Barclays has launched a new innovation hub in London, collaborating with a variety of technology partners, including Microsoft and Nvidia.
The hub aims to support the commercial growth of startups focused on AI, deep tech, and the innovation economy by fostering connections among founders, industry experts, and investors. It will offer collaborative workspaces for 150 cutting-edge tech businesses located in the heart of Shoreditch, along with access to a range of events, workshops, growth programs, and ecosystem connectivity.
Businesses within the Innovation Hub will have opportunities to network and build relationships with key partners, such as Microsoft, NVIDIA, Conception X, Databricks, Innovate Finance, and Twin Path Ventures. They will also benefit from direct access to members of Barclays’ innovation banking team, who will operate on-site.
Hannah Bernard, head of business banking at Barclays, stated: “The UK’s innovation ecosystem is one of the best in the world, but we can’t afford to rest on our laurels. Key players from across the industry need to come together to help nurture and develop the next wave of tech entrepreneurs. This new Innovation Hub will play an important role in facilitating that as part of our wider offering to tech businesses. Our innovation banking specialists will be on hand to provide tailored support to founders, helping them raise capital, develop business skills, and accelerate their growth.”
This development follows Barclays’ decision in January to close its decade-old fintech accelerator program, Rise, citing that fintechs have evolved from niche startups to mainstream players with ample opportunities to collaborate with the financial services sector.