The Virtual Technology Cluster Group (VTC Group), which connects small innovative companies with blue chip organisations, is raising capital to support the high growth businesses within its network.
By working with SMEs, the VTC Group is a key asset in helping them expand as it gains a deep insight into the models, IP, management and commercial opportunities of these companies.
The VTC Group is raising capital through Funderbeam in Estonia, the world's first primary and secondary marketplace for early-stage investments secured by blockchain. This capital raise, the first step in a long-term partnership with Funderbeam, will allow the VTC Group to help its SME members raise their own investment on Funderbeam and, in doing so, offer access to a growing global investor base via a 24/7 borderless liquid marketplace.
This new business model, which enables SMEs to access investment and achieve liquidity for their shareholders, is built on VTC Group’s cluster model.
The VTC Group has also agreed a pilot scheme with a global pharmaceutical company to find innovative technology-enabled solutions to fast-track innovation from its supply chain.
In 2016, the Leidos Cyber VTC continued to grow and is now sponsored by Unilever, Dell EMC and PA Consulting. In addition, the VTC Group partnered with Deloitte in December by launching the Healthcare VTC which is designed to accelerate the adoption of technology in the NHS.
Auriol Stevens, CEO, VTC Group, says: “Our new model is going to allow us to create real value – for growth companies, for blue chips, for UK PLC, for our investors, and for us. 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.”
