REVEALED: Oxford University is the prime choice for aspiring entrepreneurs

• Oxford University has triumphed as the UK’s highest creator of entrepreneurial talent
• In recent history, the uni has “given birth” to the likes of Monzo founder Tom Blomfield, and was attended by American entrepreneur Cameron Winklevoss
• The Open University – now renowned for its online-access courses – also appears in the top 20

Oxford University stands as the UK’s highest creator of entrepreneurial talent, a new study reveals.

The research by B2B advertising experts N.Rich found that Oxford University holds the UK’s highest number of alumni that have gone on to become start-up founders. The study analysed data from global business database Crunchbase to compile a Top 20 list of the highest entrepreneur-generating universities.

1,117 of Oxford University alumni registered on Crunchbase have later become founders of new businesses. Founded in 1096, the university’s recent history has sparked and contributed towards the generation entrepreneurial individuals such as Monzo founder Tom Blomfield, EventBrite founder Kevin Hartz and Olympic rower Cameron Winklevoss (of Winklevoss Capital Management).

The University of Cambridge falls just short of the top spot, generating 1,065 foundering entrepreneurs. Slack founder Stewart Butterfield studied at Clare College, a constituent college of Cambridge university. The University itself has also generated the likes of Nickyl Raithatha – founder of the popular personalised greeting card and gift store Moonpig.

Several London-based universities populate the top 10, including Imperial College, London Business School and University College London (UCL). These universities have shaped the minds of such entrepreneurs as Luke Schoenfelder (founder of the keyless entry security systems specialists Latch), mental health platform MindLabs founder Adnan Ebrahim and senior Vice President of PayPal, Alfonso Villanueva.

Also appearing in the top 20 is The Open University, founded in 1969 and known as the largest university in the UK for undergraduate education. Though the university is now predominantly known for its online courses, it has historically offered course-based television broadcasts through the BBC, among other platforms over the years.

Commenting on the research, a spokesperson for N.Rich said: “With many young British adults soon to be embarking on the next chapter of their educational journeys, one hopes that the entrepreneurial spirit of those that have come before them and succeeded will captivate and inspire the next generation of founders and CEOs.”

The study was conducted by N.Rich, which offers a rich array of intent data and ad inventory that enable marketers to drive awareness and lead generation effectively.