Old College Capital

Old College Capital serves as the University of Edinburgh's dedicated venture investment fund, providing crucial financial backing to emerging innovations and technologies developed within the university ecosystem. Established to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial viability, OCC identifies and nurtures promising intellectual property with significant market potential. The fund operates with a dual mission of generating returns while supporting the university's broader goals of knowledge transfer and societal impact through entrepreneurship.

With a focus on early-stage investments ranging from pre-seed to Series A funding rounds, OCC plays a pivotal role in the Scottish and UK startup landscape. Their investment strategy targets university-affiliated startups and spinouts that demonstrate both commercial promise and potential for positive societal impact. This approach allows OCC to support ventures during their most vulnerable developmental stages, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance and industry connections critical for early business growth.

As active members of the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (BVCA), OCC adheres to industry best practices while continuously refining their investment methodology. Their commitment to ethical investment principles is further demonstrated through their status as a signatory to the Investing in Women Code, reflecting their dedication to addressing gender imbalances in entrepreneurial funding. This progressive stance positions OCC as a forward-thinking investor within the university venture capital community, recognizing diversity as a driver of innovation and business success.

The fund's investment philosophy centers on supporting ventures that aim to create positive impact for people and planet, aligning financial objectives with broader sustainability and social responsibility goals. OCC's portfolio reflects this commitment, featuring companies working across sectors such as healthcare, clean technology, education, and digital innovation. By maintaining close ties with the University of Edinburgh's research departments, innovation centers, and entrepreneurship programs, OCC creates a robust pipeline of investment opportunities while strengthening the university's position as a leading institution for translational research and commercial innovation.