Episodes
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....
Published 11/18/24
Published 11/18/24
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...
Published 11/04/24
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...
Published 10/21/24
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,...
Published 10/07/24
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)...
Published 09/23/24
In this episode of Oxford+, host Susannah de Jager is joined by John Derrick, Managing Director at J.P. Morgan, 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...
Published 09/09/24
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...
Published 08/30/24
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 Development About the guest:Anna Strongman is...
Published 05/27/24
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...
Published 05/13/24
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...
Published 04/29/24
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...
Published 04/15/24
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)...
Published 04/01/24
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...
Published 03/18/24
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...
Published 03/04/24
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...
Published 02/19/24
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,...
Published 02/05/24
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,...
Published 01/22/24
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 Oxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager, supported by Mischon de Raya and produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.
Published 01/09/24