Exeter College alumna launches Oxford-inspired tote bag brand Potatote

Exeter College alumna, Dr Shuyu Lin (2012, MEng Engineering Science) has launched Potatote, an Oxford-based brand creating premium tote bags inspired by the city’s architecture, landmarks and everyday scenes. 

Founded in 2025, Potatote combines original hand-drawn illustrations with a focus on quality and functionality. Since launching at the Oxford University Freshers’ Fair last October, the company has traded at Gloucester Green Market and local Christmas markets, receiving an enthusiastic response from students, residents and visitors alike. 

After completing her Engineering Science degree at Exeter, Shuyu went on to earn a DPhil in Computer Science at Balliol College, specialising in AI research. She later joined London-based AI company Tractable, where she spent two years before deciding to pursue a different path. 

“It was a long, winding road to get to Potatote,” she said. “I genuinely thought I’d spend the rest of my life in AI research. But over time I realised I wanted to build a physical product that brought real value to real customers – something creative, functional and consumer-facing.” 

The idea for Potatote emerged after Shuyu noticed the growing popularity of tote bags but struggled to find designs that combined durability, aesthetics and practicality. She partnered with designer and illustrator Angel, a former colleague and friend, whose detailed drawings of Oxford architecture became the foundation of the brand. 

Potatote recently completed its first collaboration with Exeter’s Middle Common Room (MCR), organised with support from first-year DPhil Law student and MCR Merch Officer Radhini Gawarammana (2023, BCL; 2025, DPhil Law). The limited campaign featured tote bags inspired by the view of the Radcliffe Camera from Fellows’ Garden. 

“In just 10 days, we received 18 orders for 32 bags,” said Shuyu. “Exeter was such an important part of my journey, and it feels very special to now build something that can reconnect with the College in a new way.” 

Potatote plans to expand beyond Oxford in future, bringing its city-inspired designs to other historic and cultural destinations around the world. 

Potatote products can be found here and on Instagram. Shuyu is also offering all Exeter alumni a 10% discount with a dedicated alumni code: WALTERLOVERADCAM.

Left to right: Rad Cam tote, Magdalen Bridge tote, Christ Church tote