This article on the Said Business School Venture Fund was contributed by Lyle Deitch of SBS. Email below.
The University of Oxford’s Said Business School (SBS) continues to climb the MBA rankings, spurred by a global student body and innovative student led initiatives. One such initiative is the recently launched Said Business School Venture Fund (SBSVF), a student managed fund that will invest in early stage Oxford related companies, including those founded by Oxford alumni. The Fund’s Chairman and founder is current MBA student and New York City resident Lyle Deitch.
“There are a number of New Yorkers here at SBS. We come from a variety of professional backgrounds, but we were all attracted by the Oxford brand, the entrepreneurial focus of the school, and the fact that we could make an impact on a young, rising MBA program. Several of us have experience in some facet of the venture capital process, either from the VC, legal, or investee company perspective. It is the energy and experience of the students, and the support of the SBS administration, that has made the SBSVF a reality,” said Deitch.
The idea for the SBSVF came from similar initiatives already launched at U.S. MBA programs, such as the Wolverine Fund at the University of Michigan, and Sachem Ventures at Yale. Unlike Sachem, the SBSVF is a registered charity, and will not provide a return to its contributors. “The main goal of the Fund is education. Many MBA’s talk about getting into venture capital, but they have no tangible experience. The Fund will enable students to take a hands-on approach in evaluating potential investments, negotiating terms, and managing an actual investment portfolio. The concept has already received a warm endorsement from members of the Oxford early stage investing community, with whom we will co-invest. There is a dearth of early stage capital in the UK, so the additional capital and student energy for due diligence is welcomed.” said Lyle.
The SBSVF is currently in the process of contacting prominent Oxonians to be founding patrons of the Fund. The target capitalization of the Fund is £1 million, and the Fund will look to make new follow-on investments in the £50-100,000 range. “It is our hope that Oxonians who have found success in or through the venture capital industry will be willing to support this educational endeavor with a contribution. In addition to meeting enthusiastic students, contributors will have an opportunity to serve on the Fund’s Advisory Board or Executive Committee, and will have a chance to see some exciting early stage businesses related to Oxford.”
Another New Yorker on the MBA program, SBSVF student organizer Matthew McGowan said, “The SBSVF is an opportunity for Oxford to further cement its reputation as one of the world’s elite business programs. The substantial benefits to students include not only the venture capital experience, but also the opportunity to interact with and learn from established VC’s, and the chance to become acquainted with young, growing, Oxford related companies who are likely looking for talented individuals for their staffs. It will also help bring Oxonians in business closer to Said Business School. If you’re an Oxonian living in New York and looking for funding, you now have a reason to interact with the school as the SBSVF wants to see your business plan.”
For more information on the Said Business School Venture Fund, please contact Lyle Deitch at lyle.deitch@oba.co.uk, or call him directly at 44-777-572-4973.
