London Tech Start-Ups Join Mayor’s International Business Programme for China Trade Mission

Eight of London’s fastest-growing tech companies are in China this week in a drive to forge stronger trade links, win new business opportunities and show that London is open for business.

The eight entrepreneurs are visiting Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong as part of an international trade mission organised by the Mayor of London’s International Business Programme (‘MIBP’).

The businesses travelling to China represent some of the most innovative B2B tech companies in London, spanning medicine, education and fintech. They include Boclips, the world’s largest video library for education, Medical Realities, a VR teaching and training platform for medical students, and Opportunity Network, which connects CEOs and business leaders with potential mergers and acquisitions.

China and London have long-standing business connections. The amount of Chinese investment into London has increased more than ten-fold since 2006. In the first half of 2017, Chinese investors have committed £180 million to the capital, nearly double the amount seen in the first seven months of 2016 (£53 million.)[1]

Rajesh Agrawal, Deputy Mayor for Business, said: “China is the fastest growing large economy in the world and is emerging as a tech and innovation powerhouse. It makes perfect sense for these companies to visit the country and develop closer ties.

“London and China already have an excellent trading relationship and I wish these eight companies the best of luck as they look for new trade and investment opportunities.”

Lucy Stonehill, CEO of BridgeU, a platform which uses data to guide students and teachers on university and careers choices, added: “Since the early days of BridgeU, developing a strong presence in Asia has been crucial to our mission of helping young people globally to bridge the gap between school and the future. As a London-based start-up, we have been able to establish a significant footprint in the wider region, thanks to the help of our partners and investors. I look forward to continuing this overseas expansion with the help of the Mayor’s International Business Programme."

The trade mission to China is the latest overseas visit organised by the Mayor’s International Business programme, which helps the capital’s high-growth firms to break into new international markets or grow their existing operations overseas.

The four-day trade mission is being led by the Mayor’s International Business Programme in partnership with BDO.

For more information on the Mayor’s International Business Programme, visit gotogrow.london

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