At Extreme Investor Network, we are constantly seeking ways to support and promote U.K.-based innovative technology businesses on the global stage. Recently, Warren East, former CEO of Arm and Rolls-Royce, highlighted the challenges faced by tech firms in the U.K. when trying to achieve global relevance.
East emphasized the need for a mindset shift in the investor community to propel British technology businesses to success worldwide. He pointed out that too often, U.K. firms that achieve scale end up relocating or listing abroad due to difficulties in achieving global recognition from within the country.
One of the key issues highlighted by East is the lack of commercialization of innovative technologies created in the U.K. He noted that while there is a wealth of innovation in the country, much of it is exported and commercialized elsewhere. This trend hinders the growth and success of British tech firms on a global scale.
To address these challenges, East suggested that the U.K. needs to foster more “risk appetite” among investors to support high-growth tech firms. He highlighted the disparity in investor risk appetite between the U.S. and the U.K., noting that deeper pools of capital presence in the U.S. contribute to a more supportive environment for tech startups to scale up.
Furthermore, East mentioned efforts within the British entrepreneurial community and venture capital firms to advocate for changes to capital market rules that would encourage more investments from pension funds into startups. These changes are aimed at stimulating risk appetite in the U.K. and creating a more conducive environment for tech firms to thrive.
While challenges persist, there is optimism that the U.K. will see improvements in supporting and commercializing its homegrown technology businesses in the coming years. At Extreme Investor Network, we are committed to providing valuable insights and news updates on the finance and investment landscape, empowering investors to make informed decisions and support the growth of innovative tech firms in the U.K. Join us in our mission to build a thriving ecosystem for tech innovation and investment in the U.K. and beyond.