Stealth Founders Only (Oxford)
TL;DR
This session is specifically for Oxford-based founders in the "stealth" phase, those shaping an early concept and preparing for an eventual first round of external capital within the university ecosystem and beyond.
Who
Oxford Stealth Founders: Current students, researchers, or alumni operating under the radar and exploring their angel round before their first institutional round.
Operators: You have domain expertise with an idea or early solution but considering spinning out to launch a startup.
The Builders: Founders already validating a prototype or MVP before engaging institutional investors.
We especially welcome founders building with AI.
What
15-Minute Overview A briefing from Maria (ex-operator and solo GP Openseed) and Arif (GP @ Oxford Seed Fund), covering strategic insights and tactical advice tailored to the Oxford alumni first round journey:
What a first round composition/structure looks like?
What traction is expected, or ideal?
What Openseed and OSF look for?
GTM: Thinking about customers and design partners.
Metrics: How to think about milestones and metrics
How to build a strong narrative (team x market opportunity)
How to rally investor interest + judge when inbound investor interest is useful rather than distracting
20-Minute Breakout Rooms Founders will be placed in small groups to share direct experiences on challenges, from IP discussions to finding co-founders and resources.
30-Minute Open Q&A Ask Arif and Maria anything, no BS, just direct feedback on what it takes to get a "yes" to a first check in the current climate.
Just 30 spots to keep things useful for attendees, register to request a spot. Thanks!
Arif & Maria