What does it take to scale a successful venture capital firm while staying aligned with founders?

In this episode of Oxford+, host Susannah de Jager speaks with David Mott, Founder Partner at Oxford Capital, about his 25-year journey backing over 100 UK tech startups.

David shares insights on what makes early-stage companies succeed, why founder-led teams outperform, and how Oxford Capital bridges the gap between private wealth and innovation. From pioneering EIS funds to influencing UK venture policy, David outlines the key elements that drive value creation in startups—including team structure, sector focus, and investment timing. He also explains how the UK can move towards a more integrated "supercluster" approach and why simplicity and alignment are essential in venture capital deals.

Whether you're a founder, investor, or ecosystem builder, this conversation offers a masterclass in startup funding and strategy.

• (00:00) - Aligning Founders and Investors with David Mott, Founder Partner of Oxford Capital
• (00:40) - Founding of Oxford Capital
• (02:33) - Understanding Venture Capital
• (03:38) - Challenges in Growth and Scale-Up Capital
• (05:18) - Family Offices and Investment Opportunities
• (08:21) - Sector Focus and Investment Strategy
• (10:15) - Success Stories and Learnings
• (16:51) - Supporting Founders and Building Teams
• (23:05) - Investment Philosophy and Alignment
• (28:30) - Oxford Capital's Broader Investment Universe
• (33:03) - The Future of Venture Capital and Liquidity Solutions

Action Points:

Back Founders, Not Just Technology: David emphasises the importance of founder-led teams, showing that startups with original founders in leadership roles significantly outperform. Look for founders with deep conviction and ownership over the business idea to increase the chances of success.

Keep Capital Structures Simple: Complex term sheets may impress on paper but often break down during tough times. Prioritise plain-vanilla deal terms that maintain alignment between founders and investors, which leads to better long-term outcomes.

Invest in Sectors with Shorter Timelines: Oxford Capital favours sectors like SaaS, AI, and FinTech where companies can scale quickly. Focus on businesses that don’t require years of development before reaching the market.

Facilitate Strategic Co-Investments: Effective syndicates with complementary investors bring more than just money. Build a network of co-investors who can contribute sector expertise, global reach, or future funding capacity.

Use Early Data and Engagement Signals: In the absence of financial metrics, look at user engagement and team dynamics. Early product testing and strong team rapport can indicate future traction and success.

David Mott: Founder Partner at Oxford Capital, David has spent 25 years investing in UK startups across sectors including AI, SaaS, FinTech, and digital health. A seasoned voice in venture capital policy, he has advised both UK and EU bodies and champions the role of private wealth in fuelling innovation.

Connect with David on LinkedIn

Susannah de Jager: Susannah 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 and supported by Mishcon de Reya and Oxford North.

Produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

Can a university-powered ecosystem become the UK’s next startup superpower?

In this episode of Oxford+, host Susannah de Jager sits down with Jack Edmondson, Chief Investment Officer at Oxford Science Enterprises (OSE), to explore the art and challenge of turning world-class research into global impact. With over 20 years in investment and deep ties to the Oxford ecosystem, Jack shares his vision for scaling science-driven startups, the role of co-investors, and how to nurture talent while maintaining commercial rigour.

He offers an inside look at OSE’s approach to risk, return, and capital allocation across Life Sciences, Health Tech, and Deep Tech. From robotics and semiconductors to pet health and Alzheimer's care, the conversation spans emerging trends and bold bets. Jack also unpacks why reputation matters in a tightly-knit ecosystem, and why the UK needs high-profile success stories more than policy tweaks.

• (00:00) - Building Billion-Pound Outcomes with Jack Edmondson, CIO of Oxford Science Enterprises
• (00:08) - Meet Jack Edmondson: Background and Experience
• (01:09) - Jack's Role at Oxford Science Enterprises
• (04:25) - The Structure and Focus of OSE Teams
• (06:35) - OSE's Achievements and Challenges
• (08:29) - Navigating the Oxford Ecosystem
• (12:29) - Investment Strategies and Themes
• (20:46) - Co-Investment and Capital Strategies
• (26:58) - The Broader UK Investment Landscape
• (34:38) - Jack's Personal Journey and Commitment to Oxford
• (36:43) - Future Vision for OSE
• (38:41) - Conclusion and Farewell

Jack Edmondson: Chief Investment Officer at Oxford Science Enterprises. Former Deputy CIO at Oxford University Endowment Management. Specialist in science-driven venture capital with expertise across institutional investment, private equity, and strategic ecosystem building.

Connect with Jack on LinkedIn

Susannah de Jager: Susannah 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

Subscribe to the Oxford+ Newsletter for exclusive content.

Oxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager and supported by Mishcon de Reya and Oxford North.

Produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

Oxford+ is back for Season Three. 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.uk

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

Visit our website to learn more and subscribe to our newsletter - oxfordplus.co.uk
If you have a question for Susannah, please get in touch - oxfordplus.co.uk/contact

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

How can cutting-edge nanoscience transform medicine and inspire groundbreaking startups within Oxford?

In this episode, Susannah de Jager sits down with Professor Dame Molly Stevens, John Black Professor of Bionanoscience at the University of Oxford. Together, they explore Molly’s extraordinary journey in interdisciplinary research, the process of spinning out successful companies from academia, and the unique opportunities Oxford offers for scientific innovation. Molly also shares insights on fostering diverse teams, driving impactful research, and the future of quantum sensing in biomedical applications.

• (00:00) - Bringing Science to Society with Molly Stevens
• (00:18) - Meet Professor Dame Molly Stevens
• (03:59) - Innovative Biomedical Applications
• (04:38) - Breakthrough Technology: SPARTA
• (06:38) - Interdisciplinary Opportunities at Oxford
• (09:51) - UK-Wide and International Collaborations
• (11:08) - Spinning Out Companies: Challenges and Insights
• (23:10) - Championing Diversity in Entrepreneurship
• (27:44) - The Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery

About the Guest:
Molly Stevens is the John Black Professor of Bionanoscience at the University of Oxford, with part-time positions at Imperial College London and the Karolinska Institute. As a world-leading expert in biomaterial interfaces, her multidisciplinary research spans regenerative medicine, advanced therapeutics, and diagnostics.

She is a serial entrepreneur, founding successful companies such as Spot by Discovery and she serves as Deputy Director of the Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery. Recognised internationally, Molly is a Fellow of the Royal Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering, and numerous other prestigious academies.

Connect with Molly 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

Visit our website to learn more and subscribe to our newsletter - oxfordplus.co.uk
If you have a question for Susannah, please get in touch - oxfordplus.co.uk/contact

Oxford+ 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 Lionel Tarassenko, CBE, one of the world's leading experts in AI, machine learning, and biomedical engineering. Lionel shares his fascinating journey from the lab to real-world applications, his pioneering work with NHS data, and his views on how the UK can leverage its unique strengths in healthcare innovation. He also explores the role of Oxford, emerging technologies, and the transformative potential of large multimodal models in medicine.

• (00:00) - How Machine Learning in Oxford Is Transforming Medicine Worldwide
• (00:33) - Meet Lord Lionel Tarassenko
• (01:09) - Lionel's Journey and Achievements
• (02:41) - Translating Research into Real-World Applications
• (06:23) - Pioneering Machine Learning in Healthcare
• (11:32) - The Future of AI and NHS Data
• (21:49) - The Ellison Institute of Technology in Oxford
• (36:15) - The Vision for Oxford's Future

About the Guest:
Lord Lionel Tarassenko, CBE, is a leading figure in biomedical engineering, AI, and machine learning. A graduate and professor at the University of Oxford, he has spearheaded groundbreaking applications of AI in healthcare, from monitoring patient deterioration to managing chronic disease.

He has founded four successful university spin-out companies, directed the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, and is currently the President of Reuben College, Oxford's newest college. Lionel has also played a key role in national AI policy, advocating for the use of NHS data as a sovereign asset to drive medical breakthroughs.

Connect with Lionel Tarassenko

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

Visit our website to learn more and subscribe to our newsletter - oxfordplus.co.uk
If you have a question for Susannah, please get in touch - oxfordplus.co.uk/contact

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

How does a world-leading university turn groundbreaking research into businesses that change the world?

In this episode, Susannah de Jager speaks with Mairi Gibbs, CEO of Oxford University Innovation (OUI), about how Oxford transforms cutting-edge science into real-world solutions. Mairi shares her experience leading OUI, the importance of innovation within universities, and the challenges and opportunities in bridging academia and business.

• (00:00) - How Oxford University Innovation Bridges Science and Business with Mairi Gibbs, CEO of OUI
• (00:18) - Meet Mairi Gibbs: CEO of Oxford University Innovation
• (01:30) - Mairi's Journey from Chemistry to Technology Transfer
• (03:57) - The Mission and Impact of Oxford University Innovation
• (08:03) - Different Models for Research and Technology Transfer
• (13:35) - Challenges and Opportunities in University Tech Transfer
• (29:11) - Building a Culture of Entrepreneurship at Oxford
• (34:08) - Future Goals and Closing Remarks

About the Guest:

Mairi Gibbs is the CEO of Oxford University Innovation (OUI), Mairi has over 20 years of experience in technology transfer and innovation. She holds a PhD in Chemistry and previously worked in the chemicals industry before transitioning to technology transfer in 2002. Mairi is an expert in spin-out formation, licensing, and managing intellectual property, with a strong focus on maximising the societal impact of Oxford’s research.

Connect with Mairi 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

Visit our website to learn more and subscribe to our newsletter - oxfordplus.co.uk
If you have a question for Susannah, please get in touch - oxfordplus.co.uk/contact

Oxford+ 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 Adam Parr, a barrister, entrepreneur, and former Chairman and CEO of the Williams Formula One team.

Adam shares insights from his storied career, spanning motorsport, venture capital, and climate innovation. From his tenure at Williams F1 to co-founding impactful ventures like Downforce Trust, Adam brings a global perspective to leadership, innovation, and the interplay between academia and business.

• (00:00) - Oxford+ S2 E7 Adam Parr
• (00:18) - Meet Adam Parr: From Formula One to Venture Capital
• (02:14) - Journey to Williams Formula One Team
• (04:24) - Challenges and Insights in Formula One
• (10:14) - Transition to Venture Capital and Innovation
• (14:29) - Climate Change and Innovation: The Downforce Trust
• (18:42) - Academic and Business Synergy
• (34:14) - Navigating the Oxford Ecosystem for Startups
• (37:13) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As a DPhil candidate and Business Fellow at the University of Oxford’s Smith School, Adam is dedicated to advancing innovation in climate change through ventures like the Downforce Trust. He is also the author of The Art of War: Five Years in Formula One and Total Competition: Lessons in Strategy from Formula One, co-authored with Ross Brawn.

Connect with Adam 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

Visit our website to learn more and subscribe to our newsletter - oxfordplus.co.uk
If you have a question for Susannah, please get in touch - oxfordplus.co.uk/contact

Oxford+ 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 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) - Meet George Robinson: Founding Partner of Oxford Investment Consultants
• (01:44) - George's Journey: From Listed Equities to University Spinouts
• (03:38) - Challenges and Opportunities in University Spinouts
• (04:25) - Building a Strong Investment Team
• (06:07) - Navigating Market Fit and Commercial Success
• (07:27) - Overcoming Technical and Commercial Hurdles
• (19:44) - The Importance of Team Evolution
• (24:51) - Funding Challenges and Strategies
• (34:25) - Evaluating Market Potential and Competitors
• (39:20) - Spotlight on Oxford PV: A Promising Solar Technology
• (40:55) - Conclusion and Farewell

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 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

Visit our website to learn more and subscribe to our newsletter - oxfordplus.co.uk
If you have a question for Susannah, please get in touch - oxfordplus.co.uk/contact

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