Oxford Early Investments: Current Investment Opportunities

Company A's product, created by a Psychologist as a scientific solution to the problems encountered with the popular Time-Out or Naughty-Step child disciplining method. Research shows that whilst Time-Out is extensively used both in homes and schools (86%), unfortunately owing to its complex nature, it is mostly misused and therefore rendered ineffective with parents& teachers potentially doing more harm than good.

Through extensive research and product development, the fundamental problems with Time-Out have been identified and ingeniously solved resulting in a simple touch-and-go product enabling parents&teachers to use this most powerful behaviour modification tool in a highly effective and totally safe manner. Moreover, the product places a unique emphasis on positive cognitive aspects that have profound life-long benefits.

The “Supernanny” show, being synonymous with Time-Out, has both popularised the method and directly influenced the behaviour of the target market according to research. The product is able to capitalise on the phenomenal success of Supernanny as confirmed by a Focus Group Study and impressive sales of the nearest ‘rival’ product.

Strong IP, trademarks, and web domains are in place; product development is complete with manufacturing supply secured; initial market response has been extremely positive with discussions started for product listing with the main industry retailers and the biggest distributor for schools. Also, 62 of the UK’s largest LEA’s have been introduced to the product in preparation of placement in their Primary Schools. The stage is set for market dominance with this very necessary and very profitable product uniquely targeting both the large consumer and large educational markets, and with a follow-up item already conceived. The money will be used for product launch and supply.

Company B's product is a major technological innovation for golf driving ranges. Golf ranges are mainly used by keen golfers for practice and training but a new concept of interactive ranges dramatically increases customer base and turnover. Interactive ranges were first introduced in 2000 and were hailed as “the future of golf driving ranges”. However the current technology is hugely expensive to install and maintain and is failing to make significant inroads into the global market.

Company B's product uses ‘backward prediction’ to identify the player of every ball that lands on the outfield coupled to a computer controlled scoring system. Basic hardware development, system modelling and market research confirm that the system will be highly cost competitive, versatile and accurate. The PCT patent examination report is very positive, promising broad protection. National patent applications have been filed in UK, USA, Europe, Japan, China and India.

We have applied for £100k grant funding from Finance South East to create a representative working prototype. FSE have requested NPL and other expert organisations to assess the project and we are confident that the grant will be approved but conditional on availability of £67k ‘matched funding’. We seek to raise £100k for matched funding to develop and commercialise the product over the next two years.

Company C is a Next-Generation Software provider, leveraging unique automation software to provide guaranteed operational efficiencies which will significantly lower OPEX for clients.

Time to value for clients is rapid and return on investment is typically between 3 to 6 months.
Services offered by Company C include:

• Agile consultancy, Agile solution build and implementation

Enabling Products include:
• Business Process Management, Run Book Automation and Straight Through Processing
• Company C's Productised Applications

Company C is seeking to raise £400,000 in this initial round of funding. Capital is required to enable Company C to deliver against existing client requirements plus R&D where capital will pay for employees in the short term to deliver against client requirements. Company C forecasts a profitability of 30% where revenue will be conservatively be £15 million within 5 years. This is within a market where global analysts are predicting a 40% growth year on year for 2010 and 2011.

Company C has raised £244,000 of the required £400,000. 1% share per £10,000 invested is offered in relation to equity in the company.

Superbugs are rated third in the list of major threats to mankind. Their elimination is the number one priory of the NHS and probably other health services worldwide. They also threaten the food industry & the pharmaceutical sector.

OUR UNIQUENESS
We have developed and patented a touchfree opening and closing toilet seat that is sealed, and an electronic interface to operate all touch free systems.

ROUTES TO MARKET
Twyford/Sanitec who market in 150 countries want exclusive/first to market rights. Alternatives are available.

ENDORSEMENTS.
NHS rapid review panel. NHS Innovation. Campden Food & Drink research centre. British Hospitality Association. Many leading infection experts.

We are looking to raise £200k in total with milestones. Immediate requirement £35k to match fund government grants. Funds will be used to prepare working prototype for mass production, set up infrastructure, recruit skills and carry out testing with NHS.