Member Article

Digital and technology entrepreneurs discuss start-up issues

Network infrastructure provider Cisco brought together some of Britain’s most promising technology and digital entrepreneurs this week to discuss issues facing start-up business.

Cisco led the discussion with Ian Foddering, CTO of Cisco UK and Ireland provided an overview of the British Innovation Gateway (BIG).

Keynotes were also delivered by Vidhi Kastuar from the Cisco Emerging Technologies Group and Carlos Eduardo Espinal from Seedcamp, an early stage mentoring and investment programme also delivered keynotes.

Semi-finalists from Cisco’s BIG Awards, joined the panel, who set the agenda for the debate after answering a series of pre-disclosed questions.

Ian Foddering, CTO, Cisco UK and Ireland: “Yesterday’s BIG Panel Debate was vital in helping our understanding of the needs of entrepreneurs and start-ups in such a tense economic time.

“It’s important for us to engage collaboratively with industry members in order to achieve our vision of building a brilliant future, and the attendees were able to offer invaluable insight and real experience about the resources available for the tech community.”

Alexey Andriyanenko, co-founder and director, Shopitize (BIG Awards semi-finalists) “Yesterday was a great chance to meet our fellow BIG Awards semi-finalists and to share our experiences and challenges of launching a start-up.

“The panel discussion was very topical and covered some very pressing issues, such as funding, investment and support.

“Not often do we get the chance to meet and engage with investors, tech leaders, lawyers and marketing agencies, let alone at the same time. So it was a great forum for us start-ups.”

James Stickland, technology business development (Office of CIO) at JP Morgan Chase added: “The Cisco BIG Panel was a great opportunity to engage with some incredible entrepreneurial talent.

“There was a high calibre of start-ups in attendance, all different and unique. We are always on the lookout for interesting and original ideas and it was clear from the event that there is some great potential amongst the BIG Awards semi-finalists.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .