Companies
Companies
Oxford Early Investments provides active investors, or 'business angels' who can add value to early stage companies, in addition to capital. Many are successful entrepreneurs who bring management expertise and contacts to boost the development of early stage businesses.
OEI holds investment meetings every two months so that selected companies can meet potential investors. OEI does not invest itself or undertake due diligence. Any deal is a result of negotiation between the angel investor and the company.
Funding for your business proposal
OEI welcomes investment opportunities that are in the early stages of technical and commercial development and match our key requirements.
- High growth potential
- Seeking between £20,000 - £150,000
- Basic proof of concept
- Clear need for product / service
- Growing, accessible market
How OEI operates
Presentation Panel
Before the Investment Meeting, the companies selected by OEI have an opportunity to hone their 'pitch' by making a 'dry run' presentation to a panel of business angels 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.
The dry run presentation is informal and highly effective, particularly for those not used to presenting to an investment audience.
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.
Benefits of OEI network for companies
- Early stage focus
- Active investors
- Presentation support
- Face to face contact with investors
- Access to management input and contacts
Companies that secure an investment commitment from an 'IQ Angel' member of OEI will be eligible for investment consideration by IQ Capital, the UK's first Enterprise Capital Fund (ECF), a £25m fund announced in the 2006 Budget. Further details are available in the OION press release and the IQ Capital FAQ.
Benefits of business angel investments
- Equity rather than debt finance
- Investors bring skills and contacts
- Investors share risk as well as reward
- Longer term investment
Fees
| Presentation fee: | £200 + vat |
|---|---|
| Success fee: | £1,000 + VAT up to £20,000 and 5% of total funds raised + VAT thereafter |
The success fee is only charged when an investment is made. It is payable within 14 days of completion of the investment.
How to submit your business proposal
To discuss your business proposal in confidence call or email Eileen Modral OEI Manager, on +44 (0)1865 811120.
Please read the statement on the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 before you contact OEI.
Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 ("the Act")
Oxford Early Investments (OEI) links private investors, entrepreneurs and business support organisations to improve the flow of investment capital and management expertise into start up and growing companies.
The objective of OEI is to provide a means of communication between private investors and companies seeking investment capital in the small high growth potential business sector. OEI operates an information service, providing an opportunity for investors to meet entrepreneurs and companies seeking investment and enabling investors to receive information on investment opportunities of interest to them. OEI does NOT advise on the merits or risks of specific investment proposals. It is emphasised that the responsibility for the decision on specific investment lies with the parties concerned.
Potential investors should be aware that investment in new business carries high risks, as well as the possibility of high rewards. It is highly speculative and no established market exists for the trading of shares in private companies. Before investing in a project about which information is given, potential investors are strongly advised to take advice from a person authorised under the Act who specialises in advising on investment of this kind.
We also wish to point out that companies or individuals seeking investment through OEI must ensure that the information presented to potential investors is neither inaccurate or misleading. They are, accordingly, similarly advised to seek guidance from someone authorised under the Act.
View our success stories brief case studies of companies that have successfully raised funds through OEI.