Oxford Saïd’s Entrepreneurial Edge: How MBA Students Build Game-Changing Ventures

For prospective business school students with entrepreneurial ambitions, Saïd Business School offers a wealth of resources to transform ideas into impactful ventures. As a department of the University of Oxford, recently named best university in the world for a record ninth consecutive year by Times Higher Education, this business school fosters a unique blend of rigorous academia and hands-on support, designed for those ready to innovate and lead in business.

At the heart of Oxford Saïd’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is Oxford Saïd Entrepreneurship Centre, a dedicated hub that equips students with the tools, networks, and real-world experiences they need to excel. Throughout the MBA journey—and even beyond—students can connect with mentors, secure funding, and test their ideas across a range of practical programs and inspiring events.

One recent example is Tan Dang, a 2024 graduate who launched his tech startup, Mēin Skincare, during his MBA. Tan leveraged multiple programs run by the Centre, including those within the curriculum (the ‘Entrepreneurship Project’ elective) and taken as additional learning opportunities (Oxford Venture Builder, a co-curricular program open to students across the whole University). Support doesn’t just stop within Oxford Saïd, as Tan won funding through a Demo Night hosted by the University’s entrepreneurship hub, EnSpire, and participated in the student-led OX1 Incubator. Many of these entrepreneurial initiatives bring together students and researchers from different departments across the University, creating the ideal environment for generating and exploring new ideas. Tan’s journey demonstrates how Oxford’s resources enable students to grow their ventures within and beyond the classroom.

Meanwhile, Alexander Routledge, a 2022 MBA graduate, is making waves in the sustainable energy sector with his company, Armada Technologies, providing solutions to reduce the huge emissions of the global shipping industry. Developed during his MBA through the Entrepreneurship Project, the company later secured investment from the Oxford Seed Fund. The fund is Europe’s largest student-run seed fund, overseen by Oxford Saïd Entrepreneurship Centre and led by a team of Oxford MBAs and alumni. For Alexander, Oxford Saïd provided not only the framework to build his business but also contributed vital funding and exposure needed to scale it post-graduation.

The impact of these initiatives isn’t limited to early-stage ventures. Oxford Seed Fund, founded in 2012, has made its mark on the startup ecosystem, supporting high-impact ventures and generating remarkable returns. A prime example is Onfido, a digital identity verification company founded by Saïd Business School students in 2013. Invested in by the Oxford Seed Fund in its early stages, Onfido was acquired by Entrust in 2024, marking the largest student-led company return on investment for the University.

These stories reflect the powerful impact of Oxford Saïd’s support for its MBA entrepreneurs, extending far beyond graduation. Alumni can continue to tap into the Centre’s resources through one-to-one meetings with entrepreneurship experts and events like the annual Oxford Saïd Entrepreneurship Forum, a gathering that connects alumni, students, and industry leaders. Graduates also retain access to funding opportunities through Oxford Seed Fund, reinforcing the School’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship as a lifelong journey.

For MBA candidates who seek more than a degree, Saïd Business School offers an immersive, supportive, and transformative environment that nurtures entrepreneurial potential and drives real-world results. Whether you’re an aspiring founder or seeking to scale a nascent idea, Oxford Saïd’s offerings are designed to meet you where you’re at and take you further than you imagined.

Oxford Saïd Entrepreneurship Centre is a department of Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. We develop future leaders, who go into business with purpose, and make real impact – the kind of impact that helps address the most pressing issues of our day, from the climate crisis to the AI revolution. Our variety of practical programs and inspiring events support the University community to develop their entrepreneurial potential.

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