The last few days have been an interesting experience for many of us in the UK. Our bubble has been well and truly pricked. Suddenly so many things we have taken for granted are at risk. Many of us are facing up to the realisation that maybe our Britain isn’t quite so Great for all as it is for some. At Notion Capital we remain determined and optimistic. Of course there are many unknowns. But the fundamentals of building great businesses – in UK or anywhere across Europe where our companies are based – have not changed.

• Build a strong domestic core market;
• Build a great product that customers love
• Build defensible and valuable IP
• Build world class teams
• Build high quality revenues.

We support the messages from the wider tech ecosystem:

1. Our arms are open to talent from across the EU
2. There are more VC funds across Europe than there has even been, ready to invest in European companies.
3. Notion Capital has a mandate to invest in outstanding B2B software entrepreneurs at Seed and Series A across Europe. That does not change.
4. The tech industry has always continued to innovate regardless of the macroeconomic environment and the best companies will continue to succeed, raise money and build value. Many of us have lived, survived and thrived through worse.
5. The UK and London’s tech industry is producing many category leading and highly valued companies. The factors that have made this possible are still in place.

In short we are entrepreneurs and innovators and we build great companies with great people. We are also very good at rugby (though very bad at football) so there is much to be thankful for.

But there is also much to think about.

We are launching a fortnightly portfolio briefing at midday on Monday 4th July to help answer some of the key questions facing our founders and the wider technology ecosystem. We will be joined by leaders from our growing network of partners and experts. The idea is that we can discuss specific issues that have arisen from Brexit and, with the help of our subject matter experts, offer practical guidance.

TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION

• What is the impact on future funding?
• How will we attract and retain talent?
• Should we remain UK domiciled?
• Implications for growth? In UK, across Europe, into US or Asia.
• Will London remain a centre for start-ups?
• What about data protection?
• What about future acquisitions?
• The view from the US

Posted by Stephen Millard, Chief Platform Officer, Notion Capital.