Tech Nation acquired by FF Group

A third of UK’s tech unicorns have passed through one of its growth programmes, including Monzo and Revolut

Founders Forum Group (FFG), a global community that supports entrepreneurs, has acquired Tech Nation, a network that supports UK tech startups.  

Early this year, Tech Nation was forced to close after the UK government withdrew a £12m grant and awarded it to Barclays instead. 

The network played a significant role in the UK tech industry over the last decade. A third of UK’s tech unicorns have passed through one of its growth programmes, including Monzo and Revolut. 

FF Group will relaunch several Tech Nation programmes and reports on the UK tech sector as part of its existing portfolio of events and services.  

As part of FF Group, Tech Nation will continue to process the global talent visa for arts, sciences and digital technology workers on behalf of the UK Home Office until a replacement is found.  

Gerard Grech, founding chief executive officer and Tech Nation advisory board member, said: “I am confident FF Group will continue the vital work of Tech Nation, leveraging its influential network to evolve Tech Nation’s existing programmes, foster entrepreneurship nationwide, and supercharge scaleups and high-growth businesses across the UK.”  

Carolyn Dawson OBE, chief executive officer at FF Group, commented: “We’re delighted to be carrying the Tech Nation brand forward and building on the remarkable decade of growth which has resulted in the UK now being third in the world for tech investment. 

“Programmes like Future Fifty, Net Zero, and Rising Stars align succinctly with many of our existing initiatives.”  

Paul Scully, a UK minister covering tech and the digital economy, added: “Startups are at the heart of what makes the UK’s tech sector a success—creating opportunities, innovation, and growth across the UK.  

“We have invested millions over the years to help early-stage and scaling tech businesses go from strength to strength. Founders Forum Group will build on this by continuing the work of Tech Nation, which will complement our ongoing support for the sector.” 

Image: Canva  

Josh Poyser Josh Poyser is an editor at FinTech Intel. He has written about fintech for several years and appeared at FinTech Connect 2023 on the 'Unlocking Success: The Art of Fintech PR' panel.