Nicola is a Partner in the Corporate Department with particular experience in advising companies and investors on funding rounds from seed through to exit.
Nicola frequently works with spin outs and start ups from universities and research institutions embracing the ambition, energy and drive of the entrepreneurs behind these companies and the foresight and vision of those investors who support them. After supporting them through the technology transfer process, which can often differ significantly between institutions, Nicola continues to work closely with founder and management teams throughout their corporate journey, often joining board meetings to provide salient governance and legal advice.
On the investor side Nicola advises venture capital funds, including VCTS and EIS funds, as well as venture builders, Family Offices and business angels, both the from the UK and overseas, helping them to navigate and de-risk their investment through appropriate structures and documentation.
Whether on the company side or investor side, all of Nicola's clients are involved with technology and innovation including, but not limited to, health tech, life sciences, clean tech, AI and quantum technologies. Intellectual Property is often central to these companies and Nicola is able to call upon the support of colleagues to deliver strategies for protecting and commercialising that Intellectual Property.
Nicola also curates and delivers the Structuring for Success Programme informing and educating founding teams, technology transfer professionals and investors on the importance of establishing good governance practices, understanding directors duties and the operational considerations for companies. The programme provides practical advice and interactive workshops to ensure ongoing compliance with investment documents, regulatory frameworks and relevant statutory provisions.
Oxford University Innovation, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford Innovation Finance, ASPECT, iCURE, Minerva Business Angels, Nucleate, Advanced Oxford, Begbroke Science Park, Harwell Science Park and The Hill Digital Health Accelerator all regularly ask Nicola to deliver training on a wide variety of topics relating to establishing, scaling and exiting companies.
Nicola is a Trustee of the Oxford Trust and a member of the Steering Group of the Venturefest Think Tank. She is also an EnSpire Oxford 'Superwoman'!