Oxford has a superb entrepreneurial ecosystem. Casting our eyes out, many exist overseas outside of the UK as well. You want to be in an environment that has people building together – just as peers who pressure-test ideas, suggest new avenues for resources, or just give you that motivation to survive one more day. You also want to look for scarce reousrces: funding, AWS credits, marketing etc. As an entrepreneur, you are someone who pursues opportunities even if you don’t have the requisite resources (Stevensen, 2007) – yes, someone actually attemped to define what an entrepreneur is.
Start-Up Chile: A Government-Backed Seed Accelerator for Global Entrepreneurs
Start-Up Chile is a pioneering seed accelerator launched in 2010 by the Chilean government to attract and support technology entrepreneurs from around the world. The program offers selected startups equity-free funding, coworking spaces, and access to a vibrant network of mentors, investors, and industry professionals. In return, entrepreneurs commit to spending a minimum of six months in Chile, contributing to the local innovation ecosystem.
The initiative has become a cornerstone of Chile’s efforts to position itself as a global hub for entrepreneurship in Latin America. Beyond financial support, Start-Up Chile provides participants with visa facilitation and exposure to an international community of innovators. The program’s long-term goal is to stimulate the local economy by fostering connections between foreign entrepreneurs and Chilean startups, while also promoting the country as an attractive destination for innovation and investment. To date, it has supported thousands of startups from diverse industries, including fintech, health tech, and clean energy.
Piggybacking on Private Expertise: Lessons from Israel and New Zealand
Government-backed investment programs can often suffer from inefficiency and lacklustre decision-making due to bureaucratic constraints and insufficient expertise in high-risk markets. However, models like Israel’s Yozma program and New Zealand’s Seed Investment Fund offer a compelling alternative by leveraging the capabilities of private venture capital firms.
The Yozma program, launched in the 1990s, transformed Israel into a global startup powerhouse. By offering matching funds to private venture capital firms willing to invest in Israeli startups, the government mitigated risk while incentivising private sector participation. This alignment of interests ensured that capital allocation was driven by market expertise, rather than bureaucratic discretion. The program catalysed the growth of Israel’s tech ecosystem, often dubbed the “Startup Nation.”
Similarly, New Zealand’s Seed Investment Fund partners with private investors to co-finance early-stage ventures. By requiring private firms to have “skin in the game,” the program ensures that investments are backed by rigorous due diligence and market-driven incentives. These models highlight the value of combining state resources with private sector expertise to nurture innovation while minimising inefficiency.
You are already in a dynamic environment
Feel jealous, or already thinking of applying for a travel grant to Chile, Israel, or New Zealand? Pause for a second if you’re already in Oxford – one of the most dynamic seeding grounds for startups.
Start local, start in Oxford. Go get out of your comfort zone and join a startup night. Join Oxford Entrepreneurs, The Said Centre For Entrepreneurship, or any of the many incubators. These events are always getting blasted on the various society newsletters, so keep a look out for them and subscribe to some if you are keen. At worst, it’s a nice night of meeting folks over a pint even if nothing tangible happens.
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