It started online…
In my daily activities, I found myself increasingly involved in new business ventures and initiatives aimed at growing or creating new services. I realised that financing is a key requirement for scaling a business. For this reason, I sought an opportunity to gain more knowledge and insights into investment avenues and funding processes. At the time, I did not have the time to undertake a one- or two-year finance degree and was looking for a shorter course that could provide essential insights into how ventures are financed from both an entrepreneur's and an investor's perspective.
The Oxford Entrepreneurship: Venture Finance Programme stood out as the ideal option to gain these insights. The course is delivered online and lasts for eight weeks; this online format allowed for flexibility, enabling me to balance my professional commitments with my studies, while the short duration ensured it was an efficient use of my time.
The course exceeded all my expectations.
Led by Professor Thomas Hellmann and prominent industry thought leaders, it offered insights and trade secrets from fundraising to final exit strategies—knowledge that can only be gained through experience and mentorship. This alone was incredibly valuable and provided a strong return on investment. Additionally, the course offered insights through the venture evaluation framework and investor map, covering how to build a founding team, assess markets, analyse business models and ultimately create a ‘deal’ from the perspective of either an entrepreneur or an investor. It provided me with a solid foundation in venture finance, while also igniting my passion for entrepreneurship. The provided financial templates and best practice literature, underpinned by Professor Hellmann’s professional experience, have proven useful in my day-to-day business activities since completing the course.
…and continues in Oxford
After completing the online course, I realised that financing is only one part of the innovation ecosystem. I wanted to learn more about creating innovation strategies and establishing daily processes to execute these strategies. The terms ‘strategy’ and ‘innovation’ are often used with ambiguous meanings or interpretations. I sought to gain deeper insights, supported by industry thought-leaders and best practice frameworks. Given the enriching experience of the venture finance programme, I was confident that Oxford was the right institution to invest in my knowledge development and further my education.
This led me to enrol in the Executive Diploma in Strategy and Innovation. This programme would expand on the principles of entrepreneurship I had already learned, focusing on strategic thinking and innovative practices essential for driving organisational growth and competitive advantage. Through this diploma programme, I could engage with faculty and a global cohort that provided significant insights into how strategy, innovation and complex business problems are addressed across different industries and cultures. The emphasis on experiential learning was a key feature, allowing us to apply our knowledge in real-world contexts. Networking opportunities and social events fostered meaningful relationships with accomplished professionals and industry leaders, enriching the experience. We tackled real-world problems together.
This programme is particularly well-suited for professionals with busy schedules who still aspire to achieve a master's-level qualification without the need to attend frequent classes. The in-person stream of this programme comprises four modules, with one week of engagement in Oxford, complemented by pre-reading and assignments conducted remotely.
Overall, the diploma programme has been a transformative experience, equipping me with the tools needed to analyse complex global markets, disruptive technologies and the operational capabilities required to innovate in today’s rapidly changing landscape. My journey at Oxford has not only provided me with essential skills but has also inspired me to engage deeply with the dynamic world of business and approach future challenges with confidence.
