Oxford+

How do we solve the UK’s persistent scale-up capital conundrum and move from academic theory to commercial reality?  Host Susannah de Jager speaks with Pete Davies, Partner and Head of Developed Markets Strategy at Lansdowne Partners and co-founder of Oxford Science Enterprises (OSE). Pete shares his unique, contrarian perspective, spanning decades of experience in asset management and pioneering...

How do you design a physical space that matches the lightning-fast pace of modern scientific discovery? This episode explores the new paradigm for innovation districts with Professor Dame Kay Davies and Victoria Collett of Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St. John's College.  The conversation covers the critical transition from academic lab work, where Professor Davies has spent 30...

What if the key to the future of global mobility was found not in isolation, but in a carefully curated community? Host Susannah de Jager sits down with Dan Geoghegan , CEO of Bicester Motion , the visionary behind the world's largest automotive and future mobility cluster. Dan details his systematic, values-driven approach to turning a derelict RAF bomber station into a thriving, 444-acre ecosyst...

How do you maintain a strong company culture and team commitment as your organisation scales?  In the third and final part of this series, Professor Robin Dunbar sits down with host Susannah de Jager to explore how social science can provide the answer. Robin explains that maintaining deep relationships with your core team is a huge "time burden" for leaders, but it is essential for fostering trus...

Have you ever wondered what makes a great leader for a large, scaling company?  In part two of our special series, Professor Robin Dunbar returns to explore the essential social skills needed to manage a growing organisation. Robin and host Susannah de Jager explore the psychological boundaries of group size, from the point where a CEO no longer recognises every employee to the limit of knowing 5,...

Have you ever wondered why your company's culture shifts dramatically as it grows? In part one of a special three-part series, host Susannah de Jager sits down with Professor Robin Dunbar, creator of the renowned "Dunbar's Number," to explore the evolutionary and anthropological realities that impact organisations as they scale. They delve into how social constraints on our brains affect group siz...

What compels a scientist to leave academia for the high-stakes world of finance and then become the CEO of a publicly-traded biotech company? In this episode of Oxford+, host Susannah de Jager sits down with Zandy Forbes, the CEO and co-founder of MeiraGTx. Zandy shares her fascinating career journey, explaining how her experience as a hedge fund analyst shaped her unique approach to building a re...

Ever wondered how to integrate meaningful philanthropy into your entrepreneurial journey?  In this insightful episode of Oxford+, host Susannah de Jager sits down with Rob Chapman and Isobel Morton, Trustees of Founders Pledge, to explore innovative strategies for startup founders to effectively give back. Founders Pledge provides a structured, community-driven approach for entrepreneurs committed...

How does a 40-year-old charity continue to shape the future of science and innovation in Oxford? In this episode of Oxford+, host Susannah de Jager sits down with Steve Burgess, CEO, and Nicki Campling, Director of Innovation and Operations at the Oxford Trust, to explore the organisation's unique role in nurturing startups and inspiring future scientists. From pioneering the UK's first innovation...

Is there a better way to manage obesity than GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic?  In this episode of Oxford+, host Susannah de Jager speaks with Camilla Easter, CEO of Oxford Medical Products, about Sirona—a pioneering, non-pharmaceutical pill that mimics the effects of bariatric surgery without the side effects. Designed to expand in the stomach and promote satiety, Sirona could become the go-to solution f...

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 bridge...

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...

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 invest...

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,...

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,...

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 op...

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, innovati...

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 in...

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...

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 t...

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 ma...

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....

In this episode of Oxford+, host Susannah de Jager is joined by John Derrick , J.P. Morgan Private Bank, 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 import...

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 investor...

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 De...