How Old College Capital Works
How do we work?
OCC invests in companies associated with the University of Edinburgh. This includes startups, spinouts and spinins, although consideration of spinin companies will be contingent upon fund capacity and the strength of association.
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 |
| 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 |
OCC typically invests between 10% and 30% of the total being raised. Initial investments average £150k. OCC does not charge an arrangement fee or ongoing monitoring fees but, in line with normal market practice, expects the investee company to pay OCC’s legal costs.
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