"UK's tech start-ups offer great opportunities" says Doug Richard of the BBC's Dragon's Den
"Venture capitalists who want to invest in innovative start-ups should focus their attention on the United Kingdom," said Doug Richard, Chairman of Library House and BBC Dragon's Den panellist, keynote speaker today at the UK Technology Innovation & Growth Forum in London.
"Right now, there are more opportunities for investment in the UK than in the US, and they're better priced as well," said Richard.
Richard told the audience that, like most investors, he is besieged by opportunities to put money into start-ups. Faced with this huge choice, he argued that UK-based entrepreneurs could have the edge on American rivals.
"There are many advantages to being based here – it's a more mobile market, and there is access to lower development costs through outsourcing," said Richard.
Richard cited the success of Skype as evidence that technology start-ups don't need to be based in America to be successful.
"Skype was the first example of a company that was founded by a Swede, based in Lichtenstein, with its development in Estonia and its headquarters in London," said Richard. "I really like Skype because they represent the fact it can happen, and I really like them because eBay paid $2.6bn for them."
"Start-ups that have the opportunity to be successful share some resemblances to Skype," Richard added.
The last twelve months has seen increased dynamism within the UK technology industry with unprecedented levels of acquisitions, mergers and consolidation. Against this positive backdrop, over 500 attendees including industry experts, investors, technology users and emerging technology companies have come together at the UK Technology Innovation & Growth Forum at the Hilton London Metropole (20-21 February, London). The event, now in its eighth successive year, is the place to be to stay abreast of market developments and to meet the people and companies fuelling industry growth.
The stand-alone conference and showcase company presentations opened today, and the two-day event culminates on Tuesday 21 February with the annual UK Technology Innovation and Growth Awards evening.
The conference brings together industry experts to lead two days of incisive debate and analysis of key UK technology growth issues and trends.
The showcase presentations introduce the audience of investors, potential partners and users to some of today’s most innovative and exciting technology companies.
The awards recognise and celebrate the technology companies and individuals that have demonstrated the innovation and entrepreneurial flair vital to the health and development of the UK technology sector.
Find out more at: www.innovationandgrowthforum.com
Register to attend the second day of the conference at the Registration Desk, Hilton London Metropole, from 8am.
Note To Editor
About The European Technology Forum
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