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Editor’s note: This article originally appeared on Hypepotamus Feb. 9 and is published on Global Atlanta as part of our content partnership with the Southeast’s top source for innovation news. Sign up for Hypepotamus newsletters here.
British startups have been become an integral part of the Atlanta tech ecosystem over the years. U.K.-based teams like Kainos (Northern Ireland) what3words, Capital on Tap, Featurespace, and others have set up offices in the city. Along the way, UK startups have pitched to local investors and Atlanta startups have crossed the pond in search of opportunities to expand their business.
Dr. Chris Moore, technology specialist with the Department of International Trade for the U.K., has seen the relationship between the United Kingdom at the City of Atlanta transform over the years. He’s also seen how similar the two places are when it comes to cultivating tech talent.
During his visit to Atlanta in early February, and in between meeting innovation leaders around the city, Moore met with Hypepotamus to chat about opportunities for collaboration between the United Kingdom and the City of Atlanta. Saying he received a “warm welcome” from the ecosystem, he gave us some look how Atlanta startups can grow in the UK, and vise versa.
Why UK companies come to ATL
Moore said there are several reasons why Atlanta is a good place for UK companies to put down roots during U.S. expansion efforts. First, many are attracted to Atlanta’s cluster of enterprises and Fortune 500s. These are ideal customers for many of the UK’s fintech, cyber, and martech ventures seeking international expansion options.
Additionally, the well-connected city makes it easy to get back to any part of the U.K. There are a dozen direct flights into London each week, and even more into northern parts of England and Scotland.
Moore also added that he sees a “similar quality of life” provided in both cities, making it an easy transition for teams setting up shop in town.
Tech opportunities in the UK
Atlanta startups are also taking advantage of opportunities to expand into England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
London, of course, has a strong fintech sector that attracts Atlanta’s finance-focused startups. But Moore said several cities around England are “easy-to-land zones” for cybersecurity ventures. Near Gloucester, the town of Cheltenham is home to Golden Valley and the National Cyber Innovation Centre. The innovation hub is dedicated to creating “innovation and networking opportunities” to startups.
Leeds and Manchester have also become centers of cyber innovation, while the Midlands region and Birmingham are prime areas for startups in the manufacturing sector.
The U.K. is also home to over 160 universities, making it an important talent pool, and the government has been strategically investing in hot tech sectors like artifical intelligence over the last few years.
Making the connections
During his visit to Atlanta, Moore reiterated that local startups have the “opportunity to be successful in the European region from the U.K.”
The work of connecting the business communities of the U.S. and the UK falls to the British Consulate General in Atlanta. It’s home to 20 employees alone, showcasing the tight connection between the two places.
Hanna Yu, Senior Trade and Investment Officer of Technology, is the go-to person for startups looking to build bridges and open up new doors in the UK can reach out to her at Hanna.Yu@trade.gov.uk.
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