Member Article

Technology transfer group launches capital raise on blockchain-backed investment platform

London’s Virtual Technology Cluster (VTC) Group has launched a capital raise on early-stage investment platform Funderbeam that it says will help its SME members raise their own investment on the platform.

The capital rise, which VTC said is the first step in a long-term partnership with the Estonia-based platform, will help support the high-growth businesses in its network and eventually give SMEs access to a growing global investor base.

Operating on its virtual cluster model, VTC provides innovative SMEs with links to blue chip organisations looking to implement disruptive and innovative technologies in their processes, and has already partnered with the likes of Deloitte and Lockheed Martin.

Funderbeam itself is a disruptive, high growth tech firm, utilising blockchain technology to secure early-stage investments on its platform, and it raised $2.6m in funding last autumn.

VTC’s Chief Executive Officer, Auriol Stevens, said that its new model would create ‘real value’ everyone involved, including growth companies, blue chip firms, UK PLC and its investors.

She explained: “By connecting small companies with corporate opportunities, we have a unique insight into their businesses and we are going to use this to stimulate growth.

“We are very excited to be raising capital on Funderbeam’s innovative platform – a perfect demonstration of how technology is changing every aspect of business. With the growing adoption of our cluster methodology and new governmental contracts, 2017 will be a very busy year.”