Oxford Capital Partners completes 12 investments in 2005

Oxford Capital Partners reinforces its position as one of the UK’s most active players in the Venture Capital sector.

12 UK investments for Oxford Capital Partners in 2005.

Oxford, UK, 6 Jan 2006
Oxford Capital Partners, the Oxford based venture capital firm focused on science and technology companies, made a record number of investments in 2005, averaging one deal per month throughout the year.

As an active supporter of the UK’s emerging science base, Oxford Capital Partners led investments in companies at both early stage and development stages of growth. These included spinouts from international corporations and leading academic institutions which have the potential to become international leaders in their sectors.

David Mott, Partner at Oxford Capital Partners, said: “It has been another record year for Oxford Capital Partners. The past twelve months have confirmed our position as one of the most active Venture Capital firms in the country. In 2004 we were listed in the top ten most active firms with 9 investments.” David went on to say “The team at Oxford Capital Partners has unearthed many high quality, exciting investment opportunities on behalf of its investors, through its proven processes and strategies”. During 2005, three of its portfolio companies successfully listed on the AIM market – Hardide, Oxonica and Celoxica.

Oxford Capital Partners is based in Oxford, within striking distance of some of the most cutting-edge technological and scientific development centres in Europe. Oxford Capital Partners has developed privileged access to deal flow and is well positioned to provide active support to its portfolio companies.

Oxitec Ltd, the 10th investment in the Oxford Gateway Fund No.2, was spun out of Oxford University in 2002. Its second round funding of £1.3m was led by Oxford Capital Partners in June 2005 and the funds are currently being used to develop its insect control technology, which helps to fight the spread of insect-borne diseases such as Dengue fever and Malaria. Following the investment, Oxitec was selected as a technology partner by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and awarded a $5m grant.

The latest investment of 2005 was in Veryan Medical Ltd, a spinout of Imperial College London, which is dedicated to developing medical devices to address urgent, unmet medical needs in the field of vascular disease – the greatest cause of death in the modern world. Their stents and grafts are designed to recreate the natural swirling blood flow of the body and prevent the development of disease.

The year ended on a high, when Oxford Capital Partners was named Venture Capital House of the Year at the Unquote private equity awards. David Mott said “The award reflects the hard work by our team during the year.” 2006 promises to be another productive year for Oxford Capital Partners and the high rate of quality investments looks set to continue, with new investments of up to £3m.

About Oxford Capital Partners – Venture Capital House of the Year

Oxford Capital Partners is a venture capital firm focussed 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. It manages the Oxford Gateway Fund No.1 (1999) and the Oxford Gateway Fund No.2 (2003) which together have made 22 investments in the technology and life science sectors. The Oxford Gateway Fund No.3 was launched in early 2006 and has already begun making investments. Oxford Capital Partners remains an active supporter of the UK’s science and technology base.

For further information please contact
Joanne Telford on jtelford@oxcp.com or 01865 860 760

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