Thames Valley: ConnectTVT announces 2020 Game Changers

ConnectTVT, the platform supporting the tech economy in the Thames Valley, has announced its brand new 50 Game Changers 2020 cohort. The programme brings together the Thames Valley’s breakthrough tech and digital startups and scaleups, making global impact in their industries through market-changing technologies, innovation and world-class talent.

Now in its fourth year, the 50 Game Changers is supported by business advisory firm Deloitte UK  and Henley Business School. Law firm BDB Pitmans joins the sponsor line-up as do Reading HQ’d global tech and life science recruitment specialists Austin Fraser.

Cohort investment rises by 33%

The 2020 cohort shows that the region’s tech and digital innovators continue to attract investment into the Thames Valley, raising a total of £83 million in investment in the past year. This is an increase of 33% on the previous 2018-19 Game Changers, which raised £55m.

Importantly however, ConnectTVT’s 50 Game Changer selection process takes into account selection criteria other than financial performance: indicators include impact of product or service, team and talent strategies and leadership.

Pushing new boundaries with innovation

From autonomous vehicle software, enabling barcodes to provide true full lifecycle product ownership, full immersive audio experiences and quantum security through to simple and affordable space missions and innovative ways of applying satellite data to help companies solve the world's biggest challenges, this year’s Game Changers are pushing new boundaries in tech and digital even further.

50 Game Changers' creator Louize Clarke commented: “50 Game Changers is about capturing the true story of the tech and digital ecosystem. We’ve always wanted to highlight the incredible founders and community builders at the heart of the startup scene here in the Thames Valley and we’re truly blown away by the talent and contribution this year’s cohort is making to the region’s tech leadership and place on the global technology stage. A huge thank you to our partners for helping to make this happen.”

Co-founder Matt Bovey added: “The 50 Game Changers is all about celebrating the region’s true innovators, the exceptional leaders and teams shaping the Thames Valley’s future. While 2020 has the potential to be a brilliant year for many, our cohort still needs support from outside their own networks to reach their full potential, particularly developing sustainable talent pipelines, investment in innovation and ecosystem building.”