Investment

On 19 February 2020, the European Commission presented its long-awaited strategies for data and AI.  These follow Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s commitment upon taking office to put forward legislative proposals for a “coordinated European approach to the human and ethical implications of AI” within the new Commission’s first 100 days.  Although the papers published this week do not set out a comprehensive EU legal framework for AI, they do give a clear indication of the Commission’s key priorities and anticipated next steps.

The Commission strategies are set out in four separate papers—two on AI, and one each on Europe’s digital future and the data economy.  Read together, it is clear that the Commission seeks to position the EU as a digital leader, both in terms of trustworthy AI and the wider data economy.…

Continue Reading AI Update: European Commission Presents Strategies for Data and AI (Part 1 of 4)

By Matthew Edwards and Jacqueline Clover

Last month, we blogged about the launch of the London Stock Exchange High Growth Segment. As part of another programme of measures to support UK and EU start-ups, Future Fifty, a new fast-track programme for businesses, was announced by Chancellor George Osborne on 25 April 2013 and aims to help 50 high-growth companies develop so that they can successfully list in the UK.

Future Fifty has been developed in partnership with the Tech City Investment Organisation.  To apply, a UK, EU or UK-controlled foreign business needs to have been trading for at least 24 months and must demonstrate revenue growth of at least 100 per cent. each year.…

Continue Reading Future Fifty: A UK Initiative to Help High-Growth Companies

By Matthew Edwards and Jacqueline Clover

The new High Growth Segment (“HGS”) of the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (“LSE”) has officially opened for business, signalling London’s commitment to supporting the growth of technology companies incorporated in the European Economic Area.

The equity-only HGS is targeted specifically at fast-growing companies, providing an alternative to joining AIM or applying for a listing on the Official List (the “Official List”) and trading on the Main Market.  …
Continue Reading The London Stock Exchange High Growth Segment Opens for Business