Tech Nation, the growth platform for UK tech scaleups and leaders, has revealed the 22 cyber security companies selected to join its Cyber 2.0 growth programme.
The announcement comes at a time when the world tackles increased cyber security threats in light of COVID-19.
Over the last few weeks, COVID-19 has begun to be exploited by cyber criminals as part of their cyber operations, with people taking advantage of this unusual and unprecedented situation that we face in light of COVID-19, while Government statistics revealed that 75% of large organisations were hacked last year.
With an increase in employees working from home and a rise in virtual meetings, there has never been a more urgent time to invest in cyber security.
Cyber security is already a key growth sector in the UK, between 2015 and 2019 UK cyber companies raised £7.8bn.
The UK is third in the world for cyber investment after the US and China raising £17.5bn and £16.4bn respectively from 2015 to 2019. But which companies are offering the most innovative and effective cyber solutions?
Tech Nation provides 22 answers, as it announces the leading UK cyber security companies that have been selected to join Cyber 2.0.
The selected companies are utilising cutting-edge technologies to provide innovative solutions to improve security and protect businesses and individuals.
Many of the companies joining the programme are also directly providing new solutions and responses to COVID-19. For instance, ByzGen are working closely with strategic partners, to identify ways to improve the exchange of sensitive medical data between primary health providers in the NHS.
CyberSmart have created a new Small Business Resilience Hub to help SMEs navigate the transition to remote working safely. At a time when cyber security has never been more important, the Cyber programme aims to unlock the growth potential for early-stage cyber scaleups.
The programme addresses key issues facing cyber founders, including scaling internationally, scaling company culture and navigating access to clients and stakeholders in the cyber ecosystem.
The cohort represents the up and coming leaders in the cyber sector right across the UK. 45% of the companies joining the cohort have female founders, and 68% of the companies are based outside of the capital. 19% of the cohort are based in Belfast, and 19% of the cohort are based in Edinburgh.
Other companies joining the programme are from a broad range of locations across the UK: Barnsley, Newport, Cardiff, Cambridge, Woking, Southampton, Preston, Milton Keynes and London.
The programme is supported by partners CBRE, RSM, Talent Works International and Wilson Sonsini who bring their expertise and networks to Cyber 2.0.
Mike Jackson, Entrepreneur Success Director, Tech Nation, commented: “The UK is already an acknowledged leader in cyber security, raising £7.8bn between 2015 and 2019, placing the UK third in the world for cyber after the US and China.
“In these unprecedented times that we face in light of COVID-19, there has never been a more important time to invest in and support innovative cyber solutions. At Tech Nation we are delighted to announce the second cohort of Cyber 2.0, to help unlock the growth potential for early-stage cyber scaleups.”
Will Sheldon, Vice President, Accel, commented: “The UK cyber security sector is at an inflection point, with more scale up companies and success stories than ever before.
“Tech Nation Cyber is a valuable part of this rapidly developing ecosystem, supporting UK cyber entrepreneurs to compete on the global stage.”
Jamie Akhtar, CEO, CyberSmart, added: “As we continue to scale-up, the invaluable input we will receive from Tech Nation will help us shape how we grow, how we build a great team, how we reach all those that need us, and ultimately how we build a disrupting business that generates positive impact in the industry.
“We see Tech Nation’s support as the fuel for the long journey ahead, and we are very much excited to get started.”