Thames Valley: Calling all tech start-ups . . . enter the new regional awards

Louize Clarke, founder of ConnectTVT, believes that start-ups are a key part of the Thames Valley technology community. Here, she focuses on why fledgling technology companies should enter the new Thames Valley Tech Awards.

She writes:

We launched ConnectTVT three years ago with the single mission to accelerate the growth of the digital ecosystem in the Thames Valley and put it on the tech cluster map. They say think big. A few months ago, Reading was finally recognised as one of Tech Nation’s 12 tech clusters. We’re now part of a powerful network designed to propel the UK to the top of global tech rankings is great for the region. And start-ups have been critical to this journey.

Spotlight on start-ups

Our region’s start-ups are some of the most exciting stories coming out of this economy. That’s why we wanted to team up with The Business Magazine on this award to give them a broader platform. And why we’re launching our third 50 Game Changers programme - to celebrate and shine a light on the innovation, industry agitation and talent that’s shaping our eco-system:

• Altitude Angel the drone management platform and airspace integration start-up just announced a USD $4.5m Series A funding. Building the Reading team is a focus
• Intelligent Health, the health-tech start-up looking to get the country off the sofa, announces a £200,000 crowdfunding round on Seedrs in a bid to become the leader in tackling inactivity
• KYMIRA Sport, the world’s leading producer of infrared performance and recovery enhancing sportswear, has closed a seed round funding of £500k and just signed up a major rugby club

These are just some of the successes. We only have to look at Sage People’s acquisition of Reading-founded Fairsail to see the true potential and impact this has – on creating new employment opportunities, a sustainable talent pipeline and innovation.

Miles to go

We still have a long way to go to create a truly thriving and diverse digital and tech eco-system. Cross-pollinating start-ups with the original Silicon Valley arrivals has always been a core pillar of the ConnectTVT vision.  We’ve made great inroads – EY champions this via a series of collaborative events and Oracle too through their support of grassroots and Start Up Grind Thames Valley. We need to see more from other tech corporates, investing here, in their own back yard.

We are on the crest of change but this cannot be achieved alone.  It’s about collaboration, investing in grassroots, authentic commitment to cultivate a diverse, engaged, future-focused tech and digital eco-system. Could your business be a part of it?  If you’re a start-up founded in the last two years, we’d love to hear your story and welcome you into the community.

You can enter the Tech Start-Up Business category here:

https://tvtechawards.co.uk/tech-awards-categories/