The community, the first of its kind, is aimed at connecting UK entrepreneurs and senior executives in the technology, digital and mobile sectors with investors and corporates from around the globe. In addition, the initiative is designed to provide tailored support with fundraisings.
Taylor Wessing will provide members with access to its extensive network of global contacts, including venture capital funds, private equity funds and corporates – enabling access to funding and other growth opportunities – as well as to government agencies and other advisers.
The peer-to-peer community, which is aimed at one hundred of the UK's most exciting technology companies, was launched last night (29 January 2015) at Taylor Wessing's annual technology-industry predictions event.
Mike Turner, international head of technology, media and communications at Taylor Wessing, said: "The Tech Focus 100 will provide a unique opportunity for companies in the technology sector to network with each other, to collaborate and to meet investors who can help take their business to the next level."
One of the founding members of the Tech Focus 100 is WorkAngel, the employee reward program which this month raised $5m in a funding round. Jamie True, serial entrepreneur and WorkAngel founder, said: "The tremendous growth that the UK tech market is currently enjoying makes this the perfect time for an initiative such as this, and only highlights the key role that firms such as Taylor Wessing can play in connecting growing technology businesses with global corporates and investors."
Other founding members include Unruly, the video ad tech company; Audio Network, the global music production company, and TouchSurgery, the surgery simulator that allows for practice and rehearsal of operations.
Following the opening of its offices in New York and Palo Alto last year, Taylor Wessing now has offices in all the major technology centres around the world, including London, Cambridge, Singapore, Berlin and Paris.
Contacts Mike Turner