About Us
Aims
Oxford Early Investments (OEI) is a business angel network that focuses on companies at the very early stages of technical and commercial development.
Many companies require investment capital of between £20,000 and £150,000 to develop their product beyond an initial 'proof of concept'. This stage of company growth is often the most difficult to fund.
OEI provides an early opportunity for investors to view high quality, selected proposals that offer high growth potential. The Network has strong links with providers of new deal flow, including universities, research institutes, large companies and individual entrepreneurs undertaking development of innovative ideas.
OEI provides companies and entrepreneurs with highly active potential investors ('business angels'), who frequently provide commercial experience and contacts, in addition to vital capital.
Background
Oxford Early Investments was established by Oxford Innovation in November 2004 following the continuing success of its other angel networks, including Oxfordshire Investment Opportunity Network (OION), which regularly closes deals of between £200,000 and £2m.
OEI provides investors with opportunities that are at an earlier stage than those selected to present to OION. The two networks aim to provide investors with the widest possible range of investment opportunities, both in terms of stage of development and capital requirements.
How OEI operates
OEI links investors and companies seeking funds through investment meetings.
- Selection by OEI
OEI carefully selects investment opportunities using the following criteria:- High growth potential
- Seeking between £20,000 - £150,000
- Basic proof of concept
- Clear need for product / service
- Growing, accessible market
- Presentation Panel
Following selection, companies have the opportunity to make an informal presentation to a panel of investors and professionals with specialist investment experience. The purpose of the panel is to ensure that the presenting companies are ?investor ready?, in order to maximise their chances of securing investment. - Investment Meetings
Investment Meetings are held every two months. At each meeting up to five companies present their business proposals for 15 minutes each.The presentations are followed by networking, enabling the parties to meet on an informal basis.