Oxford Capital Partners announces 10th Investment in second fund

Oxford Capital Partners emerges as one of UK’s most active supporters of science companies

10th UK investment in second fund announced by Oxford Capital Partners

Oxford, UK, 7 June 2005 – Oxford Capital Partners, the Oxford based venture capital firm focused on science and technology companies, has made its 10th UK investment for its second fund.

An active supporter of the UK’s emerging science base, Oxford Capital Partners has led investments in companies at both early and development stages of growth. These include spinouts from international corporations and leading academic institutions which are building the next generation of UK companies.

David Mott, Partner at Oxford Capital Partners, said: “We believe that in the UK there is outstanding science, driven entrepreneurs and experienced business leaders. The fusion of these three factors is where exceptional businesses are born.”

From its base in Oxford, in close proximity to the many science and business parks of the Central and Southern UK, Oxford Capital Partners has developed privileged access to deal flow and is well positioned to provide active support to its portfolio companies.

Hardide PLC, one of its portfolio companies, has already listed on AIM, less than a year after the fund’s investment. Other companies are preparing for early exits, while some will remain in the portfolio as they continue to build value.

Oxitec Limited is the 10th investment by the fund, a company spun out of Oxford University in 2002. Its second round funding of £1.3m was led by Oxford Capital Partners. The funds will be used to develop further its insect control technology, which helps to fight the spread of insect-borne diseases.

David Mott said: “We seek to back the best entrepreneurial teams seeking to commercialise exceptional science in international markets.”

Further investments are planned. Oxford Capital Partners is expecting to maintain its rate of new investments during 2005 and 2006, making new investments of up to £1 million.

7 June 2005

Oxford Capital Partners is a venture capital firm focused on investing in science and technology businesses. Specialising in identifying exceptional companies with high growth potential, Oxford Capital Partners supports companies from an early stage through to IPO. Oxford Capital Partners manages the Oxford Gateway Fund No.1 (1999) and the Oxford Gateway Fund No.2 (2003) which together have made 17 investments in technology and life science sectors. Oxford Capital Partners is an active supporter of the UK’s science and technology base.

Oxford Capital Partners has led investments in a number of science and technology companies including several spin outs from UK universities. Our current investment portfolio includes 8 university spin outs of which four are from the University of Oxford: Avidex (drug discovery); g-Nostics (pharmacogenetics); Oxonica (nanotechnology); Oxitec (insect control technology).

For further information, please contact:

David Mott, Oxford Capital Partners
Tel: 01865 860 760
dmott@oxcp.com
www.oxcp.com

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