Blend Network chosen for Mayor of London’s TechInvest
BLEND Network has been chosen to pitch at the Mayor of London’s TechInvest fintech showcase at the Mayor of London’s Living Room, City Hall.
Blend will join nine other fintech companies at the event, held on Friday 28 September, following a “competitive” application process to find “London’s most innovative fintech businesses.”
The peer-to-peer lending platform will address an audience of 130 investors and industry experts. Yann Murciano, founder and chief executive of Blend Network, said that the event would boost to the reputation of the UK’s fintech community in the run-up to Brexit.
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“We’re quite proud to go to the Mayor’s London office,” said Murciano. “It proves that London really cares about fintech and is trying to give it a push.
“With the stress of Brexit, you don’t hear many positive things from the banks, and fintech could be a way to compensate if the banks start moving out. It’s great to feel supported.”
This is the fourth annual TechInvest showcase, and it will feature speeches from Jenny Tooth, chief executive of the UK Business Angels Association (UKBAA), Rajesh Agrawal, the deputy mayor of London for business, Chris Adelsbach, managing director of TechStars, and Imran Gulamhuseinwala, implementation trustee, Open Banking.
Each of the 10 fintech companies in attendance will deliver a five-minute presentation about their existing business and future plans, before meeting with investors and fellow entrepreneurs.
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“We focus on lending to property developers and I think one thing we think they’ll like about us is that we’re supporting small developers who are building more affordable housing,” added Murciano.
“There is a shortage of supply in this market – the government is not close to its targets. Regardless of Brexit these houses need to be built and there is demand for that.”
The event will take place from 4pm until 8pm on Friday 28 September.
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