How do we solve the UK’s persistent scale-up capital conundrum and move from academic theory to commercial reality?

Host Susannah de Jager speaks with Pete Davies, Partner and Head of Developed Markets Strategy at Lansdowne Partners and co-founder of Oxford Science Enterprises (OSE). Pete shares his unique, contrarian perspective, spanning decades of experience in asset management and pioneering UK venture.

This episode delves into the linear evolution of deep tech commercialisation, from IP Group to the creation of OSE. Pete discusses the critical need to shift company formation from an "academic X has an IP" push to an industry problem-driven pull, noting that this process is now at a "sort of halfway stage".

The conversation also covers the importance of "magic" assets like the Oxford community, the exciting progress in areas like quantum computing, and how to fix the £100 million 'missing middle' of scale-up funding. With the UK seeing a 36% year-on-year rise in new tech incorporations, Pete explains why closing this capital gap is crucial for transforming the nation's medium-term economic growth prospects.

• (00:00) - Welcome to Oxford+
• (01:34) - Pete's Journey Back to Oxford
• (02:48) - The Evolution of Oxford Science Enterprises
• (03:59) - Future of Oxford's Innovation Ecosystem
• (07:48) - Quantum Computing: Oxford's Cutting-Edge
• (11:20) - The Magic of Oxford's Community
• (13:10) - Preserving Oxford's Unique Assets
• (14:15) - The Value of Oxford's Teaching System
• (19:41) - Challenges and Opportunities in UK Capital Markets
• (26:19) - Lansdowne Partners' UK Growth Fund

Pete Davies: Pete Davies is Partner and Head of Developed Markets Strategy at Lansdowne Partners. A rare investor known for his consistent yet evolving approach, he has helped refocus the firm to long-only and venture capital strategies, including the launch of a new UK Growth Fund focused on scale-up opportunities. Pete is a pioneer in UK venture, co-founding Oxford Science Enterprises (OSE), and is a leading voice in conversations demanding scale-up capital for the UK. He is also a former governor of the Wellcome Trust.

Connect with Pete on LinkedIn

Susannah de Jager: Susannah is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.

Connect with Susannah on LinkedIn / Subscribe to the Oxford+ Newsletter for exclusive content

Oxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager and supported by Mishcon de Reya and Oxford North.

Produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

How do you design a physical space that matches the lightning-fast pace of modern scientific discovery? This episode explores the new paradigm for innovation districts with Professor Dame Kay Davies and Victoria Collett of Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St. John's College.

The conversation covers the critical transition from academic lab work, where Professor Davies has spent 30 years researching Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, to the intense, milestone-driven world of biotech spin-outs. Victoria Collett, Development Director for the £1.2 billion Oxford North project, explains how its mixed-use, master-planned environment—complete with flexible lab spaces, public art, and community areas—is specifically engineered to foster the "serendipitous moments" crucial for breakthroughs.

Kay and Victoria also discuss the vital importance of connectivity, noting that the UK’s life sciences VC investment has been selective recently, making integrated innovation clusters like Oxford North, which is positioned on the East West Rail corridor, essential for capturing future talent and growth.

• (00:00) - Welcome to Oxford+
• (01:10) - Kay Davies' Journey in Medical Research
• (02:10) - Challenges and Innovations in Drug Development
• (03:11) - The Role of Oxford North in Scientific Advancements
• (06:39) - Victoria Collett on Developing Oxford North
• (08:06) - Designing Spaces for Innovation and Collaboration
• (11:54) - Integrating Science, Art, and Community
• (18:56) - The Importance of Connectivity and Accessibility
• (26:26) - Long-Term Vision and Investment in Oxford North
• (30:10) - Historical Significance and Future Aspirations

Connect with Kay on LinkedIn

Victoria Collett: Development Director at Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St. John’s College, where she led the creation of Oxford North. A chartered surveyor with over 20 years of experience in development and regeneration, Victoria specialises in large-scale mixed-use masterplans, bringing a unique perspective on community, placemaking, and commercial flexibility to the £1.2 billion global innovation district.

Connect with Victoria on LinkedIn

Susannah de Jager: Susannah is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.

Connect with Susannah on LinkedIn / Subscribe to the Oxford+ Newsletter for exclusive content

Oxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager and supported by Mishcon de Reya and Oxford North.

Produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

What if the key to the future of global mobility was found not in isolation, but in a carefully curated community?

Host Susannah de Jager sits down with Dan Geoghegan, CEO of Bicester Motion, the visionary behind the world's largest automotive and future mobility cluster. Dan details his systematic, values-driven approach to turning a derelict RAF bomber station into a thriving, 444-acre ecosystem of 54 businesses—ranging from historic vehicle restorers to pioneers in net-zero fuels.

They discuss the critical benefits of clustering, where like minds and complementary businesses achieve greater efficiency and critical mass. Dan shares the vital lesson that focusing on community, inclusivity, and long-term partnership with tenants actually leads to better business results and high occupancy.

Tune in to hear how his bold vision and "fly the plane as you build it" entrepreneurship has created an economic powerhouse in the Oxford-Cambridge corridor, actively shaping the path to net-zero.

• (00:00) - Welcome to Oxford+
• (01:58) - The Birth of Bicester Motion
• (04:15) - From Concept to Reality: Building the Cluster
• (07:40) - Challenges and Naysayers
• (09:43) - The Importance of Community and Collaboration
• (13:36) - Sustaining Growth and Innovation
• (22:52) - The Role of Shareholders and Long-term Vision
• (25:19) - Navigating Geopolitical and Economic Changes
• (27:55) - Showcasing Bicester Motion's Companies
• (37:04) - Sustainability and Future Plans

Dan Geoghegan: The Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Bicester Motion, the world-leading automotive and future mobility cluster located on a former RAF Bomber Station. Dan’s vision combines a passion for historic motoring with expertise in private investment and corporate finance to create a dynamic centre for innovation, experience, and heritage. He was honoured with the Outstanding UK Leader Award at the 2022 Autocar Awards for his leadership in "redefining the automotive experience for the modern era through real estate." Recently, he has driven the site's expansion, including the completion of the new £26.8 million headquarters for Mercedes-Benz-owned YASA.

Connect with Dan on LinkedIn

Susannah de Jager: Susannah is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.

Connect with Susannah on LinkedIn / Subscribe to the Oxford+ Newsletter for exclusive content

Oxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager and supported by Mishcon de Reya and Oxford North.

Produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.