Welcome to another episode of the Cambridge Tech Podcast, where hosts Fay Holland and James Parton dive into the pulse of UK tech, venture capital, and the thriving Cambridge ecosystem, and welcome to new sponsor, Howden.
This week’s guest, David Cleevely, serial entrepreneur and one of the “Three Musketeers” of the Cambridge Tech Cluster, shares his wealth of experience in scaling startups, building ecosystems, and fostering serendipitous connections.
Key Takeaways:
The Cambridge Ecosystem Advantage: “Cambridge is the fastest-growing city the UK has ever seen,” Cleevely states. He highlights Cambridge’s unique position as a centre for innovation, drawing on an ecosystem rich in tech, life sciences, and academic ties.
Infrastructure & Growth Challenges: Cambridge’s rapid growth has outpaced its infrastructure. David warns, “Cambridge cannot grow unless you sort out the infrastructure first.” Key areas like education, transport, and water supply need to be addressed to sustain Cambridge’s expansion.
The Power of Serendipity in Business: David describes how luck, timing, and chance encounters have been pivotal throughout his career. Cambridge Angels, for example, was born from a casual neighbourhood chat with co-founder Robert Sansom.
Building Networks and Legacy: Cleevely co-founded Cambridge Angels, a network dedicated to supporting startups. This group has played a pivotal role in Cambridge’s tech ecosystem by connecting startups with seasoned investors.
Career Reflections and Advice: From his experiences with companies like Abcam and Analysis, David notes the importance of resilience, vision, and having the right people onboard. His advice for startup founders seeking a board chair is to find someone who is “an extraordinarily good listener” and can balance strategic guidance with a supportive role.
Memorable Quotes:
“If Cambridge is going to reach its full potential, we need transport links to the rest of the UK. AstraZeneca has more employees in Manchester than Cambridge; connectivity is crucial.”
“The role of a chair is to get everyone’s inner voice on the table, creating a space for genuine perspectives.”
“Cambridge Angels is a unique force in the tech ecosystem here, connecting founders with people who’ve been there and done that.”
This episode not only offers a deep dive into the Cambridge tech landscape but leaves listeners inspired by Cleevely’s commitment to fostering community, growth, and innovation. Tune in for more stories from the Cambridge tech world, and don’t forget to subscribe to catch every episode.
Stay tuned for more exciting episodes from the Cambridge Tech Podcast!
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