Oxford NatWest Accelerator officially launches at Oxford Centre for Innovation
Dr Olga Kozlova, Chair of Equinox Operational Board.
The new Oxford NatWest Accelerator has officially launched, marking an important milestone for Equinox and adding another significant source of support for entrepreneurs and growing businesses across Oxfordshire.
The Accelerator was launched at a sold-out event at The Oxford Trust’s Oxford Centre for Innovation in the heart of Oxford, bringing together founders, entrepreneurs and organisations from across the city and county.
Delivered by NatWest in partnership with Equinox, the University of Oxford and EnSpire Oxford, the University’s entrepreneurship hub, and based at the Oxford Centre for Innovation, the new Accelerator provides founders and businesses with access to free co-working space, connections, events and business support, alongside NatWest’s wider UK accelerator community and network.
Speaking at the launch, Olga Kozlova, Chair of Equinox Operational Board, reflected on the significance of seeing the Accelerator become a reality.
Establishing a new accelerator partnership was one of Equinox’s early priorities. The resulting partnership with NatWest brings another major source of support and connectivity to the region.
“Oxford is an amazing place. Oxford is a fantastic brand,” said Olga, describing it as “the busiest ecosystem I’ve ever seen”, with so many organisations, initiatives and opportunities already here.
She highlighted the opportunity for the NatWest Accelerator to become an important new point of connection within that busy ecosystem, helping founders navigate the wealth of support available, find the right people and opportunities, and connect into NatWest’s wider UK network.
The evening also showcased founders and businesses from across the ecosystem, with one-minute pitches followed by networking and an opportunity to explore the new Accelerator Hub.
Congratulations to NatWest and everyone involved in bringing the Oxford Accelerator to life - an exciting new addition to Oxfordshire’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and a great example of what can be achieved through collaboration.