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 Funds

About 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 LinkedIn

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 LinkedIn

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Oxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager, supported by Mischon de Reya and produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.