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Isis Innovation: Idea to Oxford start-up in three months

Kassai’s start-up, VerifyRecruit, provides fast, thorough automated verification checks for employers. Most large companies have dedicated Human Resource departments that verify information from prospective employees. VerifyRecruit addresses the needs of small to medium enterprises (SMEs). Kassai said: “My market research revealed that most SMEs do not have the resources to follow up on employee checks and references. At some stage they have all hired someone who is just not right for the business. They could have avoided those problems with a thorough check.”

“We offer more verification checks than anyone else in the UK, over 150, and with our system you get 4-6 customised references rather than 1-2 generic references.”

Verify Recruit’s rapid development began with an application for one of the four slots available in the eight-week intensive summer incubator programme. The programme consisted of commercial mentoring, Intellectual Property advice, assistance in identifying potential customers, enquiry handling and advice on formation of a limited company. The ISI also provides 24/7 access to a joint development space, and shared IT facilities. Kassai said: “The ISI staff understand where a student like me is coming from. Their experience pushed us in the right direction. Combined with support for operational costs, facilities and networking opportunities, it amounted to a tremendous boost.”

“I initially had the idea for the service when I was 16 years-old; I tried to do market research but could not even get a foot in the door. At the end of my final term at Oxford, I decided to apply to the software incubator. Now as part of the ISI, when I mention Isis, I am straight through the door.”

Kassai teamed up with Eamon Jubbawy, who is in his final year studying Economics and Management at the university, to work on the venture. They met as committee members of Oxford Entrepreneurs (OE). OE is the largest student society at Oxford University and has now become the largest free business and entrepreneurship society in Europe, providing encouragement and support for entrepreneurs in Oxford. Isis Innovation Ltd. is a sponsor of OE.

Tom Hockaday, Managing Director of Isis Innovation, said: “Husayn and Eamon have shown outstanding initiative and made great use of the resources that Oxford and Isis provide. The pace they have set is an example of how drive and enthusiasm coupled with the right kind of support can achieve results. As they take their venture forward, Isis will continue to mentor and guide.”

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About Isis Innovation

Isis Innovation is the University of Oxford's technology transfer company and manages the University's intellectual property portfolio, working with University researchers on identifying, protecting and marketing technologies through licensing, spin-out company formation and material sales. Isis files on average one new patent application each week, has concluded over 500 technology licensing agreements, and established 68 new spin-out companies from Oxford since 2000. Isis also manages Oxford University Consulting, which arranges consulting services providing clients access to the world-class expertise of the University's academics to enhance innovative capability. Last year OUC arranged over 240 consulting deals. Isis has a separate business division, Isis Enterprise, offering consulting expertise and advice in technology transfer and open innovation to university, government and industrial clients around the world. Isis was founded in 1987 and is today one of the world's leading technology transfer and innovation management companies. www.isis-innovation.com


Enquiries to:

Chandra Sekar Ramanujan

Business Relationship Manager,

Isis Innovation Ltd

chandra.ramanujan@isis.ox.ac.uk

T: 01865 614434

Formatted Release

www.isis-innovation.com/news/PR/VerifyRecruit_Oct12/VerifyRecruit_Oct12.pdf

Ref : PR1210/2

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