University Spinouts: Successful in Value Creation?

About the event

The UK is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, driving cutting-edge innovation in science and technology. However, how successful are we in translating groundbreaking research into investable, high-growth businesses?

Watch this engaging conversation as our panelists dive into some crucial questions, including:

Dr Christine Martin – Head of Ventures, Cambridge Enterprise
Elizabeth Klein Investment Director, Calculus Capital
Professor Chas Bountra – Pro Vice-Chancellor, University of Oxford
Andy Evans – Investor & Entrepreneur, Cambridge Angels

Moderated by: Sunil Shah, CEO, o2h Ventures

This discussion provides valuable insights for technology transfer professionals, investors, and academics shaping the future of university spinouts.

Watch the full conversation to gain key insights into unlocking the full potential of UK spinouts.

14-03-2025

14:00 to 15:00 GMT

Zoom Webinar

Register for future events

Watch now

Related events

Press releases

attending in-person organising

Biotech Bikers - Cambridge Aug 2025

Biotech Bikers brings together investors, founders, and scientists for cycling, networking, and idea exchange within the life sciences ecosystem.

09-08-2025

08:30 AM GMT

in-person organising

o2h ChaiTime Portfolio Pitch Day - Apr 2025 Edition

Live pitches from pioneering biotech companies, a keynote talk, and interactive Q&A sessions, followed by networking over drinks with investors, strategic partners, and our global community via Zoom.

25-04-2025

14:00 to 18:00 GMT

What are the key risks?

• If the business you invest in fails, you are likely to lose 100% of the money you invest. Most start-up businesses fail.

2 – You are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong

• Protection from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), in relation to claims against failed regulated firms, does not cover poor investment performance. Try the FSCS investment protection checker here. (https://www.fscs.org.uk/check/investment-protection-checker)

• Protection from the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) does not cover poor investment performance. If you have a complaint against an FCA-regulated firm, FOS may be able to consider it. Learn more about FOS protection here. (https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/consumers)

3 – You won’t get your money back quickly

• Even if the business you invest in is successful, it may take several years to get your money back. You are unlikely to be able to sell your investment early.

• The most likely way to get your money back is if the business is bought by another business or lists its shares on an exchange such as the London Stock Exchange. These events are not common.

• If you are investing in a start-up business, you should not expect to get your money back through dividends. Start-up businesses rarely pay these.

4 – Don’t put all your eggs in one basket

• Putting all your money into a single business or type of investment for example, is risky. Spreading your money across different investments makes you less dependent on any one to do well.

• A good rule of thumb is not to invest more than 10% of your money in high-risk investments (https://www.fca.org.uk/investsmart/5-questions-ask-you-invest)

5 – The value of your investment can be reduced

• The percentage of the business that you own will decrease if the business issues more shares. This could mean that the value of your investment reduces, depending on how much the business grows. Most start-up businesses issue multiple rounds of shares.

• These new shares could have addition rights that your shares don’t have, such as the right to receive a fixed dividend, which could further reduce your chances of getting a return on your investment.

If you are interested in learning more about how to protect yourself, visit the FCA’s website here (https://www.fca.org.uk/investsmart)