News
The Vexed Questions Surrounding Early Stage Funding | 7 April 2008
Prompted by an article published on 26th February in Financial Times which quoted CEO of NESTA (National Endowment for Science,Technology and The Arts) Jonathan Kestenbaum bemoaning the withdrawal of 3i Group from early stage/start up funding, the O2C - Oxford to Cambridge ARC website has featured blogs on the issue of whether more public money should be made available to fill "the equity gap". Jonathan suggested this should be considered. The issues are, as all such things, complicated, and the FT piece has resulted in a flurry of correspondence. Since I have been responsible for some of this - I am putting it on my site and encouraging further discussion. I can be contacted at alan@alanbarrell.com. The O2C web address is www.Oxford2Cambridge.net.
One suggestion I have made, which I am sure would be helpful to many, is the establishment of a web based source of comprehensive information about sources of funds available for start-ups and early stage technology based businesses - indeed ALL early stage businesses, and the appropriate online access points, addresses etc.
I have put up for download, information on some of the actions and activities already being worked on in this field, with which I am involved, or of which I know. These include "Cross Border Angel and Small VC Syndication" and the "Venture Academy" models which are referenced in this "package". Much practical action is possible to make things clearer for many of those seeking information and support in financing early stage businesses. The "EQUITY GAP" may, for some, be as much of an information gap as an absence of available funds. Worth thinking about!
The discussion ranged into the larger domain of INNOVATION - and whether UK can continue to be successful in profitable Technology Transfer - and this was related to the funding issues - in my view TOO directly. Not every entrepreneur going to Silicon Valley from Europe gets the money needed to start a business! The few that do shout about the superiority of "The Valley" and the problems of the UK. More $$$$ are clearly on offer in the USA - but the arguments made are often too hollow and headline catching to help most entrepreneurs. Europe MUST continue to support Innovation and Entrepreneurship as the dynamics of the World Economy continue to change and the East becomes much more important. David Cameron's views are interesting in this regard.
Early Stage Funding - Alan Barrell's Response
Cross Border Business Angel Syndication
Invitation &programme - Investment readiness day
