Risk and Reward in Early-Stage Tech Investments with George Robinson, Founding Partner of Oxford Investment Consultants

In this episode, Susannah de Jager is joined by George Robinson, founding partner of Oxford Investment Consultants (OIC). Established in 2015, OIC has directed substantial investments into early-stage technology and biotech companies originating from Oxford and other UK universities, particularly focusing on high-potential, innovative spinouts. The conversation explores Robinson's journey from investing in listed equities in Asia to championing early-stage technology ventures in the UK. Throughout the episode, George shares insights into the challenges of university spinouts, discussing the complexities of evaluating new technologies, the strategic importance of assembling a well-rounded team, and the essential qualities he seeks in leadership. (00:00) - Meet George Robinson: Founding Partner of Oxford Investment Consultants (01:44) - George's Journey: From Listed Equities to University Spinouts (03:38) - Challenges and Opportunities in University Spinouts (04:25) - Building a Strong Investment Team (06:07) - Navigating Market Fit and Commercial Success (07:27) - Overcoming Technical and Commercial Hurdles (19:44) - The Importance of Team Evolution (24:51) - Funding Challenges and Strategies (34:25) - Evaluating Market Potential and Competitors (39:20) - Spotlight on Oxford PV: A Promising Solar Technology (40:55) - Conclusion and Farewell About the guest:George Robinson is the founding partner of Oxford Investment Consultants, a firm advising on investments in spinout companies from Oxford and other UK universities. Since its founding in 2015, the firm has invested over £70 million in 35 companies, targeting early-stage ventures in technology and biotech. An active investor with a keen focus on Oxford’s innovation landscape, Robinson was an early backer and former board member of companies like Adaptive Immune Therapeutics and Immunocore. He is also a founding partner of Technicos, a private equity firm investing in spinouts from Oxford's Institute of Biomedical Engineering. With a distinguished career that began in listed equities, Robinson co-founded Sloan Robinson in 1993, focusing on global investments with a speciality in Asia and emerging markets. An Honorary Fellow of Keble College, Oxford, he holds a B.A. in Engineering Science and has served on Oxford University’s Endowment Investment Committee.Connect with George on LinkedInAbout 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 LinkedInVisit our website to learn more and subscribe to our newsletter - oxfordplus.co.ukIf you have a question for Susannah, please get in touch - oxfordplus.co.uk/contactOxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager, supported by Mishcon de Reya and produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.