Christine Li-Auyeung

Christine Li-Auyeung is Vice President, Operational Risk Manager at BHI, a commercial bank, where she leads enterprise risk management initiatives spanning digital transformation, governance, and operational resilience. Prior to BHI, Christine was an early employee at StoneCastle Cash Management, a fintech platform focused on institutional cash solutions. She advanced to Senior Vice President and helped build the firm’s products, teams, and infrastructure from the ground up—driving innovation, scaling operations, and shaping the company’s growth trajectory. The firm successfully exited through acquisition by Fiserv.

Christine joined Oxonian Ventures in 2021 as Venture Associate and is now an LP of Fund II and Fund III. She completed her Executive MBA in 2016 and was a member of Kellogg College. While at Oxford Christine was a member of the Oxford Union.

What drew you to Oxonian Ventures?

There’s something uniquely meaningful about backing founders from your own alma mater—investing not just in companies, but in the Oxford community that helped shape who you are.

The hands-on exposure to venture investing—advising founders, evaluating deals, refining investment judgment, and connecting with fellow Oxonians across the startup ecosystem—has been both intellectually energizing and deeply rewarding.

Are there characteristics that you think give Oxonian founders and Oxonian Ventures an edge?

Throughout its history, Oxford has been synonymous with innovation across disciplines. I think a key driver of that legacy is the tutorial system—an academic model that cultivates independent thinking, rigorous research, and deep exploration of complex subjects. I believe that intellectual discipline has helped fuel generations of scientific and technological breakthroughs. I think Oxford has an edge in quantum computing, artificial intelligence, biotechnology and sustainability.

What is an important takeaway from your time at Oxford?

One of my favorite EMBA modules was Entrepreneurial Finance, where we spent an immersive week in Silicon Valley exploring the full lifecycle of startup financing—from cap table mechanics and valuation frameworks to exit strategy design. We met with accomplished Oxford alumni who are startup founders, VC investors, and trusted advisors across the ecosystem. Hearing firsthand how they structured early rounds, navigated dilution, and positioned for long-term value creation brought the theory to life. We even dined at the legendary Buck's of Woodside—a place where countless iconic startup conversations have turned into real deals. That week didn’t just expand my knowledge—it sparked a lasting passion for venture capital. So when I later learned about Oxonian Ventures through fellow Oxonians Charlie Cheesman and Delcho Ivano, I was eager to get involved as both LP and a venture associate.

Advice for Oxonians considering becoming an LP?

As a risk management strategist, I often remind people that venture capital isn’t designed for quick Return on Investment (ROI). Venture investors knowingly lock up capital for 10+ years, accepting meaningful illiquidity and a real probability of loss. If the goal were purely optimized, risk-adjusted returns, fixed income or publicly traded equities would offer far more straightforward paths—with significantly greater liquidity. You invest in venture capital because you believe in something bigger than near-term performance. You believe that backing founders and bold ideas is one of the most powerful ways to shape the future. And there’s something uniquely meaningful about backing founders from your own alma mater—investing not just in companies, but in the Oxford community that helped shape who you are.