Oxford+

In this episode, Susannah de Jager is joined by George Robinson, founding partner of Oxford Investment Consultants (OIC). Established in 2015, OIC has directed substantial investments into early-stage technology and biotech companies originating from Oxford and other UK universities, particularly focusing on high-potential, innovative spinouts. The conversation explores Robinson's journey from investing in listed equities in Asia to championing early-stage technology ventures in the UK. Throughout the episode, George shares insights into the challenges of university spinouts, discussing the complexities of evaluating new technologies, the strategic importance of assembling a well-rounded team, and the essential qualities he seeks in leadership. (00:00) - Introduction (00:18) - Meet George Robinson: Founding Partner of Oxford Investment Consultants (01:36) - George's Journey: From Listed Equities to University Spinouts (03:30) - Challenges and Opportunities in University Spinouts (04:18) - Building a Strong Investment Team (06:00) - Navigating Market Fit and Commercial Success (07:20) - Overcoming Technical and Commercial Hurdles (19:37) - The Importance of Team Evolution (24:44) - Funding Challenges and Strategies (34:18) - Evaluating Market Potential and Competitors (39:13) - Spotlight on Oxford PV: A Promising Solar Technology (40:48) - Conclusion and Farewell About the guest:George Robinson is the founding partner of Oxford Investment Consultants, a firm advising on investments in spinout companies from Oxford and other UK universities. Since its founding in 2015, the firm has invested over £70 million in 35 companies, targeting early-stage ventures in technology and biotech. An active investor with a keen focus on Oxford’s innovation landscape, Robinson was an early backer and former board member of companies like Adaptive Immune Therapeutics and Immunocore. He is also a founding partner of Technicos, a private equity firm investing in spinouts from Oxford's Institute of Biomedical Engineering. With a distinguished career that began in listed equities, Robinson co-founded Sloan Robinson in 1993, focusing on global investments with a speciality in Asia and emerging markets. An Honorary Fellow of Keble College, Oxford, he holds a B.A. in Engineering Science and has served on Oxford University’s Endowment Investment Committee.Connect with George on LinkedInAbout the host:Susannah de Jager is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.Connect with Susannah on LinkedInVisit our website to learn more and subscribe to our newsletter - oxfordplus.co.ukIf you have a question for Susannah, please get in touch - oxfordplus.co.uk/contactOxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager, supported by Mishcon de Reya and produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

In this episode, Susannah de Jager is joined by Sue Douglas, Co-Founder of Veer, a pioneering journalist and media consultant turned tech entrepreneur. Through their conversation, Sue brings a fresh perspective to the Oxford innovation landscape, drawing from her experience in journalism and her new venture, Veer—a machine learning start-up which focuses on transforming the recruitment process by shifting the emphasis from traditional experience to an individual's skills, ambitions, and potential. Sue shares the inspiration behind Veer, her journey back into academia, and the role AI can play in uncovering career paths that align more authentically with an individual’s interests and capabilities. She reflects on her unconventional career path, her experience navigating Oxford’s start-up ecosystem, and her vision for a more inclusive, skill-based approach to work.(00:00) - Oxford+ S2 E5 Charting Fresh Career Paths with Sue Douglas, Co-Founder of Veer (02:33) - The Birth of Veer: From Idea to Reality (05:02) - Navigating Recruitment with AI (09:05) - The Importance of Valued Work (17:05) - Challenges and Opportunities in Oxford (26:57) - Future of Veer and Final Thoughts About the guest:Sue Douglas is a seasoned journalist, media consultant, and tech entrepreneur with a diverse and accomplished career. She began her career in management consultancy and transitioned into medical journalism before taking on editorial roles at prominent publications like the Daily Mail, The Sunday Times, The Sunday Express, and Condé Nast. Following a severe horse-riding accident, Sue continued her consultancy work and, in 2022, co-founded Veer, a machine learning start-up with Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt. Veer focuses on reshaping recruitment by prioritising skills over experience, helping individuals uncover career paths aligned with their unique talents and ambitions. Connect with Sue on LinkedInAbout the host:Susannah de Jager is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.Connect with Susannah on LinkedInVisit our website to learn more and subscribe to our newsletter - oxfordplus.co.ukIf you have a question for Susannah, please get in touch - oxfordplus.co.uk/contactOxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager, supported by Mishcon de Reya and produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

In this episode, Susannah de Jager welcomes Lily Elsner, CEO and Co-Founder of Jack Fertility. The conversation explores Lily’s journey from the US, to becoming a startup founder in Oxford. Lily shares her experiences across various roles in Oxford, highlighting how the support ecosystem within Oxford helped to shape her entrepreneurial path. The conversation also focuses on Jack Fertility, how the service aims to address male infertility, the hurdles faced by female founders, the potential for more integrated ecosystems in Oxford and the importance of gender inclusivity in business leadership(00:00) - Introduction to Male Infertility (00:26) - Meet Lily Elsner: CEO and Co-Founder of Jack Fertility (01:51) - Lily's Journey to Oxford and Career Path (03:20) - The Oxford Ecosystem and Its Opportunities (04:25) - Challenges and Opportunities in Oxford (08:56) - Founding Jack Fertility: The Inspiration and Journey (15:17) - Breaking Taboos and Technological Innovations (18:44) - Barriers to Male Fertility Treatment (21:16) - Innovative Postal Fertility Testing (23:53) - Direct-to-Consumer vs. B2B Models (25:07) - Challenges in the UK Investment Landscape (28:03) - Current Fundraising Efforts (31:52) - Gender Bias in Venture Capital (37:44) - Strategies to Mitigate Gender Bias (41:52) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts About the guest:Lily Elsner is the CEO and Co-Founder of Jack Fertility, the first postal sperm testing service. With a background in Biological Sciences and Philosophy from Wellesley College, Lily’s career began in global M&A before moving to the UK for an MBA at the University of Oxford. She has held strategic roles in the biotech industry, rediscovering her passion for science and innovation. Co-founding Jack Fertility, Lily is committed to providing accessible and stigma-free fertility solutions and advocating for more gender inclusivity in the tech and health sectors.Connect with Lily on LinkedinAbout the host:Susannah de Jager is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.Connect with Susannah on LinkedInVisit our website to learn more and subscribe to our newsletter - oxfordplus.co.ukIf you have a question for Susannah, please get in touch - oxfordplus.co.uk/contactOxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager, supported by Mishcon de Reya and produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

In this episode of Oxford+, host Susannah de Jager speaks with Marcus Stuttard, Head of AIM and UK Primary Markets at the London Stock Exchange. The conversation centres around the evolving regulatory landscape for small and medium-sized businesses seeking public listings, focusing on AIM, the London Stock Exchange’s market for growth companies. Stuttard also shares insights on liquidity in UK markets, the significance of the Mansion House Compact, and the potential of regulatory changes, such as MIFID II adjustments, to improve market access and investment opportunities for smaller companies.(1:16) Understanding AIM and Market Reforms(5:04) The UK Funding Continuum and Pisces(16:15) Liquidity and Market Comparisons(24:23) The Role of Pension Funds in UK Markets(34:33) MIFID II and Equity Research LandscapeAbout the guest:Marcus Stuttard is the head of AIM, the London Stock Exchange's market for small and medium-sized businesses. Marcus has a particular focus on boosting access to finance for ambitious growth companies and sits on a number of industry and policy advisory bodies, including the Scale Up Institute's Access to Finance and Growth Capital Committee and the Institute of Directors, Centre for Corporate Governance Advisory Board. He has played a leading role in key capital market developments, including the most recent revision of the listing rules.Connect with Marcus on LinkedInAbout the host:Susannah de Jager is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.Connect with Susannah on LinkedInVisit our website to learn more and subscribe to our newsletter - oxfordplus.co.ukIf you have a question for Susannah, please get in touch - oxfordplus.co.uk/contactOxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager, supported by Mishcon de Reya and produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

In this episode of Oxford+, host Susannah de Jager is joined by the Managing Director of Advanced Oxford, Sarah Haywood, to explore talent retention and the challenges faced by businesses in attracting global talent due. Sarah also conveys the need for investment, the role of local and international investors, and potential policy changes to support economic growth through science and innovation. (1:34) Understanding Advanced Oxford(7:18) Challenges and Opportunities in Oxfordshire(16:54) Talent Retention and Education(23:57) Resources to Aid Engagement(37:31) Looking to the FutureAbout the guest:Sarah Haywood is the Managing Director of Advanced Oxford, a membership organisation that aims to promote Oxfordshire and its innovation businesses, and create one coherent voice for the region at a policy level supported by grassroots research.  Previously Sarah was CEO, then a NED of MedCity, a life sciences cluster organisation for London and the southeast of England. She started her career in the NHS, has worked in the pharma industry and as a senior civil servant on a number of policy teams within the Department for Business. She's also a visiting fellow at the University of Oxford's newest college, Rueben College.Connect with Sarah on LinkedInAbout the host:Susannah de Jager is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.Connect with Susannah on LinkedInVisit our website to learn more and subscribe to our newsletter - oxfordplus.co.ukIf you have a question for Susannah, please get in touch - oxfordplus.co.uk/contactOxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager, supported by Mishcon de Reya and produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

In this episode of Oxford+, host Susannah de Jager is joined by John Derrick, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, to discuss the intricacies of European and U.S. capital markets, the importance of regulation, and the challenges faced by small and illiquid companies. The conversation also delves into the cultural differences in entrepreneurial aspirations between Europe and the U.S., highlighting the importance of failure in the U.S. as a part of the entrepreneurial journey as well as the UK's need for policy-led development to support infrastructure and energy security, emphasising the importance of coordinated efforts between private and government sectors. (2:03) The Lifecycle of Companies(9:18) Growth within the Oxford Ecosystem(13:57) Trends in Capital and Market Listings(23:18) The Role of Regulation and Recent AcquisitionsAbout the guest:John Derrick is a Managing Director at J.P. Morgan Private Bank focused on covering Entrepreneurs, Families and Foundations in the UK. His team has focused in recent years on growing the firm’s footprint and connectivity in the university spin-out ecosystem, alongside his colleagues in the Innovation Economy and Global Shares team at J.P. Morgan. Before joining J.P. Morgan Private Bank, John had a fascinating career spanning from heading the Fine Wine department at the UK’s leading wine merchant to executing some of the earliest tech transactions in the early 2000s at large investment houses.   In his personal life, John is a trustee of Pimlico Opera which takes music into prisons and schools and was the Chair of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama for the last six years. John graduated in History and French from Wadham College, Oxford and joined the board of Oxford University Alumni in 2023. He lives in Oxfordshire with his husband and two children.Connect with John on LinkedInAbout the host:Susannah de Jager is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.Connect with Susannah on LinkedInVisit our website to learn more and subscribe to our newsletter - oxfordplus.co.ukIf you have a question for Susannah, please get in touch - oxfordplus.co.uk/contactOxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager, supported by Mishcon de Reya and produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

Oxford+ is back for Season Two. This season will continue the conversation with investors, entrepreneurs and innovators, but will also focus on those new entrants to the ecosystem who are going to be changing the landscape in the coming months and years.Oxford+ takes you deep into the myths and truths of the Oxford investing landscape. Join your host, Susannah de Jager, as she interviews investors, influencers, and entrepreneurs who operate within and have an impact on the Oxford ecosystem.Visit our website to learn more and subscribe to our newsletter - oxfordplus.co.ukAbout the host:Susannah de Jager is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.Connect with Susannah on LinkedInVisit our website to learn more and subscribe to our newsletter - oxfordplus.co.ukIf you have a question for Susannah, please get in touch - oxfordplus.co.uk/contactOxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager, supported by Mishcon de Reya and produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

In this episode of Oxford+, host Susannah de Jager is joined by Anna Strongman, CEO of Oxford University Development (OUD), to delve into the importance of creating a diverse business base in the city and fostering an environment that attracts a broad range of talents. (4:18) Navigating Oxford's Planning and Development Landscape(6:54) Comparing Oxford and Cambridge(17:38) Oxford University's Development Sites (31:21) Anna's Wishlist for Oxford's DevelopmentAbout the guest:Anna Strongman is the CEO of Oxford University Development (OUD), a joint venture between Oxford University and Legal & General, set up to build innovation districts and subsidised accommodation for graduate students and the university workforce. Anna was previously the managing partner of Argent, where she spent 12 years working on a range of asset development and business planning projects. Highlights from her career include leading the asset management of King's Cross, in particular, Coal Drop Yards and setting up a buy-to-rent portfolio with JV Partners Related. Before working at Argent, Anna worked in the planning and economic development team of Arup and for DTZ in Scotland.Connect with Anna on LinkedInAbout the host:Susannah de Jager is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.Connect with Susannah on LinkedInVisit our website to learn more and subscribe to our newsletter - oxfordplus.co.ukIf you have a question for Susannah, please get in touch - oxfordplus.co.uk/contactOxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager, supported by Mishcon de Reya and produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

In this episode of Oxford+, host Susannah de Jager is joined by Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford and co-author of the University Spin Out Review, to delve into the myths and truths uncovered through the review. Through the conversation, they discuss the role of universities in fostering innovation, the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs in the sector, and the importance of private investment in university projects.(0:12) Introduction(1:11) The University Spin Out Review(8:52) Can every university town can have its own cluster?(22:27) The future for Oxford(33:28) Addressing the entrepreneurship gender gap(39:20) Exploring university fundingAbout the guest:Irene Tracey is a distinguished academic and current Vice Chancellor of Oxford University. Her association with Oxford dates back to her undergraduate studies in biochemistry. After graduating from Oxford, she specialised in Magnetic Resonance Imaging at Harvard Medical School before returning to Oxford in 1997 as a founding member of the Oxford Centre for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain, where she served as director from 2005 to 2015. Irene has occupied numerous senior leadership roles within the University and has contributed to numerous national and international committees in her field of research. Notably, she co-authored the University Spin Out Review with Andrew Williamson from Cambridge Innovation Capital, contributing significantly to discussions around the investment ecosystem in and around Oxford.Find out more about Irene's work with the University of Oxford here.Read the University Spin Out Review here.About the host:Susannah de Jager is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.Connect with Susannah on LinkedInVisit our website to learn more and subscribe to our newsletter - oxfordplus.co.ukIf you have a question for Susannah, please get in touch - oxfordplus.co.uk/contactOxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager, supported by Mishcon de Reya and produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

In this episode of Oxford+, host Susannah de Jager sits down with Ed Bussey, CEO of Oxford Sciences Enterprise (OSE), to discuss the future of the scientific ecosystem of Oxford, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and how to navigate it effectively. Ed shares his insights and experiences as a venture capitalist, addressing myths and misconceptions about the Oxford ecosystem, the importance of transparency, and the role of government and investment capital in science and technology initiatives.(0:12) Introduction(3:10) Venture Building and Entrepreneurial Empathy(9:06) OSE's Role(28:20) The Impact of the Ellison Institute for Technology(35:28) The Path ForwardAbout the guest:Ed Bussey is the CEO of OSE, Oxford Science Enterprises, which was originally Oxford Science Innovation, the largest university venture fund globally.He studied natural sciences at Cambridge University before starting his career serving in counter-terrorism operations with the UK military and national security agencies.Ed is a serial entrepreneur and leading UK technology expert having launched, scaled and successfully exited three venture-backed disruptive technology businesses.Connect with Ed on LinkedInAbout the host:Susannah de Jager is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.Connect with Susannah on LinkedInVisit our website to learn more and subscribe to our newsletter - oxfordplus.co.ukIf you have a question for Susannah, please get in touch - oxfordplus.co.uk/contactOxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager, supported by Mishcon de Reya and produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

In this episode of Oxford+, host Susannah de Jager is joined by Dave Norwood, founder of IP Group PLC and Oxford Science Innovation as they discuss his experiences and insights into the potential of Oxford as a hub for innovation, particularly in AI and quantum computing. The conversation also delves into the unique ecosystem of Oxford and the challenges and successes faced by entrepreneurs and innovators in the city, as well as the need for ambition, dreaming big, and collaboration within the Oxford community. (0:12) Introduction(1:15) How snake bites led to investment insights(11:15) Foreign investment(14:57) Government support and domestic capital(27:30) Cross-pollination and the Ellison Institute for Technology(36:18) Breaking away from mythsAbout the guest:Dave Norwood is the founder of IP Group PLC and Oxford Science Innovation, now Oxford Science Enterprises, the largest university venture fund globally, which has brought in over 1.5 billion of investment into Oxford since its inception in 2015. He has also founded and been a director of numerous UK technology companies including Oxford Nanopore, Proxy Imogen, Synergen, 4D Pharma, Index IT, Evolution Group and Aura Capital. Dave is also a grandmaster in chess and has represented both England and Andorra internationally. Without Dave, much of the investment landscape of Oxford would not look how it does todayAbout the host:Susannah de Jager is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.Connect with Susannah on LinkedInVisit our website to learn more and subscribe to our newsletter - oxfordplus.co.ukIf you have a question for Susannah, please get in touch - oxfordplus.co.uk/contactOxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager, supported by Mishcon de Reya and produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

In this episode of Oxford+, host Susannah de Jager is joined by Rowan Gardner, co-founder of Precision Life. The topic of discussion delves into the importance of diversifying the investment ecosystem and encouraging more participation from female investors. They also discuss the future of healthcare and the pivotal role AI plays in it, including how AI is reshaping our approach to healthcare, particularly concerning chronic diseases and how we diagnose and treat them.(0:12) Introduction(1:10) From Oxford Molecular to Precision Life(4:03) The Oxford and Cambridge investing landscapes(15:56) The importance of heterogenous funding sources(19:49) Fostering diversity and inclusion in investment(28:18) The Mansion House AccordAbout the guest:Rowan Gardner is a seasoned entrepreneur and CEO with over 30 years of experience in health tech, digital health, deep tech, and biotech. She played a part in one of Oxford University's first spin-outs, Oxford Molecular Group, in 1989 and later listed it on the main London Stock Exchange in 1994. Rowan is a fervent advocate for Oxford and currently serves as the Chief Business and Investment Officer at Precision Life. This platform connects chronic disease patients with the drugs they'll respond to, using mechanistic patient stratification biomarkers.Connect with Rowan on LinkedInAbout the host:Susannah de Jager is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.Connect with Susannah on LinkedInVisit our website to learn more and subscribe to our newsletter - oxfordplus.co.ukIf you have a question for Susannah, please get in touch - oxfordplus.co.uk/contactOxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager, supported by Mishcon de Reya and produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

In this episode of Oxford+, host Susannah de Jager is joined by Nicholas Lyons, former Lord Mayor of the City of London and chair of the Phoenix Group, the UK's largest pension provider. The discussion revolves around the Mansion House Compact, a commitment by insurance companies and pension funds to invest 5% of their capital into UK unlisted companies and infrastructure by 2030. Nicholas shares his insights on the importance of infrastructure investment, the growth economy, pensions, and financial literacy. (0:12) Introduction(2:53) The private sector and economic growth(7:38) The Mansion House Compact outcomes(18:28) How governmental input can stimulate investment(23:35) Gaps in the university ecosystem(37:28) Looking to the futureAbout the guest:Nicholas Lyons is the former Lord Mayor of the City of London, a position he held following a 21-year career in executive roles in investment banking. In his current role, as the Chair of the Phoenix Group, the UK's largest pension provider, Nicholas' leadership has left an enduring mark on the financial landscape, highlighted by his advocacy for the Mansion House Compact, through which insurance companies and pension funds committed to invest 5% of their capital into UK-listed companies and infrastructure by 2030.Connect with Nicholas on LinkedInAbout the host:Susannah de Jager is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.Connect with Susannah on LinkedInVisit our website to learn more and subscribe to our newsletter - oxfordplus.co.ukIf you have a question for Susannah, please get in touch - oxfordplus.co.uk/contactOxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager, supported by Mishcon de Reya and produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

In this episode of Oxford+, host Susannah de Jager is joined by Mark Preston, CTO of StreetDrone to talk about the motorsports cluster in Oxford and the challenges and opportunities it presents. They discuss the need for talent mobility, the impact of Brexit on the industry, and the importance of attracting headquarters and startups to the region. Mark and Susannah also take the opportunity to discuss the potential of clusters in other sectors and the need for government support and better immigration policies to attract and retain talent.(0:12) Introduction(1:13) Background and early entrepreneurship(4:19) Exploring the Motorsport Cluster in Oxford(10:47) Brexit friction(14:44) National Works Programmes and large scale funding solutions(18:35) Growing pains(25:31) StreetDrone and Future ProspectsAbout the guest:Mark Preston is the CTO of StreetDrone, a pre-seed company developing low-speed, hyper-local deliveries in ports, commercial settings and local neighbourhoods. Mark also has experience within Formula One, having run multiple teams' engineering departments before moving into strategy and executive management within Formula E.Connect with Mark on LinkedInAbout the host:Susannah de Jager is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.Connect with Susannah on LinkedInVisit our website to learn more and subscribe to our newsletter - oxfordplus.co.ukIf you have a question for Susannah, please get in touch - oxfordplus.co.uk/contactOxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager, supported by Mishcon de Reya and produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

In this episode of Oxford+, host Susannah de Jager is joined by guest Cici Muldoon, the founder and CEO of Veritie Group as they touch on the intersection of science and society, the role of entrepreneurship, and the need for support and funding in the startup ecosystem. They also discuss the challenges that Cici faced in setting up her company and the importance of integrity and transparency in scientific research. Cici also emphasises the significance of making a positive impact and leaving a legacy through scientific innovation. (0:12) Introduction(1:13) Founding Veritie Group(6:31) Pivoting to medical diagnostics(13:26) Challenges in the startup ecosystem(27:47) Audience Q&AAbout the guest:Cici Muldoon is the founder and CEO of Veritie Group, an Oxford-based technology company specialising in the spectroscopic analysis of highly complex dilute liquids. Cici holds a degree in physics and finance from Princeton University, and a doctorate in experimental atomic and laser physics from Oxford University. She is also a qualified Oenophile, an amateur ballerina and a classic car judge.Connect with Cici on LinkedInAbout the host:Susannah de Jager is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.Connect with Susannah on LinkedInVisit our website to learn more and subscribe to our newsletter - oxfordplus.co.ukIf you have a question for Susannah, please get in touch - oxfordplus.co.uk/contactOxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager, supported by Mishcon de Reya and produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

In this episode of Oxford+, host Susannah de Jager is joined by guest Peter Crane, the co-founder and CEO of Caeruleus Genomics, an Oxford University life sciences spin-out.Peter shares his perspective as both a founder and an investor in Oxford and beyond, and also discusses why he chose to come back to Oxford to found his business, highlighting the city's abundance of great research and academic talent. From this, they consider the challenges and opportunities of building enduring, founder-driven companies in Oxford, including the need for a diverse investor base that supports founders rather than replacing them. (0:12) Introduction(0:54) Returning to Oxford(6:05) Personality Bias and Business Success(13:06) The Challenges Faced in Oxford(28:24) Founding Caeruleus GenomicsAbout the guest:Peter Crane is the co-founder and CEO of Caeruleus, a tech-enabled biotech company he spun out of Oxford’s Medical Sciences Division in late 2022. The company is founded around foundational work in the single-cell long-read sequencing space, and combines this with the latest machine learning tools to develop differentiated BIC therapies across a range of chronic and rare diseases.  He’s previously worked in both therapeutics and biology-software companies and has also invested as a VC investor in the UK, EU and US into start-ups and spinouts across life-sciences tools, diagnostics, therapeutics, and deep technology companies. He earned a DPhil in Chemical Biology from Oxford and has been involved in the entrepreneurial community here for over 10 years.Connect with Peter on LinkedInAbout the host:Susannah de Jager is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.Connect with Susannah on LinkedInVisit our website to learn more and subscribe to our newsletter - oxfordplus.co.ukIf you have a question for Susannah, please get in touch - oxfordplus.co.uk/contactOxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager, supported by Mishcon de Reya and produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

Hosted by Susannah de Jager, our first episode explores the Oxford investing landscape and differences within the Golden Triangle. Guest David Ford shares insights drawn from his experience as a life science angel investor and Non-Executive Director (NED).David discusses his initial challenges in accessing Oxford's investment scene and suggests how we might reduce barriers. They touch on varying attributes of Oxford, Cambridge, and London ecosystems while addressing the need for larger, global thinking in UK investing. They also consider the importance of network in early-stage biotech investments, the value of having a science background, and ways of efficiently facilitating diverse capital.(0:12) Introduction(3:02) Discussing the Golden Triangle(15:19) Angel Investing with a Science Background(29:14) The Potential of UK Pension Funds in Investment(32:12) Oxford Focused FundsAbout the guest: David Ford is an Oxford-based active life sciences angel investor, currently managing and advising an active portfolio of more than 20 companies, variously focused on AI-based drug design, the application of machine learning to systems biology, nanoparticle delivery technology, to name but a few. David is also a non-executive director on a listed venture capital trust and Alcentra, a specialist sub-investment grade debt fund management business. He has investments in Oxford, Cambridge and London, as well as belonging to angel networks across both Cambridge and Oxford. Connect with David on LinkedInAbout the host:Susannah de Jager is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.Connect with Susannah on LinkedInVisit our website to learn more and subscribe to our newsletter - oxfordplus.co.ukIf you have a question for Susannah, please get in touch - oxfordplus.co.uk/contactOxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager, supported by Mishcon de Reya and produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

Oxford+ takes you deep into the myths and truths of the Oxford investing landscape. Join your host, Susannah de Jager, as she interviews investors, influencers, and entrepreneurs who operate within and have an impact on the Oxford ecosystem.Visit our website to learn more and subscribe to our newsletter - oxfordplus.co.ukOxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager, supported by Mishcon de Raya and produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.