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 to donating a portion of their proceeds from liquidity events to charitable causes. 

Rob and Isobel share personal experiences and practical advice on utilising donor-advised funds, leveraging detailed impact research, and maximising the social impact of giving. With over $11 billion pledged globally, they discuss how entrepreneurs can make strategic, informed decisions to ensure their donations drive significant change. 

Whether you're at the early stages of your startup or approaching an exit, this conversation offers invaluable guidance on aligning business success with purposeful philanthropy.

• (00:00) - Welcome to Oxford+

Rob Chapman: Co-founder of Neya and experienced entrepreneur, Rob previously founded and exited Founders Intelligence. He is deeply engaged with Founders Pledge as a Trustee, committed to strategic philanthropy and social impact.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn

Isobel Morton: A former private client lawyer, Isobel specialises in supporting entrepreneurs, family offices, and charitable foundations. As a Trustee at Founders Pledge, she focuses on simplifying charitable giving for founders and investors.

Connect with Isobel on LinkedIn

Susannah de Jager: Susannah is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.

Connect with Susannah on LinkedIn / Subscribe to the Oxford+ Newsletter for exclusive content

Oxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager and supported by Mishcon de Reya and Oxford North.

Produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

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 centre to investing over £20 million in state-of-the-art facilities, the Trust has quietly built an ecosystem where early-stage companies can thrive.

Listeners will discover how the Trust's dual mission—supporting deep tech startups and delivering hands-on STEM education—creates a virtuous circle that benefits the entire region. The conversation touches on everything from lab space pivots and impact metrics to angel investing, patient capital, and how philanthropic roots enable long-term decision-making. It's a rare look at a sustainable, mission-led model that continues to adapt in a rapidly evolving innovation landscape.

• (00:00) - Welcome to Oxford+

Connect with Steve on LinkedIn

Nicki Campling: Director of Innovation and Operations at the Oxford Trust, Nicki oversees the Trust's innovation centres and STEM outreach, blending operational excellence with a passion for inclusive entrepreneurship.

Connect with Nicki on LinkedIn

Susannah de Jager: Susannah is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.

Connect with Susannah on LinkedIn / Subscribe to the Oxford+ Newsletter for exclusive content

Oxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager and supported by Mishcon de Reya and Oxford North.

Produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

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 for long-term weight loss and maintenance. 

Camilla shares the company’s unconventional startup journey, why they avoided the university spinout route, and how the product is positioned to address global obesity, especially among people who can’t access or tolerate drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy. From the challenges of raising capital in a volatile market to clinical trials and FDA approvals, this episode delivers a rich, inspiring look into medtech innovation with wide-reaching health implications.

• (00:00) - Welcome to Oxford+

Camilla Easter: CEO of Oxford Medical Products, Camilla leads the development of Sirona, a pioneering hydrogel-based pill for weight loss and maintenance. With a background in veterinary medicine and startup leadership, she brings scientific insight and entrepreneurial drive to solving complex health problems.

Connect with Camilla on LinkedIn

Susannah de Jager: Susannah is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.

Connect with Susannah on LinkedIn / Subscribe to the Oxford+ Newsletter for exclusive content

Oxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager and supported by Mishcon de Reya and Oxford North.

Produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

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 bridges the gap between private wealth and innovation. From pioneering EIS funds to influencing UK venture policy, David outlines the key elements that drive value creation in startups—including team structure, sector focus, and investment timing. He also explains how the UK can move towards a more integrated "supercluster" approach and why simplicity and alignment are essential in venture capital deals.

Whether you're a founder, investor, or ecosystem builder, this conversation offers a masterclass in startup funding and strategy.

• (00:00) - Aligning Founders and Investors with David Mott, Founder Partner of Oxford Capital

Action Points:

Back Founders, Not Just Technology: David emphasises the importance of founder-led teams, showing that startups with original founders in leadership roles significantly outperform. Look for founders with deep conviction and ownership over the business idea to increase the chances of success.

Keep Capital Structures Simple: Complex term sheets may impress on paper but often break down during tough times. Prioritise plain-vanilla deal terms that maintain alignment between founders and investors, which leads to better long-term outcomes.

Invest in Sectors with Shorter Timelines: Oxford Capital favours sectors like SaaS, AI, and FinTech where companies can scale quickly. Focus on businesses that don’t require years of development before reaching the market.

Facilitate Strategic Co-Investments: Effective syndicates with complementary investors bring more than just money. Build a network of co-investors who can contribute sector expertise, global reach, or future funding capacity.

Use Early Data and Engagement Signals: In the absence of financial metrics, look at user engagement and team dynamics. Early product testing and strong team rapport can indicate future traction and success.

David Mott: Founder Partner at Oxford Capital, David has spent 25 years investing in UK startups across sectors including AI, SaaS, FinTech, and digital health. A seasoned voice in venture capital policy, he has advised both UK and EU bodies and champions the role of private wealth in fuelling innovation.

Connect with David on LinkedIn

Susannah de Jager: Susannah is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.

Connect with Susannah on LinkedIn

Subscribe to the Oxford+ Newsletter for exclusive content.

Oxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager and supported by Mishcon de Reya and Oxford North.

Produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

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 for scaling science-driven startups, the role of co-investors, and how to nurture talent while maintaining commercial rigour. 

He offers an inside look at OSE’s approach to risk, return, and capital allocation across Life Sciences, Health Tech, and Deep Tech. From robotics and semiconductors to pet health and Alzheimer's care, the conversation spans emerging trends and bold bets. Jack also unpacks why reputation matters in a tightly-knit ecosystem, and why the UK needs high-profile success stories more than policy tweaks. 

• (00:00) - Building Billion-Pound Outcomes with Jack Edmondson, CIO of Oxford Science Enterprises

Jack Edmondson: Chief Investment Officer at Oxford Science Enterprises. Former Deputy CIO at Oxford University Endowment Management. Specialist in science-driven venture capital with expertise across institutional investment, private equity, and strategic ecosystem building.

Connect with Jack on LinkedIn

Susannah de Jager: Susannah is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.

Connect with Susannah on LinkedIn

Subscribe to the Oxford+ Newsletter for exclusive content.

Oxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager and supported by Mishcon de Reya and Oxford North.

Produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

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 investors, influencers, and entrepreneurs who operate within and have an impact on the Oxford ecosystem.

Visit our website to learn more and subscribe to our newsletter - oxfordplus.co.uk

About the host:
Susannah de Jager is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.

Connect with Susannah on LinkedIn

Visit our website to learn more and subscribe to our newsletter - oxfordplus.co.uk
If you have a question for Susannah, please get in touch - oxfordplus.co.uk/contact

Oxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager, supported by Mishcon de Reya and produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

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, and the unique opportunities Oxford offers for scientific innovation. Molly also shares insights on fostering diverse teams, driving impactful research, and the future of quantum sensing in biomedical applications.

• (00:00) - Bringing Science to Society with Molly Stevens

About the Guest:
Molly Stevens is the John Black Professor of Bionanoscience at the University of Oxford, with part-time positions at Imperial College London and the Karolinska Institute. As a world-leading expert in biomaterial interfaces, her multidisciplinary research spans regenerative medicine, advanced therapeutics, and diagnostics.

She is a serial entrepreneur, founding successful companies such as Spot by Discovery and she serves as Deputy Director of the Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery. Recognised internationally, Molly is a Fellow of the Royal Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering, and numerous other prestigious academies.

Connect with Molly on LinkedIn

About the host:
Susannah de Jager is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.

Connect with Susannah on LinkedIn

Visit our website to learn more and subscribe to our newsletter - oxfordplus.co.uk
If you have a question for Susannah, please get in touch - oxfordplus.co.uk/contact

Oxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager, supported by Mishcon de Reya and produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

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, emerging technologies, and the transformative potential of large multimodal models in medicine.

• (00:00) - How Machine Learning in Oxford Is Transforming Medicine Worldwide

About the Guest:
Lord Lionel Tarassenko, CBE, is a leading figure in biomedical engineering, AI, and machine learning. A graduate and professor at the University of Oxford, he has spearheaded groundbreaking applications of AI in healthcare, from monitoring patient deterioration to managing chronic disease.

He has founded four successful university spin-out companies, directed the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, and is currently the President of Reuben College, Oxford's newest college. Lionel has also played a key role in national AI policy, advocating for the use of NHS data as a sovereign asset to drive medical breakthroughs.

Connect with Lionel Tarassenko

About the host:
Susannah de Jager is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.

Connect with Susannah on LinkedIn

Visit our website to learn more and subscribe to our newsletter - oxfordplus.co.uk
If you have a question for Susannah, please get in touch - oxfordplus.co.uk/contact

Oxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager, supported by Mishcon de Reya and produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in 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 opportunities in bridging academia and business.

• (00:00) - How Oxford University Innovation Bridges Science and Business with Mairi Gibbs, CEO of OUI

About the Guest:

Mairi Gibbs is the CEO of Oxford University Innovation (OUI), Mairi has over 20 years of experience in technology transfer and innovation. She holds a PhD in Chemistry and previously worked in the chemicals industry before transitioning to technology transfer in 2002. Mairi is an expert in spin-out formation, licensing, and managing intellectual property, with a strong focus on maximising the societal impact of Oxford’s research.

Connect with Mairi on LinkedIn

About the host:
Susannah de Jager is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.

Connect with Susannah on LinkedIn

Visit our website to learn more and subscribe to our newsletter - oxfordplus.co.uk
If you have a question for Susannah, please get in touch - oxfordplus.co.uk/contact

Oxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager, supported by Mishcon de Reya and produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

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, innovation, and the interplay between academia and business.

• (00:00) - Oxford+ S2 E7 Adam Parr

As a DPhil candidate and Business Fellow at the University of Oxford’s Smith School, Adam is dedicated to advancing innovation in climate change through ventures like the Downforce Trust. He is also the author of The Art of War: Five Years in Formula One and Total Competition: Lessons in Strategy from Formula One, co-authored with Ross Brawn.

Connect with Adam on LinkedIn

About the host:
Susannah de Jager is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.

Connect with Susannah on LinkedIn

Visit our website to learn more and subscribe to our newsletter - oxfordplus.co.uk
If you have a question for Susannah, please get in touch - oxfordplus.co.uk/contact

Oxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager, supported by Mishcon de Reya and produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.