Aims

Oxford Investment Opportunity Network (OION) is an investment network that focuses on innovative technology companies with high growth potential. OION aims to match entrepreneurs seeking business development funds with business angels and other investors, and secures investment rounds of between £200,000 and £2m for between 10 and 15 companies each year.

Background

Oxford Investment Opportunity Network was established in 1995 as one of the UK's first business angel networks. Today, it ranks among the most successful and well regarded technology business angel networks in Europe.

For Investors the Network offers access to a rich source of investment opportunities in early stage ventures across the UK.

For Companies the Network provides active investors who can add value to growing businesses. Companies that secure an investment commitment from an 'IQ Angel' member of OION 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.

Our track record demonstrates success.

In the five years from 2001-2002 through to 2005-2006, 92 deals were closed raising £19.1m.

Between 1 April 2005 and 31 March 2006 a total of 13 deals were closed raising £3.9m. The largest deal was the 4m Euro (£2.9m) raised for CMP Therapeutics.

On average, one in three of the companies using OION receives funding from members of the Network.

How OION operates

OION links investors with companies seeking funds through investment meetings and by direct introduction between companies and investors.

  1. Selection by OION

    OION carefully selects businesses for presentation to our investors.

    Key criteria include:

    • High growth potential
    • Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
    • Proof of principle
    • Access to a growing market
    • Entrepreneurial flair
  2. Presentation Panel

    Before the investment meeting, companies have an opportunity to test their business proposals on our Investment Readiness Panel of investors, which will typically include an angel investor, an institutional investor, plus professionals from OION's sponsors. They have specialist experience in dealing with early stage technology businesses and provide practical advice to improve the presentations.

  3. Monthly Investment Meetings

    Companies present their business proposals to investors at OION's monthly investment meetings. They also include networking opportunities, enabling the parties to meet on an informal basis. Meeting Programmes are sent to investors in advance of each meeting.

    Click here for Investment Meeting Dates

  4. Post Meeting Summaries

    After the investment meeting, a summary guide of the companies is sent to investors, with an option to request more detailed information. OION will also arrange follow up meetings with companies where appropriate.