UK tech specialists embarking on journey to the United States
In a bid to showcase its continued commitment to business, London is hosting a trade mission to the United States, with the waste-to-energy technology manufacturer SEaB among the participating companies. This mission is part of Mayor Sadiq Khan's international business programme, aimed at fostering collaborations and securing investments in the US market.
London's tech sector has been thriving, with startups raising over $8 billion in venture capital funding in the first half of 2025. This figure outpaces the combined investment in German and French startups, securing about 30% of European VC investment during this period. The London tech ecosystem alone is valued at approximately £512 billion, more than double the next UK region, demonstrating its dominance in the national tech scene.
However, despite this robust investment activity, UK startups are taking nearly 9.6 years on average to reach Series C funding, almost double the time seen in 2019. Access to growth capital remains a significant barrier, especially outside London. London tech founders are calling for more government-backed funds, pension capital inflows, regulatory easing, and better tax incentives to sustain growth and competitiveness.
While direct export figures to the US following the recent trade mission are not explicitly detailed, London's sustained leadership in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) signals continued international interest, including from the US market. However, tech-related FDI projects in London declined by 28% in 2024 compared to 2023, reflecting broader European and UK trends of shrinking tech inward investment over recent years. This suggests that while investment and exports opportunities remain strong, the international investment climate is facing some headwinds.
The UK's position as Europe's top destination for tech FDI indicates ongoing strong bilateral trade ties, which likely benefits London-based startups seeking to export to the US and collaborate globally. Companies like SEaB, which has already secured customer orders in the US and aims to explore further opportunities, including localizing production and meeting with potential distribution and maintenance partners, are testament to this.
The trade mission, which involves 23 tech start-ups, will see these companies connecting with senior-level tech executives, pitching to international investors, and meeting with potential clients and partners. The mission aims to demonstrate London's openness to talent, business, and collaborations, and Mayor Sadiq Khan stated that the high-growth companies joining the mission have the potential to become the next global tech giants.
The US remains a valuable trading partner for the UK, and this trade mission is a significant step in securing investment and exports to the US market. As London tech startups continue to show strong momentum in seeking investment and expanding exports to the US market, it is crucial for supportive policies and sustained government engagement to maintain this momentum and navigate the challenges ahead.
- The tech-focused trade mission in London, which includes SEaB, a waste-to-energy technology manufacturer, underscores the General-news of the city's continued pursuit of business partnerships and investments, specifically in the technology sector.
- Amidst the decline in tech-related Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects in London, sectors like finance and business, such as technology startups, are calling for government measures like more funded resources, regulatory easing, and better tax incentives to sustain their growth and maintain their competitiveness, especially in the US market.
