London’s artificial intelligence start-ups bid for cash at City Hall

Mayor hosts promising tech entrepreneurs pitching for investment

Tech companies looking to improve skin cancer diagnosis, open up access to insurance markets and revolutionise the social care industry are among 10 innovative tech start-ups bidding for investment at an event focusing on artificial intelligence to be hosted by the Mayor of London today (18 January).

The companies will take part in the inaugural event of the Mayor of London’s TechInvest programme, jointly hosted by Sadiq and the UK Business Angels Association (UKBAA) at City Hall tonight.

Future events in the series will take place across London and will bring together investors and companies specialising in other areas within London’s thriving tech sector, such as virtual reality and Government technology.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “London is home to Europe’s leading tech ecosystem and some of the brightest and most innovative entrepreneurs in the world. In particular, we are establishing ourselves as world leaders in artificial intelligence, which we celebrate today.

“I’m proud to launch my TechInvest programme of events, in partnership with the UKBAA, and to lead by example in supporting growth in London tech.

“These events will showcase the fantastic creativity of London’s tech community and will enable entrepreneurs to connect with leading investors. I’m confident that this programme will help even more companies to realise their potential to grow and develop.”

Chief Executive of UK Business Angels Association, Jenny Tooth OBE, said: “UKBAA is delighted to be partnering with the Mayor of London for his TechInvest programme, designed to showcase the best of the capital’s tech entrepreneurs to leading investors over the next four years.

“At this first event, we will be presenting 10 entrepreneurs, selected by our expert judges, who are using the benefits of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning to bring innovative solutions to London’s key challenges, including transport, health and social care, housing, finance and retail. We hope many of these tech entrepreneurs will attract the investment they need to further grow and scale their AI-focused businesses.”

Co-Lead for Ethics and Society at DeepMind, Verity Harding – who will speak at the event – said: “Initiatives like the Mayor of London's AI TechInvest event - that support investment in innovation and big ideas – will help keep London and the UK at the forefront of the development and deployment of what is likely to become one of the most important industries of the 21st century.

“Tonight's event is an exciting showcase of the promising potential of AI, and it's great to see so many of the entrepreneurs applying AI to tackle real-world problems.”