LTF semi-finalists meet potential technology and corporate partners

The London Technology Fund (LTF) competition 2008 programme included a networking or “speed-dating” event at the Chartered Accountant’s Hall in the City of London, enabling the 21 semi-finalists to meet with major technology and corporate representatives. The event aims to train and help innovative London technology companies to forge relationships with potential customers and advise them on how to attract investment.

The LTF competition 2008 offers technology companies the opportunity to win a share of the £1 million investment fund and £100,000 worth of advice, training and networking with technology corporates. Further to this event, the finalists will continue to train and present their proposal to a panel of expert judges and the winners will be announced on 29 October 2008.

David Rajan, of Oracle UK, said: “At Oracle we partner with exciting young technology companies who understand our overriding goal to continually deliver additional value to our customers in the shortest timeframe that helps them to sustain their competitiveness. The LFT programme has been encouraging, because there are a number of UK emerging businesses who understand this point because their innovative ideas were backed up with well-conceived business proposals. It may seem common sense, but it is the companies with this commercial focus that Oracle will want to partner with. The speed-dating event provided an excellent opportunity to meet a number of potential candidates.”

Dr Andre Moreira, of BASF Venture Capital, said: “What is going on in London is exciting and it is a pleasure to have the opportunity to participate in such an excellent event.”

David McMeekin, of the London Technology Fund, said: “The brief encounters are designed to help overcome the barriers innovative technology entrepreneurs face in trying to understand what really matters to major potential customers, suppliers and trade investors. The global corporates also have the chance to see some of the most exciting technology developments coming out of London. The event provided a forum for these parties to talk to each other and we are delighted at the high level of interest it generated.”