At the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School, the Oxford Seed Fund offers a unique opportunity for practical learning and entrepreneurial spirit. This student-led initiative paves the way for MBA students and alumni startups to thrive in business. Viktoriia Oliinyk and Celina Nanbara provide their first-hand insights as MBA students and co-directors of the Oxford Seed Fund.
The Oxford MBA at Saïd Business School is a world-renowned program equipping students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the intricacies of business leadership. But for those seeking an edge in the dynamic world of venture capital (VC), the Oxford Seed Fund offers an unparalleled opportunity to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
This student-run venture capital arm allows a select group of MBA students to actively participate in the investment process, providing them with invaluable experience while fostering Oxford’s burgeoning startup ecosystem. Let’s delve deeper into this unique program through the perspectives of two of the Co-Directors, Viktoriia Oliinyk and Celina Nanbara.
Hailing from Ukraine, Viktoriia carved her path to an MBA through a decade in data science, most recently at QuantumBlack, the AI branch of McKinsey. “I really want to go back to the startup world, and the Seed Fund is definitely an amazing opportunity to get closer to startups,” she says. (00:28)
Celina is from California but has spent most of her career at Goldman Sachs in Asia. There she became inspired to work with small businesses and take her career in a new direction. “Thankfully, the Oxford Seed Fund has been a great opportunity to enter this venture capital world and get hands-on experience which is very unique. So postgraduation, I’m hoping to enter a career in venture capital in Europe,” she shares. (01:56)
Let’s delve into the role of the fund and how it empowers MBA students and alumni startups.
Established in 2012, the Oxford Seed Fund boasts a distinguished track record.
“The Oxford Seed Fund is the largest student-led seed fund in Europe,” explains Viktoriia. (03:05)
With £2.5 million to invest over the next three years, the fund provides MBA students a platform to engage with startups and the venture capital world. The fund is looking to make ten investments over the academic year within the range of £60,000 per investment.
To qualify for the fund, the venture must have at least one founder who is an Oxford student, faculty, or alumni, and it must be incorporated in either the US or UK.
Saïd Business School’s MBA program is a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and ambitions. When that energy coalesces into a business idea, the Oxford Seed Fund is there to help viable startups regardless of the industry.
“We have a really broad range of startups in our portfolio, and this is also how we want to be known. We are fully industry-agnostic. We really want to [go] where we can make the most impact,” says Viktoriia. (03:22)
Due diligence, the process of evaluating a startup’s potential before investing, is a cornerstone of VC activity and takes two weeks to a month with the fund. By actively participating in this process, students gain a practical understanding of financial analysis, market research, and risk assessment – all crucial skills for a successful VC career.
The practical knowledge gained at the Oxford Seed Fund complements the lessons from the MBA program, creating a well-rounded experience. For those interested in a career venture capital, joining the fund is a game changer.
“I think learning with hands-on experience is probably the best way to learn a job,” Celina shares. “And to have this experience while doing the MBA program has been fulfilling.” (09:42)
Working with the Oxford Seed Fund allows students to build a network of industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and alumni. Those who join the fund volunteer their time to make a tangible impact within the startup ecosystem.
However, the opportunity doesn’t come easily. This year, the fund received nearly 100 applications to fill just four positions. However, a passion and a demonstrable interest in startups and VC are key differentiators.
Thankfully, there are other ways to get involved besides becoming a director. This year saw the launch of the Venture Scout Program. Scouts go into the broader Oxford ecosystem and source startups the fund might have missed.
An example of an Oxford-affiliated startup that achieved success with the support of the Oxford Seed Fund is Onfido. The startup utilizes AI and computer vision systems to streamline identity verification. It is notable for its rapid growth in employment background checks.
Such successes mark the fund’s influence as a nurturer of groundbreaking ideas that made it stand out from the many incubators. For more information on the Oxford Seed Fund and its portfolio companies, visit the Oxford Seed Fund Investments page.
Viktoriia encourages those interested in venture capital to apply regardless of their background.
“Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have a ‘relevant’ background… VC is made of people who come from all different kinds of experiences,” she says. For example, her tech background was useful when the fund evaluated AI startups. (13:28)
The Oxford Seed Fund will continue empowering students and propelling Oxford’s entrepreneurial spirit well into the future. This initiative shapes skilled venture capitalists and nurtures leaders ready to make an impact.
For prospective students passionate about VC, the Seed Fund offers an unparalleled opportunity to gain practical experience and become a part of this dynamic ecosystem.
Want to know more about being an MBA student at Oxford? Contact an Oxford Saïd ambassador today to get more first-hand insights.
