Taxi app Gett, Index Ventures-backed urban cycling company Blaze and tech startup Technology Will Save Us are among the fifty companies joining the inaugural cohort of the Mayor’s International Business Programme.
Launched today, the initiative will aim to help the capital’s high growth firms expand overseas and will include companies from the technology, life sciences and urban sectors.
Speaking about the launch, London’s Mayor Boris Johnson MP, said: “London has a strong heritage as an international trading city and our position at the center of the business world means the city offers the perfect springboard for companies looking to expand internationally.
“London’s business and entrepreneurs continue to be at the forefront of innovation and creativity and I have seen first-hand demand for their goods and services across the world. By helping the capital’s business become the next global leaders we will see the creation of more jobs for Londoners,” added the Mayor.
Participants will also get tailored advice and mentoring as part of the programme.
Serial entrepreneur and mentor, Sherry Coutu CBE said: “International expansion is a key enabler in helping us to produce more UK businesses of genuine scale.
“It is important that we draw upon our existing strengths from the large number of UK companies who are already international success stories while removing the barriers for the next generation of rising stars,” added Coutu.
Led by London & Partners — and partly funded by the European Regional Development Fund — the programme seeks to support 800 high growth London-based companies over the next three years.