Howwework
HOW WE WORK
Meaningful problems
tackling global challenges or unmet needsBreakthrough science
novel, differentiated and defensibleBig market potential
scalable with clear exit opportunitiesClear paths to market
credible routes to customers, revenue and growthEnduring advantages
protected by IP, technical edge or scientific leadership
HOW WE WORK
Capital from inception to scale
with long-term commitmentFounding support
including team formation and access to entrepreneurial talentHands-on venture-building
from business design to international expansionDeep domain expertise
across science, commercial strategy, and company buildingGlobal networks
300+ co-investors, mentors, and strategic partners
HOW WE SUPPORT...
Academics & researchers
We partner with University of Oxford academics to create spinouts from world-class research, and with innovators at Harwell and Culham to build startups from breakthrough technologies. If you’re working on breakthrough research, it’s never too early to come and talk to us.
Entrepreneurs-in-Residence
We partner with seasoned entrepreneurs on salaried, 18-month residencies to co-found new ventures. EiRs gain access to Oxford’s world-class science, hands-on support from our investment teams, and a clear path to spinout with OSE as a committed long-term investor.
Scientists-in-Residence
We embed scientists into our teams on fixed or longer-term residencies – applying their expertise beyond the lab to shape, test, and validate new ventures. SiRs bring deep scientific expertise and translational insight to help turn ideas into companies.
Shareholders
Our shareholders gain access to Oxford’s diverse pipeline of world-class science through OSE’s venture-building model. As the portfolio matures and scales, they will benefit from its long-term growth – and many also choose to co-invest alongside us.
Co-investors
Together with 300+ global partners, we’ve invested more than £2.5bn into Oxford’s most exciting ventures. We offer co-investors early access to opportunities, deep scientific insight, and long-term collaboration.
Founders & portfolio companies
Alongside funding, we provide a suite of services to help companies scale faster and more efficiently – from supporting talent recruitment and fundraising efforts to delivering expertise in property, legal, and marketing, and fast-tracking market entry.
HOW WE’RE DIFFERENT
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
STORIES
Snowfox: Accelerating natural hydrogen’s Net Zero potential
Research has revealed the scale of natural hydrogen beneath our feet, but could it be harnessed to drive the energy transition? That was the question an expert team brought to Oxford Science Enterprises – and the spark for Snowfox Discovery.
Research by Oxford Earth Sciences Professor Chris Ballentine had quantified the scale of natural hydrogen resources hidden underground – a discovery that added weight to the idea that natural hydrogen could play a role in achieving Net Zero.
Building on this breakthrough, Chris partnered with Professor Jon Gluyas of Durham University, former bp exploration chief and Oxford Professor Mike Daly. They explored the opportunity with OSE, who introduced Daniel McMahon, a seasoned venture builder with a background in geoscience.
CEO and Co-Founder, Snowfox Discovery
WORK WITH US
Oxford researchers & innovators
Want your research to have real-world impact?
We partner with researchers and innovators across Oxford, Harwell and Culham to explore commercial potential, co-create ventures and build companies.
Investors
Interested in becoming an OSE shareholder?
We’ve raised over £850m from global investors keen to access Oxford’s diverse, world-leading science. Our shareholders don’t just back OSE – many also co-invest alongside us.
Co-investors
Looking to invest in Oxford’s most exciting companies?
We partner with specialist global investors to fund and scale our companies – from pre-seed to growth. Together, OSE and our co-investors have invested more than £3bn.