Gerard Grech, managing director of Founders at the University of Cambridge, reflects on the legacy of Tech Nation, explains how universities can support impact startups, and assesses the attractiveness of UK markets.
Grech was the founding CEO of Tech Nation, leading the startup support organisation for over a decade until it was acquired by Founders Forum Group last year. The deal came after Tech Nation lost a bid for government funding to Barclays Eagle Labs, forcing it to cease operations. In this episode, Grech looks back on what he sees as a “puzzling decision” and reflects on the impact Tech Nation had on the UK’s startup ecosystem.
In October 2023, Grech was appointed MD of Founders at the University of Cambridge, an initiative to connect academics, entrepreneurs, alumni and peer role models to help spinouts scale. Grech discusses the role that universities have to play in supporting “high-risk” ventures born out of academia. In addition to his role at the University of Cambridge, Grech is a member of the UK government’s Digital Economy Council and the World Economic Forum’s Digital Board.
What is UKTN | The Podcast?
Each week, Jane Wakefield sits down with some of the key movers and shakers from the UK tech ecosystem for the UKTN Podcast. Learn growth strategies from both seasoned and up-and-coming founders, hear market sentiments from investors, and understand the tech policy affecting businesses across the country.
The UKTN Podcast provides insight into the most influential people in the UK’s innovation economy, exploring their personal and professional journeys and hearing their views on the hottest tech topics of the day.