Oxford: Apple's Tim Cook opens co-working space for entrepreneurs

Chief executive of Apple Tim Cook was in Oxford today to launch the University of Oxford's first dedicated centre for start-ups, which includes co-working space at a converted ice factory, called The Foundry.

Cook was due to officially cut the ribbon at the new centre, in Hythe Bridge Street, which has been funded with £3.2 million of gifts from benefactors such as LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman plus support from advisory firm EY.

The Oxford Foundry is a brand new entrepreneurial hub at the heart of the university.

The Foundry aims to support all of Oxford University’s 23,000 students – whether they are lawyers, medics, engineers or philosophers – in becoming more entrepreneurial people.

Key focus areas include:

• enhance employability through entrepreneurship
• create an ecosystem to support the starting and scaling of ventures
• make valuable social impact on our world

The building is a large, easily accessible space that incorporates a cafe and lounge area, and facilities for co-working, socialising, workshops, events and more.