The program designed by Barclays in conjunction with Commonwealth Ventures
UK bank launches Silicon Valley program for startups. Source: shutterstock.com
Up to 20 entrepreneurs from across the UK will be flying to Silicon Valley to gain access to the talent, expertise and funding opportunities to grow their business, under a new initiative by Barclays.
The new ‘Global Connect’ program features tailored three-day events in San Francisco to help UK startups tap into one of the world’s leading innovation ecosystems to boost UK competitiveness and accelerate the growth of burgeoning UK firms.
During the program, designed by Barclays in conjunction with Commonwealth Ventures, entrepreneurs will gain insight into how to run a successful funding round in the Bay Area, as well as access to local networks and business contacts.
Each Global Connect program will focus on a key industrial sector or region of the UK. Barclays aims to deliver up to three by the end of this year, with up to 20 UK entrepreneurs taking part in each. Places are open to any high-growth UK startup, whether they bank with Barclays or not.
The first Global Connect program will take place in September, made up of leading agritech businesses that aim to boost productivity in food production and farming. Agritech is an area of competitive strength for the UK, and an industry where California already captures nearly a third of all global investment capital.
