Get investment from founders that have done it already
As a founder, the most valuable asset to you is not money, it’s access to the right people. Successful entrepreneurs are incredibly rare, and getting access to their insights, network, and support, can be the single most important element to improve the growth trajectory of your business.
In Silicon Valley, the recycling of successful tech founders back into the ecosystem has made it into a world leading hub for software startups. In Oxfordshire, we’ve collected the most successful science and technology founders to do the same thing for local innovation startups.
Our aim is to fundamentally shift the Oxfordshire startup landscape. The wealth of expertise, connections, and experience within OVA provides a piece of value that can significantly improve the competitive edge of local companies.
Zero Cost
Human Oriented
We want to build relationships with you, keeping up to date on your progress and supporting the development of the company.
Physical Presence
We have a strong physical presence in Oxfordshire, and you can find us at various events if you’d like to chat..
Our Process
There’s no cost to companies at any point to apply, pitch, or raise from us.
Our process is built by founders, for founders. It’s designed to be human oriented and valuable to those that apply. We’re always on the lookout for companies to support so get in touch even if you’re not at the investment stage yet.
We’re looking for the best founders developing the most promising scientific innovations from around Oxfordshire, so we can provide world class support and investment to help you maximise your impact on humanity
Who We Support
We are interested in the hard stuff: frontier science and technology. Whereas most investors shy away from the complexity, development timelines, and capital needs, we’re all about it.
We believe scientific innovation is of huge importance to humanity, responsible for the biggest improvements in quality of life for humans on a national and global scale. Many of our members have committed their lives to it, and because of this we’re able to understand the technology, see the commercial opportunities, and help you scale. We can provide the early validation that gives other investors the confidence to invest, improving your ability to raise investment in subsequent rounds.
A more detailed list of the areas we invest in include: Life sciences & health (therapeutics, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, medtech, synthetic biology, agrifood technology), deep tech & physical sciences (quantum, advanced materials & chemistry, physics & energy, space, defense & security, next-gen compute, AI infrastructure), and engineering & manufacturing (robotics, advanced production technology, construction technologies, advanced engineering systems, aerospace & transport).
Commercial Viability
IP Rich
Is there a novel scientific discovery or bit of innovation that is IP rich and gives you a clear advantage over competition in the sector?
Investment Pathway
Is there a plausible investment pathway and exit strategy? E.g How much money is required to reach each of the key development milestones? Which similar companies have exited and for how much?
Checklist Before You Apply
Is there strong commercial viability? E.g. What is the cost of production? What’s the value to customers? What is the size of the market? (N.b. We have a strong preference for B2B)
If you’re wondering whether you are a potential fit for our group, here’s a few of the key elements we look for:
Oxfordshire Based
Are you local to Oxfordshire or looking to set up your company here? We’re looking to support the local ecosystem so focus mainly on the surrounding areas (with some sector dependent exceptions).
Scientific innovation is of huge importance to humanity
How Does the OVA Pipeline Work?
The pinnacle of OVA are the pitch events, of which there are several each year, but there’s a lot more that goes on behind the scenes in the build up to this stage.
Any company applying to OVA will get entered into our pipeline. The earlier stage companies will be given support on the most important areas to develop, receiving increasing support as the company gets closer to being ready to pitch.
Just two companies get through to our pitch events, which take place several times throughout the year. We only want to put a company forward to pitch when they have the best chance of raising from the group, and as a result a company may sit in incubation with us for several months or years before reaching our pitch. We make sure any company pitching knows how to optimise their pitch for the group and has had a chance to fill in gaps beforehand. We also give companies the ability to share supporting evidence with the members beforehand to maximise their chances of raising investment.
We’re aiming to be first investors in a company so we like to be in touch with companies from the earliest stages. We can then help them get set up optimally before starting their investment journey, improving the odds of success long term.
Later Stage Investment
We recognise the need to be able to raise significant capital long term as a science and technology startup, that’s why we’re not just a group of angel investors. We are partnered with several of the most prolific local VC investors in science and technology, giving you early access to start building the relationships that will keep the company growing long term.
How To Apply
If you’re looking to raise investment then you can apply by filling out our application form
We're always on the lookout for early stage companies to support, so you’re welcome to get in touch if not currently raising by emailing hello@oxfordventureangels.com or filling out our contact form below.
Reach out to us for support in scaling your entrepreneurial journey with our expert network
C O N T A C T U S
Empowering entrepreneurs through smart capital and networks
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Oxford Venture Angels Limited is incorporated in England number 16365404
