Isis Angels Network

Investing in New Companies

Established in 1999, the Isis Angels Network (IAN) is a not-for-profit company limited by
guarantee that provides a vehicle for the introduction of private individuals and companies with potential interest in investing in spin-out companies from the University of Oxford.

Isis seeks first-round investment in spin-outs from all investors - business angels, private equity, institutional investors, seed and venture capitalists - from the UK and internationally. No investor has acquired any rights to invest in the first-round of Oxford University spin-out companies. A number of investors have established investment funds which intend to invest in technology start-up companies, including Oxford spin-outs. None of these organisations or funds has acquired any rights to invest in the first-round of Oxford University spin-out companies.

Membership

IAN membership is currently free, and open to both investment professionals and private investors. Membership entitles you to receive:

• Business proposals circulated by Isis on behalf of spin-out companies looking for funding
• Invitations to our regular Investment Meetings, at which both early-stage and established spin-out companies present their funding opportunities

To join, simply complete and return an IAN Application Form, available for download at the bottom of this page. Note: Investment Professionals should include proof that their company is FSA regulated. Private Investors should provide confirmation of self-certification as either 'high net worth individual' or 'sophisticated investor'.

Isis reserves the right to choose which individuals will be sent any particular business plans and no spin-out companies will be under any obligation to accept investments from, or participation by, IAN members. Isis will take reasonable steps to ensure that the information supplied to IAN members in connection with potential investments is accurate and not misleading.

Members of OxonInvest (the Oxford Alumni Investment Community) and other partner organisations are welcome to attend IAN investment events.

Risks and Rewards

Investment in new businesses carries high risks, as well as the possibility of high rewards. It is highly speculative and potential investors should be aware that no established market exists for the trading of shares in private companies. The success of some spin-outs does not in any way predict success for others.

Whilst we take care with our proposals, it will be appreciated that the business plan on which an investment decision is made is often a development of an idea as originally presented, and the business experience and preferences of the potential investors are often significant factors in the final shape of the new company. Before investing in a project, potential investors are strongly advised to take advice from a person authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 who specialises in advising on investments of this kind.

Nominee Directors

When Isis 'spins out' a new company, the University reserves the right to appoint a non-executive director to act as its nominee on the board. If you wish to participate in this role, you can mark your interest on the IAN Application Form, and Isis will pass your details to the University, which co-ordinates a register of potential directors. If you wish to participate by providing management time to spin-out companies, you may also mark your interest on the IAN Application Form.

Request Further Information about IAN

Download an Application Form (195Kb PDF).
Download an Application Guide (81Kb PDF).