Oxitec Wins Social Impact Investment of the Year Award 2016
On 5th July 2016 at the Dorchester Hotel, Oxitec won the UKBAA Social Impact Investment of the Year at the UK Angel Awards 2016.
This award, sponsored by Finance Wales and xénos, celebrates growth enterprises that are focused on achieving social impact, or address an identified global or social challenge as a core aspect of their business model. It also recognises the role of the investors who backed them.
Oxitec’s win was announced by Kiki Loizou, Small Business Editor of The Sunday Times. The award was presented by David Maas, Regional Manager, x√©nos (pictured, right).
The six finalists were:
The shortlisted companies have been identified as bringing an innovative approach or business model that is likely to achieve significant social impact, supported by angel investment, or specialist social impact funds.
The judges remarked that Oxitec addresses a core global challenge to reduce major diseases and crop damage across the world through control of insect pests, including the critical risks posed by mosquitoes carrying the Dengue and Zika viruses. The company has attracted significant levels of investment from angels, alongside major players such as the Bill Gates foundation, that have backed their pioneering work in this vital area.
The One to Watch Award went to EduKit, with the judges identifyingthe company as having clear potential for social impact in the field of education in the UK, with a focus on increasing educational attainment for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. EduKit has effectively mobilised angel and mentor support todevelop theirinnovative online service to schools.
