Keble Entrepreneurs
Our series of Keble Entrepreneurs’ Evenings continued this Michaelmas Term, hosted by Penny Newman (1979) and Richard Miskella (1992). The event brought together members of the College community to hear from three Keble entrepreneurs whose ventures span heritage fashion, sustainable industry and cutting-edge AI innovation.
Udai Dhamija (2021 MMPM) opened the evening with his experience of founding Oxbridge AI X, a grassroots accelerator empowering AI entrepreneurs that has supported over 320 start-ups and helped finalists raise more than $34 million.
Mark Stockdale (1978 PPE) reflected on his move from equity research to angel investing in environmentally focused start-ups. Highlighting his work with Cloud Cycle, Origen and Enertechnos and how commercial experience can drive positive environmental impact through ethical governance and innovation.
Timur Kamalov (2022 MMPM) closed with the story of Teplo Store, the Uzbekistan fashion and design venture he co-founded with his wife, Charos. Blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary style, Teplo supports independent designers while preserving cultural heritage.
Chris Wood (1969 PPE) summed up the spirit of the evening:
Speakers and hosts at the Keble Entrepreneurs Evening, MT 2025
“We live in a cynical age and it’s not often I find myself using the word uplifting. However, last Thursday’s Keble Entrepreneurs’ Evening was just that. How encouraging to be informed that the Cambridge, Imperial and Oxford triumvirate (led by the latter) constitutes the world’s number one platform for new AI developments. How reassuring to hear of viable and significant projects to extract CO2 from the atmosphere. How impressive to see creativity and fashion brought from Uzbekistan to enter and refresh Western markets.
Three very different talks about three very different enterprises, but all positively inspiring both in their notions and in the unstinting commitment required to make a good idea happen. The more so because the three exponents were so evidently driven both to succeed and to make a difference in society. The College has chosen well in promoting entrepreneurism as opposed to simply extolling establishment professions, and hearing tales like these from (College) family does – dare I say it – give rise to a certain collective pride.
Finally, for anyone who hasn’t attended a Keble evening, it’s also hugely stimulating to meet a whole spread of alumni, reminding one how entertaining it’s always been to mix with those cleverer than oneself.
So uplifting and fun: what could be better?”
Are you an entrepreneur or aspiring to be one? We’d love to hear your story at a future Keble Entrepreneurs’ evening. To get involved, contact the alumni office.
