The news comes as Tech Nation prepares to cease operations following its funding being withdrawn
Founders Fourm Group has shown interest in buying Tech Nation as the business prepares to cease operations in its current form.
Tech Nation closed its doors last week (31 March 2023) following the government’s digital growth grant being withdrawn and awarded to Barclays.
In January, the technology trade organisation invited expressions of interest from organisations over acquiring the brand.
In a statement published last week (29 March 2023), Tech Nation confirmed it had entered into discussions with Founders Forum.
The group was launched in 2005 and aims to support entrepreneurs.
Its chief executive Carolyn Dawson said: “We’re delighted to be in discussions with Tech Nation around the future evolution of this impactful brand.
“Our hope is to build on the great work of Tech Nation and continue to serve as the collective voice of founders and investors across the UK, collaborating with media, government and the industry to entrench the UK as a world renowned startup hub and leading innovation economy.”
’We are excited’
Should an agreement be reached, Founders Forum plans to adopt Tech Nation’s lineup into its existing portfolio of events and services tailored to entrepreneurs.
Read: Tech Nation reveals 70 redundancies
Read: Tech Nation set to close its doors after a decade as funding pulled
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Tech Nation founding chief executive Gerard Grech said he was “excited” to be in discussions with the group.
“We have been delighted by the dozens of expressions of interest that we received and want to thank all those that have engaged with us during this process,” he said.
”We are very excited to be in discussions with Founders Forum, which we think is well placed to build on the legacy that Tech Nation has created over the last 10 years, given their ethos and approach to supporting entrepreneurs at every stage.”
Tech Nation said it was also in talks with the Home Office about the future of the global talent visa route, but in the meantime will continue to accept new global talent endorsement applications for the foreseeable future.
Tech Nation chair Stephen Kelly added: “It’s been a golden decade of growth of prosperity for UK tech.
”The tech ecosystem has gained so much from Tech Nation as the natural platform for UK scaleups, which have been the jewel in the crown.
“It is immensely positive news for the UK that Founders Forum is excited to explore what more can be done to create another golden decade.”
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