SVC2UK - Serial Entrepreneurs Dinner 2021
London ▪︎ 18th November 2021
London & Partners hosted the SVC2UK Serial Entrepreneurs Dinner 2021 at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, to celebrate the growing success of London’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, following on from the 15th annual SVC2UK Summit.
Eric Van der Kleij (Cofounder) and Gokce Gizer (Investment Lead) from the EdenBase team had the opportunity to connect with and learn from the brilliant minds and innovators in London during the dinner set in a fascinating atmosphere, in front of an early copy of Leonardo's The Last Supper (c.1515-20).
Eric and Gokce enjoyed getting updates from the wonderful Professor Sue Black OBE (Professor of Computer Science and Technology Evangelist), Gerard Grech (Chief Executive, Tech Nation), Anil Hansjee (General Partner, Fabric Ventures) and connecting with Maximilian Ge (Founding Charter Member, OxBridge Angels), Youssef Assabghy (Venture Financing, HSBC) and Amali de Alwis MBE FRSA (CEO, Subak).
Janet Coyle (Managing Director Business, London & Partners) welcomed the guests stating “I don't think I've ever seen so much talent in one room”. It was a truly remarkable evening as people engaged in inspiring conversations around the table, sharing ideas and discussing how they can support each other to better the world and have a positive impact as they grow their businesses.
During her talk at the SVC2UK Serial Entrepreneurs dinner, Laura Citron (CEO, London & Partners) talked about the thriving London tech industry that experienced massive growth, record breaking deals and valuations during COVID while other industries, primarily hospitality, were struggling.
“There are no magic wands, only choices and hard work. Thank you for choosing to do it in London and choosing to do it the right way. “
Laura Citron - CEO, London & Partners
Laura said “All of it is all of our problem”, as she urged us to act together to improve all industries in London and added “what makes London amazing is not just that we have fantastic talent, tech and innovation, it is that we have amazing culture and lifestyle, the best bars, restaurants, theatre and everything else that makes this city amazing. We can’t have one without the other”.
Janet Coyle applauded the tech innovators of the UK for shaping our world for the better. According to latest reports released at the SVC2UK Summit, London is affirming its rank as a major hub for impact tech. London’s tech companies have seen an 800% increase in VC investment since 2015, compared to 300% for our neighbours in Europe.
Photo courtesy of Maximilian Ge
About London & Partners
London & Partners is the business growth and destination agency for London. Their mission is to create economic growth that is resilient, sustainable and inclusive. They promote London across the world; attract overseas organisations, events, students and visitors to the capital; and help retain and grow London companies.
About SVC2UK
Silicon Valley Comes to the UK (SVC2UK), was founded in 2006, by Reid Hoffman, Sherry Coutu CBE and Ellen Levy who felt compelled to fuel the global ecosystem for tech entrepreneurship. Now run out of London & Partners, SVC2UK exists to support UK and London scale ups, champion an inclusive and diverse ecosystem and inspire the next generation of innovators.