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United Kingdom Honoring Unicorns with Ever-Changing Statue in NYC
The United Kingdom is paying homage to its unicorns, referring to startups with valuations surpassing $1 billion, through the unveiling of The Ever-Changing Statue in New York City.
The GREAT Britain and Northern Ireland campaign by the U.K. government presented The Ever-Changing Statue, a distinctive 3D-hologram exhibit highlighting the U.K.’s position as the world’s third-largest tech investment destination. With over 160 unicorn companies in the U.K., boasting valuations as high as $18 billion, this installation represents a nod to the nation’s dynamic tech landscape.
Unique Tribute to Innovation
Produced by HYPERVSN, a British company, The Ever-Changing Statue rotates founders and CEOs from leading unicorn and futurecorn companies such as Quantexa, Blockchain, Octopus Energy Group, and Proximie. Positioned at Rise, a venue instituted by Barclays in New York City, the statue will be on exhibition until April 4, 2024.
Tech Powerhouse of the U.K.
The United Kingdom ranks as the third-largest tech economy globally, following the United States and China. With ambitions to cement its status as a global tech superpower by 2030, the U.K., under the leadership of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, is channelling significant investments into pivotal growth areas like quantum, supercomputing, and AI.
In 2022, London alone attracted over $20 billion in VC investments. Despite its geographical size being 40 times smaller than the U.S. and China, the U.K. hosts 12 decacorns and holds a top-three position worldwide for unicorns in various key tech sectors.
Celebrating Success and Innovation
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed, “The U.K.’s startup community has long punched above its weight, and this is no coincidence. The U.K. government has incubated a system that makes it easy to access capital, has done away with unnecessary red tape and funds innovation.” A substantial amount of £14 billion ($17.6 billion) was allocated to R&D in 2021 alone. Sunak emphasized the significance of celebrating the accomplishments of the startup ecosystem, exemplified through the innovative founders showcased in the statue, instrumental in boosting the U.K. economy.
Noteworthy Tech Innovations
Fintech plays a pivotal role in the U.K. startup scene, ranking second globally in unicorn companies. Powerhouses in this domain include Wise, Revolut, and Starling Bank. Anne Boden MBE of Starling Bank shared, “Achieving unicorn status not only underscores our relentless commitment to innovation but also highlights the tremendous potential of technology in the U.K.” Starling Bank views itself as a pioneer in revolutionizing the financial sphere and championing cutting-edge solutions.
The recognition does not stop at fintech; the U.K. has made significant strides in the gaming industry as well. The Ever-Changing Statue not only commemorates the entrepreneurial spirit prevalent in the U.K. but also stands as a testament to its innovation and leadership on the global tech stage.
Embracing Collaborative Spirit
Oliver Kent-Braham, co-CEO of Marshmallow, credited the U.K.’s collaborative environment and access to capital for contributing to the company’s success. With partnerships in place to support expatriates seeking equitable car insurance deals, Kent-Braham highlighted the potential for non-U.S. startups to make a substantial impact on international markets, supported by U.S. investment opportunities.
With a rich history of innovative tech companies, the U.K. stands as a beacon of entrepreneurial success in the global arena, paving the way for future growth and prosperity.
Unicorns of the U.K.
Here is a list of prominent unicorns from the U.K. that feature in The Ever-Changing Statue:
- Anne Boden MBE: Starling Bank, Founder
- Tessa Clarke: Olio, CEO & Co-Founder
- Greg Jackson: Octopus Energy Group, CEO & Founder
- Samantha Kempe: Immo, Co-Founder and CIO
- Alexander Kent-Braham: Marshmallow, Co-Founder & Co-CEO
- Oliver Kent-Braham: Marshmallow, Co-Founder & Co-CEO
- Rishi Khosla OBE: OakNorth, CEO & Co-Founder
- Dr Nadine Hachach-Haram: Proximie, CEO & Founder
- Vishal Marria: Quantexa, CEO & Founder
- Russell Sloan: Kainos, CEO
- Peter Smith: Blockchain, CEO & Co-Founder
- Paul Taylor: Thought Machine, CEO & Founder
- Mike Tuchen: Onfido, CEO
- Dr Ilana Wisby: Oxford Quantum Circuits, CEO & Founder
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