UK Trade & Investment - Tech City UK
Tech City UK
David Cameron launched the Tech City UK initiative in order to maximize the existing cluster of technology companies in East London in order to create a world-pioneering centre of technology.
The area is home to one of the largest concentrations of small, fast-growing digital technology companies in Europe including:
- Last.fm - sold to CBS in 2007 for $280million
- Tweetdeck - award-winning social media browser
- Songkick - the largest global database of concerts in the world
- Dopplr - sold to Nokia for $22million
With commitment from Government and active support from major global technology companies including Cisco, Intel and Google, East London is experiencing increased impetus and momentum.
From budding entrepreneurs in technology incubators around Old Street and Shoreditch to major facilities in the Olympics Park available post-2012, the area clearly holds opportunities for companies of all sizes.
To support this activity UKTI has launched the Tech City Investment Organisation (TCIO) - a team of experienced entrepreneurs dedicated to helping early stage entrepreneurs and innovative companies to locate in East London. The TCIO will draw together UKTI's international connections and knowledge, working with other partners including Government Departments and the Greater London Authority, to provide practical support for entrepreneurs setting up in the Tech City area.
Separately, the community of creative and digital businesses in the Tech City area around Old Street and Shoreditch in east London are also set to benefit from £1 million support from the Technology Strategy Board, who will work closely with UKTI.
Investing in Tech City
If you’re looking for somewhere to locate your high-tech start-up, need access to funding or want to work in an environment that really values creative, inventive talent, then look no further than London’s flourishing Tech City. For more information about the Tech City buzz, view the brochure in our publications section.
Seven reasons to invest in Tech City London:
- The Place: At the heart of London, the leading international business hub and the number-one European location for IT.
- The Backing: Commitment from government; backing from industry, banking and academia.
- The Cash: Access to London’s world-leading financial services sector and Europe’s largest VC community.
- The Speed: Cutting-edge ICT, digital and creative facilities, including those available at the Olympic Park post 2012; priority area for superfast broadband.
- The Talent: Access to an established and growing community of tech-focused companies and people.
- The Connections: World-class international transport links, with Eurostar rail terminal and major airports close by; proximity to leading technology universities.
- The Buzz: Vibrant multi-cultural commercial and social scene, creating a buzz to generate new ideas and innovation and attract the best talent.
