# Oxford Science Enterprises

> Oxford Science Enterprises is an independent investment company and venture builder that backs science companies emerging from Oxford research. It combines long-term capital with company formation, recruitment, commercial expertise, laboratory infrastructure and a network of more than 300 co-investors across deep tech, life sciences and healthtech.

- **Founded:** 2015
- **Headquarters:** Oxford, United Kingdom
- **Founders:** David Norwood (Founder and founding chairman)
- **Products:** Science venture investment, Venture building, Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, Scientists-in-Residence, Laboratory and startup infrastructure
- **Notable:** Secured £320m in initial funding in June 2015., Raised £250m in 2022, taking cumulative fundraising above £850m., OSE-backed Oxford Ionics agreed a $1.075bn acquisition by IonQ in June 2025; completion was announced in September.

## Products & services

- **Science venture investment** — Pre-seed to growth capital across deep tech, life sciences and healthtech, with follow-on investment through exit.
- **Venture building** — Company formation, leadership recruitment, commercial strategy, fundraising and operational support.
- **Entrepreneurs-in-Residence** — Salaried 18-month residencies for experienced entrepreneurs to co-found science ventures.
- **Scientists-in-Residence** — Scientific expertise embedded in investment teams to assess and develop new companies.
- **Laboratory and startup infrastructure** — Support with property and laboratory access; partnership with The Crown Estate and Pioneer Group on a planned 100,000 sq ft Oxford development.
- **International market partnerships** — Clinical and commercial links through Cedars-Sinai and Japanese market support through Tokyu Land’s accelerator partnership.

## Achievements

- Secured £320m in initial funding in June 2015.
- Raised £250m in 2022, taking cumulative fundraising above £850m.
- OSE-backed Oxford Ionics agreed a $1.075bn acquisition by IonQ in June 2025; completion was announced in September.
- Dark Blue Therapeutics acquired by Amgen in January 2026 in a deal worth up to $840m, including future milestones.
- Supported portfolio exits including Base Genomics ($410m), MiroBio ($405m) and DJS Antibodies ($255m).
- Current website reports 50+ flagship companies and 300+ co-investors.

## Latest updates

- **2026-09** — Dr Jeff Moore appointed Senior Partner and Head of Life Sciences, succeeding Katya Smirnyagina, who remains an advisor.
- **2026-04** — Antonia Jenkinson appointed Chief Financial Officer.
- **2026-03** — Planning approval for the former Debenhams redevelopment, targeting construction in 2027 and completion in 2029.
- **2026-01** — Amgen acquisition of Dark Blue Therapeutics announced, valued at up to $840m including future milestones.

## Links

- Website: https://www.oxfordscienceenterprises.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oxford-science-enterprises/
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/OxfordSciEnt

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/oxford-science-enterprises
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-07