CALLING LONDON’S TECH SCENE: THIS TECH PR AGENCY SAYS WE NEED A STRONGER INNOVATION NARRATIVE

As a London Tech PR agency, it’s our job to promote new innovation from London’s tech ecosystem, but many founders are simply not “talking up” the Capital enough. How can PR agencies change the narrative around London’s environment for tech enterprise?

In September, the Financial Times reported that almost a dozen private capital firms are planning a UK flotation for one of their portfolio companies over the next 12 months. This follows months of almost zero listings and rumours that the wasteland of London’s IPO market was indicative of its innovation economy.

The good news is that many of predicted new listings are tech firms. From small business software developer Visma to Beauty Tech Group, known for its LED face mask, London continues to be a serious consideration for big tech listings.

London leads Europe in tech foreign direct investment and is second only to San Francisco as a tech talent hub, cementing its position as leading global market for technology. So, if London’s tech scene is still “growing strong” why is the narrative so poor?

At Cherish PR, we’ve been doing tech startup PR for over 20 years. We have seen the highs and lows of the markets and we believe that we need to give London’s founders a good talking to.

Far from shouting loudly about their innovative startups, sharing their brilliant ideas publicly and celebrating London as a thriving hub for tech energy, many have shied away from publicity, fearing that they will be seen as inauthentic or foolhardy, too confident in an age of humility.

The net result is that the tech ecosystem is losing its positive energy and could we be seeing reduced investment opportunities and slower growth as a result. We are not saying that market conditions are just about positive PR, but surely if we are all promoting a stronger and more confident London tech scene, wouldn’t we be helping everyone in it?

London is a wonderful city to be a technology marketing agency. So, we’re reminding all of the startups why they should lean into London’s innovation narrative. Let’s get out there and start giving London lots of positive PR.

Five Reasons to Talk Up London’s Tech Scene

Brand London

First up and perhaps the least obvious reason to shout from the rooftops is simply London’s position as a global city and its reputation for being one of the most vibrant, creative and entrepreneurial cities in the world. London brings with it a certain cache that startups in other cities simply cannot replicate.

Access to capital

London attracts more venture capital than any other city. It has an incredible ecosystem of VCs, angels, accelerators and crowdfunding platforms making it one of the easiest places to raise funding, and don’t forget the tax incentives and R&D credits offered by the government.

Connectivity

Whether you’re doing business with Singapore or San Francisco, when it comes to time difference, London is standard time, and that makes London an incredible place to reach all corners of the globe. Add in great transport links and an outstanding full fibre internet network across the country and the whole of the UK punches way beyond its weight in connectivity.

Talent

With top universities like UCL, Imperial and LSE, London attracts incredible talent in AI, fintech, life sciences and creative industries. However, London also attracts internationally precisely because it is a diverse, innovative and liberal city, a great place to work and to live.

Thriving Ecosystem and networks

Alongside London’s access to capital, it also boasts incredible accelerators, incubators and co-working spaces, where tech startups can feel part of a larger community all working towards tech-based innovation. No matter what kind of tech you’re in, there seems to be a perfect home for you in the city.

One last thing to remember. By being part of the London tech narrative, you are spotlighting your startup amongst some of the most exciting tech brands in the world. Who wouldn’t want to be part of that illustrious group?

If you’re interested in PR to support your London tech startup, have a look at some of our services or get in touch at info@cherishpr.com.