Thursday 06 March 2014
London is aiming to become the number one city for traveltech startups by inspiring and supporting the next Skyscanner or AirBnB into development with the launch of the UK’s first incubator hub for this specialist market.
London is aiming to become the number one city for traveltech startups by inspiring and supporting the next Skyscanner or AirBnB into development with the launch of the UK’s first incubator hub for this specialist market.
The Mayor of London’s promotional body, London Partners, will provide a kick-start to the capital’s emerging traveltech industry by offering shared workspace and networking support. They will also open up access to industry executives, investors and mentors for startups housed in their incubator space, the Traveltech Lab. Whether it is city tours with Google Glass or a spontaneous travel app, London is aiming to inspire and support revolutionary traveltech businesses that have the potential to transform the global tourism market.
Speaking about the initiative, Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, says: ‘‘More and more technology companies are sprouting up and thriving in London. As the world’s greatest city to visit and as Europe’s foremost digital hub, we can offer this innovative incubator an ideal home to nurture creative talent and for tech whizz kids to flourish.”
Gordon Innes, chief executive of London Partners, adds: “With the development of Tech City, London has emerged as the digital hub for Europe and with that comes access to a pool of potential investors, talent and vital networks. London Partners is uniquely placed to offer a one-off service to nascent traveltech businesses. We not only have the incubator space they need, we have over 1,000 partners in the travel, leisure and hospitality industry, a wealth of high level connections and a deep knowledge of the sector. We are excited to bring this incubator space to market and look forward to supporting the capital’s most innovative traveltech startups.”
The project is being developed in partnership with The Trampery, London’s premier creator of spaces for innovation. It will see the remodelling of London Partners’ existing office at More London to provide workspace for London Partners’ team of experts alongside entrepreneurial travel, tourism and hospitality startups.
Charles Armstrong, Founder of The Trampery, says: “The Traveltech Lab is a unique opportunity to connect London Partners’ expertise and networks with a new generation of innovators who are transforming the travel industry. London is already established as one of the world’s great centres for technology entrepreneurship. The next step is to turbo-charge particular sectors where London has the chance to redefine whole industries.”
One emerging traveltech business based in London is WhatNow!? Travel. What Now?! is an innovative new app for smart mobile devices that allows visitors to explore a city or destination without having to pay high data charges. Talking about a possible move to the Traveltech Lab, chief executive Tony Sandler, says: “London Partners incubator hub offers an inimitable service as it fuses their unrivalled connections within the tourism industry with the first traveltech workspace within the UK. As a business focused on building links and connections within the travel industry, this shared workspace would offer us an unrivalled wealth of connections, experience and knowledge that will help to grow and build our business.”
Kit Malthouse, Chairman of London Partners and Deputy Mayor for Business Enterprise, will be hosting an evening reception to showcase the traveltech hub and London’s tech industry on Tuesday 18 March. To register interest in this event, email tday@londonandpartners.com. To find out more about setting up your business within London Partners traveltech incubator hub go to www.thetrampery.com/traveltechlab. The deadline for applications is 6pm on Monday 31st March.
Notes to Editors
About The Trampery
The Trampery is London’s premier creator of spaces for innovation. Its mission is to find and nurture the most exciting new talent across technology and the creative industries. The company is celebrated for its sumptuous interiors, vibrant communities and its ability to build bridges between startups and established corporations.
Since establishing its first location in Shoreditch in 2009 The Trampery has expanded with further sites in Clerkenwell and London Fields. These locations host a remarkable array of software startups, fashion labels, social enterprises, designers and consultants. Further locations are opening during 2014-15.
The Trampery’s partners include Mother, London Partners, the Barbican Centre, Hackney Community College and the London College of Fashion. The organisation’s Patron is HRH the Duke of York.
Website: www.thetrampery.com
About WhatNow!? Travel
What Now?! is an exciting new app for smart mobile devices to help people “simulate” a live smartphone experience whilst traveling the world. The company was chosen by Techcrunch as one of their 2013 Top 15 European Startups and was showcased at the PhoCusWright Travel Innovation Summit in the US as one of the 30 top travel innovations for 2013.
Contact
Ellie Wilson, Media PR Manager – Major Events Business Tourism
Tel: +44 (0)20 7234 5709 / +44 (0)7595 654 085
ewilson@londonandpartners.com
London Partners Media PR Team
Tel: +44 (0)20 7234 5710
Switch: +44 (0)20 7234 5800
press@londonandpartners.com
Twitter: @London_PR
