This is aimed at those entrepreneurs in the technology sector. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet a select peer group of like minded entrepreneurs for chaired cross table discussion hosted by Shields Russell, Founder of Rapid Innovation Group, who regularly leads these discussion dinners. Our innovative and informal format provides a unique opportunity to: raise issues and points of discussion confidentially learn from carefully screened peer group share successes and challenges network with other innovative entrepreneurs If you are looking for an environment for self development, somewhere to get credible, pragmatic and timely advice from an unbiased group of fellow technology entrepreneurs, this event is for you. To maximise the value of the event and to ensure everyone gets to know everyone conversation is chaired and kept cross table until coffees. A three course meal, wine and coffee are included in the price. There is a chance for informal networking before and after the meal in the bar area. Who’s this for? This is aimed at members and eligible guests in the technology sector who are looking to discuss related issues and ideas.

The Oxford Trust would like to invite IT and related Media companies to the launch of ‘ITsON’ and our inaugural keynote presentation from Dr Jan Hruska, co-founder of Sophos, who will talk about the growth of one of Oxfordshire’s largest software companies. Sophos is a world leader in IT security and control, offering daily protection to over 100 million users in more than 150 countries. Founded in 1985 by Jan and co-founder Dr Peter Lammer, Sophos has grown from a two-person start-up into a company with more than a thousand employees. Vision, commitment to research and development, and rigorous attention to quality have been vital in ensuring the growth, and continued expansion, of one of Oxfordshire’s successes. ITsON is a series of events focusing on ICT sector-specific networking opportunities where like-minded professionals and entrepreneurs can come together to discuss common issues, to find expert solutions and to generate business referrals. The meetings are specifically aimed at companies with information and communication technology at the core of their business and those companies that span the Media-ICT sectors. Growing Sophos: from Two to over a Thousand 23 July 2008 - 6.00 for 6.30pm Science Oxford For more information and to register your …

Getting an Information & Communication Technology company up and running is hard, particularly when looking for funding for a high-risk venture. With the range of financing options available, which route would best suit your particular company and technology? Who can offer advice on the finer points of particular options? Our third event in the ITsON series brings you the opportunity to get answers to some of your investment questions by taking an ICT focussed look at some of the financing options available. Rob Anderson, from the London-based investment company IPROS plc, will be our guest speaker for the evening and our first investor-on-the-couch. Rob will provide an insight into IPROS plc and why they “are interested in what many other investors consider the riskier end of software – early stage ventures.” Don McLaverty (Oxford Innovation) will facilitate the investor-on-a-couch discussion and there will be information and representatives from other sources of funding assistance present on the night. * Come and meet our guest speaker and: learn how investors view an investment opportunity and what sorts of technology and/or companies they are interested in; * learn more about the suitability of financing alternatives to different types of technology; * meet other …