Europe's largest student-led fund unveils investments in financial inclusion, clean energy charging, and male fertility

The second investment went to PasanaQ, a fintech startup named ‘the Best in Bolivia.’ Focused on emerging markets in Latin America, the startup enables more financial inclusion with its solution in savings, digital payments, lending, and personal finance products. PasanaQ is supported by a strong technical team and has identified a significant and mostly untapped market – informal savings groups known as "ROSCAs." It has the potential to improve financial well-being for millions of unbanked people across the region. 

PasanaQ’s founder, Diego Rojas Arancibia said: ‘This investment has come at a key moment where raising funds has been tricky because of macroeconomic conditions. The money has allowed us to keep operating, and this in turn was key to securing other investments from angel investors and 2 VCs from Peru and Bolivia. Now, PasanaQ has better economics, is gaining traction in the region, and is improving its offer to help banks, financial institutions, and retailers in Latin America culturally connect with low and middle to low-income people.’

OSF welcomes its new student associates

OSF welcomes its new MBA student associates, who are at the core of the OSF team. Oxford Saïd students (pictured clockwise from top left) bring their experience in venture capital, investment strategy, management consultancy, financial services, and entrepreneurship.

Alex Prittie spent six years in the development finance sector at the EBRD in London, gaining a deep appreciation for the power of impact investing. Alongside a career in finance, he co-founded a retail e-commerce business selling sportswear online. He said, 'I'm looking forward to working with and learning from the talented OSF team and making further meaningful connections within the VC ecosystem.'

Viktoriia Oliinyk, a data scientist with a background in applied mathematics, spent over five years using data and AI algorithms to drive change. She worked with organisations across industries on a variety of complex problems and is passionate about creating AI that makes a positive impact on society. She commented, ‘I'm excited to help uncover innovative ideas and guide them to success using my data skills and expertise in AI.'

Yusuf Raza co-founded an enterprise SaaS HR Analytics start-up, acclaimed globally within its specialised niche and holding the top position in Japan. He has expertise in building and scaling innovative technology products in early-maturity markets. He commented, ‘I firmly believe that addressing critical global challenges necessitates the rise of exceptionally innovative enterprises, with venture capital serving as the catalyst.’

After graduating from college, Celina Nanbara grew up in Tokyo and California and lived in Singapore and Japan, where she worked in the finance industry for seven years. Through her work, she was exposed to the world of impact and sustainability, particularly within venture capital. She commented, 'I'm excited to be embarking on this new journey with OSF to realise my passion into a career.'

Commenting on the pivotal role students play in the programme, Head of Investment at the Entrepreneurship Centre, James Murray, said: ‘It is important to us that we are led by our students, they are the heart of our team. And we are delighted to welcome in our four new Directors, to Europe’s largest student-led seed fund, who all bring a wealth of knowledge and experience with them. We are also incredibly grateful to our outgoing team who all did a fantastic job managing the fund last year, and remain an integral part of our Oxford Seed Fund family.’