Investment firm Oxford Capital created a points-based index system which considered births of new enterprises, five year business survival rates and venture capital investment among other factors.
The city has an investment opportunity score of 79.2/100, with £629.1 million of venture capital funding being poured into it in 2023.
It accounted for 14 per cent of the total UK equity deals made in 2023, the highest proportion of all cities analysed.
Head of distribution at Oxford Capital, Mark Bower-Easton, said: “Oxford emerges as a pivotal player in the investment landscape, drawing attention from investors seeking innovation and promising returns.”
Cambridge took top spot with a score of 85, Bristol ranked third, and Brighton claimed fourth.