Startup Guide: Oxford, MS
Intro
Are you Ready? While many people know Oxford, Mississippi, for its legendary tailgating traditions at Ole Miss, where fans gather in The Grove to support the Rebels, this town offers so much more. Renowned as the “Cultural Mecca of the South” and the hometown of literary icon William Faulkner, Oxford combines Southern hospitality with rich creativity and historic charm. The picturesque square, lined with magnolia and oak trees, features boutique shops, art galleries, and unique restaurants, each contributing to its timeless southern charm.
In addition to its charm, Oxford is emerging as a dynamic hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in the startup sector. With a remarkable 102% increase since 2000, it ranks among the fastest-growing college towns in America. The University of Mississippi plays a pivotal role in this development through its Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE). The CIE supports the creation of innovative businesses through educational programs and competitions, having established over 65 student ventures and awarded $357,300 in cash prizes. Furthermore, the Oxford/Lafayette Economic Development Foundation (EDF) collaborates with the CIE as part of the CoBuilders Accelerator, focusing on supporting early-stage companies and technology transfer businesses. Oxford’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, combined with its rapid growth, positions it as a key player in the regional economy.
Why Oxford?
Cultural Hub: Oxford is a vibrant center for students, writers, artists, and musicians, hosting events like the Oxford Film Festival. It is home to Fat Possum Records and has been recognized as one of the “100 Best Small Arts Towns in America.” The town boasts a lively atmosphere fueled by residents' passion for SEC sports and literature. With unique shops, restaurants, and galleries, Oxford is an inviting destination for both residents and visitors.
Charming Town Square: The heart of Oxford is its inviting town square, a bustling destination for both residents and visitors. It boasts a diverse array of boutique shops, eclectic restaurants, and captivating galleries, making it a perfect spot to explore, dine, and shop.
Rich History: With its deep historical roots, Oxford features significant landmarks and stories, such as the events surrounding James Meredith’s admission to the University of Mississippi in 1962, which inspired Bob Dylan’s song "Oxford Town." This rich history adds depth to the community and its identity.
Educational Excellence: Home to the University of Mississippi, Oxford offers access to quality education and a steady pipeline of talent. The university not only enriches the local culture but also provides resources for startups and established businesses. Its notable programs include a top-10 nationally ranked Online MBA and the Patterson School of Accountancy, ranked first in the SEC and eighth nationally.
Signature Event: The Double Decker Arts Festival is Oxford's largest spring event, attracting over 60,000 visitors each year. This two-day festival celebrates food, music, and the arts with a juried art show featuring over 100 booths and a lineup of touring musicians. Its centerpiece is a charming red double-decker bus, embodying Oxford’s vibrant culture and community spirit.
The Grove: The Grove is a beautiful gathering place and is famously regarded as one of the best tailgating spots in college football. On game days, it attracts students, parents, and fans, creating a unique experience under a sea of tents. Groups ranging from four to forty set up their food, drinks, and even chandeliers, resulting in a memorable celebration on game day!
Resources for startups
Funds
Firm | Industry I Stage
Mississippi Angel Fund | Agnostic | Pre-Seed, Seed, Early Stage
Mississippi Investor Network | Agnostic | Pre-Seed, Seed, Early Stage
InvestMS SSBCI Programs | Agnostic | Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A
Mississippi Seed Fund | Agnostic | Pre-Seed, Seed, Early Stage
South Mississippi Angel Fund | Agnostic | Pre-Seed, Seed, Early Stage
Incubators and accelerators
Provider and/or Program | Industry I Stage
CoBuilders | Agnostic | Pre-Seed, Early Stage
For a complete list of funding resources in Mississippi, check out Build in SE’s Southeast Capital Landscape.
Coworking and shared workspaces
Provider | Neighborhood
Insight Park | Ole Miss Campus
The Edison | The Square
Community and event organizers
Oxford-Lafayette Economic Development Foundation (EDF) - the EDF promotes entrepreneurship and technology-based businesses in Lafayette County by offering support, networking events, and programs for small business owners. Their initiatives, such as the Big Bad Business Series—free workshops that connect entrepreneurs and artists to resources.
Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) - located at the University of Mississippi inspires students to become successful entrepreneurs through a variety of programs. CIE offers focused degree options, experiential learning opportunities, and business competitions, helping students launch innovative ventures.
Insight Park - this Innovation Hub on the University of Mississippi features collaborative and flexible laboratory spaces designed for startup companies and scientific researchers. It offers access to shared common areas and specialized wet and dry laboratories, enabling businesses to leverage university resources and expertise across various fields, including chemistry and robotics.
Innovate Mississippi - is dedicated to enhancing the state’s culture of innovation by helping develop and support startups through programs like CoBuilders and the $26 million InvestMS SSBCI Program. They manage the Mississippi Angel Investor Network, organize regional funds, and host events like Connect Networking Events and the Accelerate Conference to strengthen Mississippi's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Startups to watch
Shovel Solutions - Shovel founded in 2019, connects you with the right people for sourcing, purchasing, and delivering dirt for construction projects.
Rumie App - The Rumie App is a platform where college students can buy, sell, and rent books and other resources exclusively among themselves. To access the app, students must sign up using their .edu email addresses, ensuring a secure, student-focused marketplace. The app is available for download on both iOS and Android platforms.
Sellvntg - Founded in 2023, SELLVNTG was born out of a passion for vintage apparel. Our founders created this digital marketplace to connect vintage buyers and sellers while fostering their love for unique fashion. We aim to simplify the process of buying and selling vintage clothing, making it more accessible for everyone who shares this passion.
Automatic Labs - Automatic uses advanced AI and motion sensor technology to enhance your training. It provides real-time shot analysis, automated tracking, and detailed post-workout insights, all from your wrist. Unlock your full potential with the Premium Career mode for enhanced metrics and long-term progress tracking.
College Mate - College Mate is designed to help incoming college freshmen connect with compatible roommates and make new friends before starting their college journey. Our platform makes it easy to match with like-minded peers and build lasting connections, ensuring a smoother transition to campus life.
WiSPR - While WISPR Systems has strong ties to Mississippi State University, its proximity to Oxford, just a short drive from Batesville, makes it a must-watch for this list. Founded in 2017 by two college students, WiSPR specializes in creating advanced commercial drones for the professionals. Their mission is to streamline drone technology across hardware, software, data processing and management, empowering uses to excel with user-friendly solutions.
Oxford is quickly becoming a hot spot for innovation and entrepreneurship. With a great support network, a creative vibe, and plenty of academic resources, the town is a perfect place for both startups and established companies to grow. Mixing its Southern charm with a fresh, forward-thinking approach, Oxford is building a community where new ideas can really take off. It's a place where tradition, friendly hospitality, and creativity come together, making it easy for exciting new ventures to flourish.
Thanks for exploring our guide to Oxford's tech and startup community! Want to dive deeper into what makes Oxford special? Feel free to connect with Lindsey Benefield, who put this guide together.
The Southeast's entrepreneurial story keeps getting better, and we'd love for you to be part of it. Discover more opportunities through our Build In SE website or follow our latest insights on Substack.
If you know of any resources that should be added to this guide, or if you simply want to get in touch, please reach out at ryan@buildinse.com!
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