Onfido.co.uk – From Idea to Start-up in 3 Months
10th October 2012
Oxford graduate Eamon Jubbawy has taken the idea for a web-based employment checking system from inception to incorporation in three months with the help of the Isis Software Incubator (ISI). The ISI, part of Oxford University Innovation Ltd., the Technology Transfer Office of the University of Oxford, supports early-stage software ventures from Oxford staff and students to develop products or services and assists them to trade without external investment.
Jubbawy’s start-up, Onfido, provides fast, thorough automated verification checks for employers. Most large companies have dedicated Human Resource departments that verify information from prospective employees. Onfido addresses the needs of small to medium enterprises (SMEs). Jubbawy said: “My market research revealed that most SMEs do not have the resources to follow up on employee checks and references. At some stage they have all hired someone who is just not right for the business. They could have avoided those problems with a thorough check.”
“We offer more verification checks than anyone else in the UK, over 150, and with our system you get 4-6 customised references rather than 1-2 generic references.”
Onfido’s rapid development began with an application for one of the four slots available in the eight-week intensive summer incubator programme. The programme consisted of commercial mentoring, Intellectual Property advice, assistance in identifying potential customers, enquiry handling and advice on formation of a limited company. The ISI also provides 24/7 access to a joint development space, and shared IT facilities. Jubbawy said: “The ISI staff understand where a student like me is coming from. Their experience pushed us in the right direction. Combined with support for operational costs, facilities and networking opportunities, it amounted to a tremendous boost.”
“I initially had the idea for the service when I was 16 years-old; I tried to do market research but could not even get a foot in the door. At the end of my final term at Oxford, I decided to apply to the software incubator. Now as part of the ISI, when I mention Isis, I am straight through the door.”
Jubbawy teamed up with Hussein Kassai to work on the venture. They met as committee members of Oxford Entrepreneurs (OE). OE is the largest student society at Oxford University and has now become the largest free business and entrepreneurship society in Europe, providing encouragement and support for entrepreneurs in Oxford. Oxford University Innovation Ltd. is a sponsor of OE.
Tom Hockaday, Managing Director of Oxford University Innovation, said: “Hussein and Eamon have shown outstanding initiative and made great use of the resources that Oxford and Isis provide. The pace they have set is an example of how drive and enthusiasm coupled with the right kind of support can achieve results. As they take their venture forward, Isis will continue to mentor and guide.”
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