We follow a co-investment model, partnering with experienced private sector investors including angel syndicates, venture capital and corporate venture capital funds. We currently only invest alongside a professional lead.
Our investment process involves three key decision points:
- Eligibility checks
- General Partner provides authority to proceed to Investment Committee
- Investment Committee decision
Decisions to invest are guided by the following criteria:
Eligibility Criteria
| 1. Appropriate association to University of Edinburgh |
| 2. Appropriate professional lead investment partner in place |
|
3. Funding round within OCC typical range [1] |
| 4. Detailed business plan provided |
Assessment Criteria
| 1. Company stage | 8. Technology protection |
| 2. Sector & portfolio fit | 9. Strategic & operational plan |
| 3. Management team | 10. Exit/liquidity event |
| 4. Product/service offering | 11. Risk management |
| 5. Market analysis | 12. Valuation |
| 6. Market validation | 13. Responsible investment |
| 7. Technology | 14. Due-diligence checks |
On completion of transactions, OCC will continue to work with our investee companies. We review monthly management information and commercial updates and often look to appoint a non-executive director and/or observer to the board.
To find out more about OCC and how we can help please see our annual review, or contact us directly on OCC@ei.ed.ac.uk
[1] OCC typically invests between 10% and 30% of the total being raised. Initial investments average £150k, follow on investments average £250k and total investment is generally limited to £500k