When I signed up for the Oxford Entrepreneurship: Venture Finance Programme at Saïd Business School, I knew I was in for a challenge. What I didn’t anticipate was how much tea I’d drink to get through it as a coping mechanism on tough days. Let’s just say, I’ve become somewhat of a connoisseur of brews.
Balancing my role as a lawyer at a leading Y Combinator-backed startup while diving into the depths of venture finance was no small feat. I’d often find myself in the middle of reviewing multiple contracts, only to pivot into an assignment on financial analysis and projections. The shift from legal jargon to finance concepts was dizzying sometimes, but it’s what made the experience so enriching because I soon encountered modules where both worlds merged in harmony, such as Module 6: Negotiating Deals.
Learning beyond the law
Coming from a legal background, I had to wrestle with the fact that finance wasn’t my strongest suit. Let’s be honest, numbers can be intimidating when you’re used to dealing with words, especially as someone who suffered a 'math trauma’ as a kid. Yet, this programme didn’t let me off the hook. Instead, it challenged me to confront those fears head-on, demanding that I understand the entrepreneur and investor perspectives that are crucial to venture finance.
The assignments weren’t just exercises; they were hurdles that pushed me to grasp concepts I never thought I’d need. There were moments of frustration, especially when I found myself knee-deep in spreadsheets, but the satisfaction of mastering new knowledge made every struggle worth it.
The curriculum was certainly exciting for me overall and learning from Thomas Hellmann was a privilege. He shared the depth of his experience and knowledge about venture financing, venture capital firms and investment types, from the initial fundraising to final exit strategies.
Tea, term sheets and transformation
One of the greatest takeaways from the programme was the shift in perspective. I learned to think not just as a lawyer protecting a client’s interests, but also as an entrepreneur striving to build something valuable and as an investor looking for a sound opportunity. This holistic view is something I carry with me daily, where legal, business and financial considerations intersect constantly in my world.
It is surely an incredible opportunity to gain insights from both the entrepreneur's and investor's perspectives.
Final thoughts
If I had to sum up my Oxford experience in one word, it would be ‘transformative’. The programme didn’t just equip me with knowledge; it reshaped the way I approach challenges in my personal life. For anyone considering this path as a professional with work responsibilities, I will say be prepared for late nights, lots of tea/coffee, organising your calendar stringently, bettering your personal time management strategies and a journey that will push you beyond your comfort zone – but in the absolute best way possible.
So, here’s a tea toast to the struggle, the learning and the endless cups of tea that fuelled it all for me.
