ConnectTVT and BDB Pitmans announce Thames Valley’s tech and digital future makers

On Thursday 27 February, ConnectTVT, the platform joining the tech and digital dots in the Thames Valley announced its brand new 50 Game Changers 2020 cohort. The programme brings together the Thames Valley’s breakthrough tech and digital start-ups and scale-ups, making global impact in their industries through market-changing technologies, innovation and world-class talent.

Now in its fourth year, the 50 Game Changers is supported by leading law firm BDB Pitmans, business advisory firm Deloitte UK, Henley Business School and Reading HQ’d global tech and life science recruitment specialists Austin Fraser.

Cohort investment rises by 33%

The 2020 cohort shows that the region’s tech and digital innovators continue to attract investment into the Thames Valley, raising a total of £83 million in investment in the last year. This is an increase of 33% on the previous 2018-19 Game Changers, which raised £55 million.

Importantly however, ConnectTVT’s 50 Game Changer selection process takes into account selection criteria other than financial performance. Indicators include impact of product or service, team and talent strategies and leadership.

Pushing new boundaries with innovation

From autonomous vehicle software, enabling barcodes to provide true full life-cycle product ownership, full immersive audio experiences and quantum security through to simple and affordable space missions and innovative ways of applying satellite data to help companies solve the world’s biggest challenges, this year’s Game Changers are pushing new boundaries in tech and digital even further.

50 Game Changer creator, Louize Clarke comments,

’50 Game Changers is about capturing the true story of the tech and digital ecosystem. We’ve always wanted to highlight the incredible founders and community builders at the heart of the startup scene here in the Thames Valley and we’re truly blown away by the talent and contribution this year’s cohort is making to the region’s tech leadership and its place on the global technology stage. A huge thank you to our partners for helping to make this happen.’

Ian White, Head of Business Development at BDB Pitmans says,

‘The Thames Valley has a history as a leading centre for technology and innovation in the UK, helped by the presence of large global corporations, a skilled workforce and world class education and research facilities. The 50 Game Changers programme helps to shine a spotlight on the new crop of innovators that are coming out of the region, highlighting the incredible talent to be found here and providing support to the stars of tomorrow. We’re proud to be championing this initiative as it ties in with our work with innovative businesses across the Thames Valley and the surrounding regions, providing the legal support and guidance they require as they grow and expand.’

Co-founder Matt Bovey adds,

‘The 50 Game Changers is all about celebrating the region’s true innovators, the exceptional leaders and teams shaping the Thames Valley’s future. While 2020 has the potential to be a brilliant year for many, our cohort still needs support from outside their own networks to reach their full potential, particularly developing sustainable talent pipelines, investment in innovation and ecosystem building.’