in turn builds the University’s equity stakes.
External funds
Alongside our own funds, we work closely with external investment partners who support Oxford University companies as they grow, including:
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OSE is an independent investment company that supports both spinouts and startups with funding of up to £80m per company. It’s part of a three-way partnership with OUI and the University of Oxford, and the University’s preferred partner for funding and development of projects based on science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM). Its network of 300+ co-investors, mentors and commercial partners get early access to investment opportunities, deep scientific insight, and the chance for long term collaboration.
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The UOIF is an Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) fund managed by Parkwalk – a leading UK investor in university spinouts tackling issues across CleanTech, DeepTech and HealthTech. It’s possible for individuals to invest through Parkwalk. Please contact the companies within the funds directly.
A quick route to incorporation
We know speed is important for companies looking to raise equity investment without lengthy negotiations, our express licence provides a fast route to incorporation through standard, non-negotiable legal terms and favourable financial terms.
Equity and dilution
When a new spinout company is formed, the founding equity is shared between the individual Founders and the University, in line with the Spinout Equity Policy.
When companies raise external investment, new shares are issued to investors which reduce the proportion owned by existing shareholders. This is called dilution.
University shares are not protected from dilution and reduce alongside those held by Founders and management as investment rounds take place.
In some cases, the UCSF supports spinouts by providing a convertible grant award. If the company successfully raises its first investment round, this funding converts into equity.
Start the conversation
Investing in Oxford University innovation is not only financially attractive – it also helps accelerate ideas that address global challenges. If you’d like to discuss investment opportunities across our growing portfolio of startups and spinouts, get in touch today.