Oxford Innovation Finance, the home of OION and Oxford Innovation EIS Growth Fund, is pleased to announce the launch of its first independent SEIS Growth Fund. This fund targets innovative UK science and technology startups, responding to increased investor demand for SEIS investments and the growing pool of high-quality SEIS opportunities.
The SEIS market has gained momentum since the company investment cap rose to £250,000 in 2023, making it more attractive to investors and early-stage businesses. With its first close on 30th April 2025, the Oxford Innovation SEIS Growth Fund will deliver a carefully curated and diverse portfolio of high-quality and high-growth early-stage companies tackling future global challenges. To ensure quality and diversification, the fund will close to investors upon reaching its maximum size which will be significantly smaller in comparison to the EIS Fund.
Simultaneously, Oxford Innovation EIS Growth Fund’s latest investment round, also closing on 30th April 2025, provides investors with access to next-generation technology and disruptive science companies at later stages of growth and offers strong exit potential.
With over 30 years of experience, Oxford Innovation Finance specialises in identifying and supporting groundbreaking UK startups whilst providing its investors access to some of the most promising SEIS and EIS opportunities. Its unique approach leverages an extensive network of entrepreneurs, angel investors, and sector experts to source the best investment opportunities.
Oxford Innovation Finance is Manager of the Oxford Innovation EIS Growth Funds and SEIS Growth Fund and has been running OION, the UK's most active angel network*, since 1994, providing value to early-stage companies that goes deeper than just funding.
Jens Tholstrup, Executive Chairman of Oxford Innovation Finance, said: “Over the past three years, we’ve seen a surge in promising SEIS investment opportunities. By investing in and supporting ambitious early-stage companies, we aim to unlock their growth potential while offering our investors access to high-quality opportunities benefiting from SEIS and EIS tax reliefs. These Funds offer a gateway to the next wave of UK innovation, with the potential to deliver both significant returns and in many cases also major social and economic impact.”
Oxford Innovation Finance is part of the SQW Group which also includes Oxford Innovation Space, operators of a network of innovation centres, and Oxford Innovation Advice, providers of a range of coaching support for innovative companies.
*According to data compiled by Beauhurst between 2011 and 2022.
ENDS
For additional information, please contact:
Richard Cooper, Oxford Innovation Finance (Fund related enquires)
Rebecca Noonan, BX Consulting Services (Media related enquiries)
E: rebecca@bx-consulting.co.uk
Notes to editor:
Oxford Innovation Finance is the home of OION, one of the oldest and largest Angel Investment Networks in the UK, and the Oxford Innovation EIS Growth Fund. Providing investors with the opportunity to invest in pre-screened opportunities either directly through its Angel Network or indirectly via its EIS Fund, and companies with the opportunity to secure investment from a large, diverse investor base.
Oxford Innovation Finance provides all-important access to finance for innovative early-stage companies which are crucial to the future prosperity of the UK and its economy. Uncovering the next generation of science and technology opportunities, it provides a gateway to the innovation ecosystem of Oxford and beyond, supporting the companies of the future.
www.oxfordinnovationfinance.co.uk
Published: February 2025.