About
Thomas Hellmann is the DP World Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. He holds a BA from the London School of Economics and a PhD from Stanford University. His research focuses on entrepreneurial finance, innovation policy, venture capital, and public policy. Prior roles include faculty positions at Stanford University and the University of British Columbia, alongside visiting roles at Harvard, Wharton, and INSEAD.
His work bridges academia and practice, advising organizations like the World Economic Forum, Barclays Bank, and the Government of British Columbia. He leads initiatives such as EnSpire Oxford and previously directed the Creative Destruction Lab. Key research areas include founder equity dynamics, angel/VC market interactions, and the role of foreign investors in startup ecosystems.
Teaching emphasizes experiential learning, leading the 'Entrepreneurship Project' for MBAs and developing online courses on venture funding. He champions entrepreneurship across disciplines at Oxford through cross-university initiatives.
- Key Awards: Sauder 'Talking Stick Award' for pedagogical innovation
- Editorial Roles: Journal of Financial Intermediation, Management Science
- Policy Engagement: Oxford Entrepreneurship Policy Roundtable, World Economic Forum reports
Labs/Teams: Academic champion of EnSpire Oxford, former director of Saïd Business School Entrepreneurship Centre.
