Program · Scout Program
Oxford Seed Fund
Oxford Seed Fund is Saïd Business School's scout program offering funding and support for early-stage startups founded by Oxford students and alumni.
- Application state
- Accepting
Overview
What Oxford Seed Fund offers
What Oxford Seed Fund is
The Oxford Seed Fund is a student- and alumni-led venture capital fund investing in early-stage startups founded by current Oxford students, staff, alumni, and researchers. Operating since 2012, it is the largest student-led seed fund in Europe. The fund provides not only capital but also mentorship and access to a vast network within Oxford's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Operational profile
Program status and context
Program status describes the program itself. Application availability and deadlines remain separate.
- Operational status
- Active
- Program type
- Scout Program
- Host organization
- Saïd Business School
- Last reviewed
- March 16, 2026
What Scout program means
A scout program is a structured venture-capital program that recruits external people to help a fund discover, refer, evaluate, or sometimes invest in early-stage startups.
Open the glossary entryTerms and economics
Published program terms
- Investment
- $130,000
- Price
- Unknown
- Compensation
- Unknown
Compensation and economics
The fund operates on a no-compensation basis for its managing students, focusing on gaining experience in venture capital.
Focus and fit
Who the program is for
Program thesis
The Oxford Seed Fund focuses on investing in early-stage startups that are founded by individuals with connections to Oxford University. The fund aims to support innovative technology solutions that have the potential for significant growth and impact.
Eligibility
At least one current or former Oxford student, staff member, alumni, or researcher must be on the founding team. Companies should offer venture-scalable technology solutions and be registered in a jurisdiction with secure governance, typically the UK or US.
Selection approach
Applications are accepted year-round. Founders should review the fund's FAQs, ensure at least one founder has an Oxford connection, submit an application through the official portal, and participate in the pitching and evaluation process.
- Stages
- Pre-seed · Seed
- Sectors
- Artificial IntelligenceBiotech & Life SciencesConsumerE-CommerceFintechHealthcareMedia & EntertainmentReal Estate & Property Tech
- Regions
- United KingdomUnited States
- Audience
- Researchers
Format and cadence
How participation works
- Presence
- In Person
- Main location
- Oxford, England
- Engagement
- Unknown
Delivery model
The program operates in-person at the Saïd Business School, providing hands-on experience for MBA students involved in the fund's management.
Availability and engagement
Application timing and route
- Application state
- Accepting
- Admissions
- Open
Value and support
What participation may provide
Publicly described support is context, not a guarantee of current delivery or future benefit.
What participants may receive
Participants receive capital investment, mentorship from experienced investors, and access to follow-on funding sources, along with networking opportunities within Oxford's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Outcomes and track record
What the public record shows
Historical activity and reported outcomes provide context, not a guarantee of future results.
Reported outcomes
The fund has notable portfolio outcomes, including two unicorn companies: Onfido, valued at over $1 billion for its AI-powered identity verification, and Go1, a corporate learning platform also valued at over $1 billion. Portfolio companies have collectively created over 1,200 jobs and attracted more than $500 million in follow-on venture capital funding.
Common questions
Program details at a glance
Oxford Seed Fund is published in Upseed as a scout program program hosted by Saïd Business School. Upseed treats the Program and its host Organization as separate records so each can have its own status and sources.
Source and update disclosure
Know what this page is based on
Source basis
Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.
Last reviewed
March 16, 2026
Known limits
Terms, deadlines, and application states can change. Confirm current details at the published destination before acting. Upseed does not yet classify every Program destination as official.
Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or the official representative of this program or its host.