Founders & Funders Monthly Event: Founders Syndrome // Deep Tech
Join us on Tuesday the 5th of May 2026 for innovation and entrepreneurship-themed talks, followed by an informal networking social. Please note that spaces are limited. Approval is required for the talks, while the pub social is open to all.
📅 When:
Tuesday, 5th of May, 2026
🕓 Schedule:
16:00–17:00 – Meet & Greet with the Speakers
17:00–18:00 – Talks, Panel, and Q&A
18:00–20:00 – Drinks, Nibbles & Networking
🎤 Speakers:
Dr Susanna Kislenko (Director of the Founder Leadership Research Project)
Susanna leads the Founder Leadership Research Project in the Centre on Mutual and Co-owned Business at Kellogg College. As a social psychologist, Susanna studies leadership in the entrepreneurial context. More specifically, Susanna’s research focus is founder leadership past the founding (start-up) stage. Using qualitative research methods, Susanna’s work pulls back the curtain on the challenges and potentially darker organisational consequences of long-term founder leadership, including Founder’s Syndrome.
Richard Oakley (Principal at Oxford Science Enterprises)
Richard leads OSE's investments in Deep Tech, creating and developing companies alongside founders. He brings to his role a potent mix of investment and operational experience, within his specialist areas of novel software and AI. Prior to joining OSE in 2025, Richard was an Investment Director at Oxford Capital and exited several software startups. He holds an MBA from the University of Oxford..
📍 Where:
Speakers Meet & Greet: Oxford Edge, 37 St Giles’, Oxford OX1 3LD
Talks & Panel: Oxford Edge, 37 St Giles’, Oxford OX1 3LD
Networking Social: Lamb & Flag, 12 St Giles’, Oxford OX1 3JS
This series is a unique opportunity to connect with staff, students, and alumni from across the University with interests in tech, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Our May 5th edition is powered by the Founders & Funders Foundation, with the support of our strategic partners: Novabook, Mishcon de Reya, OVH Cloud, HSBC Innovation Banking, and Oxford North.
🔗 Sign up now to secure your place – spaces are limited!
⚠️ Please note: The session will be recorded and shared online. If you do not wish to be recorded, kindly inform a member of the F&F staff on the day.
📩 For any questions, contact us at: [email protected]