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Our story

A legacy of supporting innovation

Oxford Innovation Finance is the home of OION (Oxford Investment Opportunity Network) and the Oxford Innovation EIS Growth Fund. We connect the UK’s most ambitious science and technology startups with the investment they need to drive innovation, scale their businesses, and make a positive impact.

For over 30 years, we’ve been at the heart of the UK’s startup ecosystem—carefully matching high-potential companies with experienced investors who offer more than just capital.

Through our regular Showcase events—held both in-person and online—we provide a platform for founders to pitch their businesses to a curated audience of angel investors. Most opportunities qualify for SEIS or EIS tax relief, helping to reduce risk and enhance returns for investors.

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Our mission

Our mission is to champion innovation and entrepreneurship across the UK. By providing access to vital investment and expertise, we support early-stage businesses in commercialising research, developing breakthrough technologies, and addressing global challenges. As the needs of founders evolve, so do our services—ensuring we remain a trusted partner throughout the fundraising journey.

A collaborative approach

As a part of the SQW Group, Oxford Innovation Finance is deeply embedded in the UK’s SME ecosystem. Through our sister companies, we are able to connect businesses with an extensive range of support, beyond that of just access to finance:

  • Oxford Innovation Advice offers specialist expertise and advice for SMEs through a range of business support programmes. 
  • Oxford Innovation Space operates the largest network of innovation centres in the UK and Ireland, currently supporting over 850 SMEs.

Key milestones

Scroll through the timeline below to view our key milestones, from 1994 to the present year.
1994

Our OION network was founded as one of the UK’s first angel investment networks. Today, OION is one of the largest and most active in the UK.

2003

Our Thames Valley Investment Network (TVIN) launched at Green Park in Reading.

2004

Our Oxford Early Investments (OEI) network was established.

2008

Launched a co-investment programme with Bank of Scotland - a collaboration to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship. The programme helped shape the Angel CoFund.

2009

Named Angel Network of the Year by British Business Angels Association (now UKBAA).

2010

We consolidated our three angel networks under the umbrella of OION Ltd as a platform to support companies from different sectors and at various stages of growth to raise capital.

2012

Our OION network becomes one of five private sector partners involved in developing the successful bid for Angel Co-Fund, to the UK government’s Regional Growth Fund.

2012

After a year of preparation work, our OION angel network becomes an FSA regulated firm, transitioning to FCA regulated after regulatory reform.

2015

Launch of annual OION SEIS funds in collaboration with an alternate Fund Manager.

2020

Oxford Angel Network (OAN), part of Oxford University’s commercialisation arm, Oxford University Innovation (OUI), merged with OION to create one unified angel network.

2020

In response to the global pandemic, Oxford Innovation Finance transitioned immediately to online events. Today, we continue to hold both online and in-person events.

2021

Launch of the Oxford Innovation EIS Growth Fund, investing in nine high-growth companies.

2022

EIS Fund 2 launched, with nine investments, followed by EIS Fund 3 in 2023. The Fund now offers quarterly closes.

2022

As part of a rebrand across our Oxford Innovation companies, Oxford Innovation Finance becomes the umbrella brand for our OION network and our EIS Growth Fund.

2023

Our OION network was recognised as the most active angel network in the UK by Beauhurst.

2025

Oxford Innovation Finance was highly commended in the Best New Fund Manager category at the EISA Awards.

2025

Launch of our powerful new online investor portal, enabling members to view investment opportunities, manage portfolios, and collaborate with peers.

Are you a founder seeking investment for your company?

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