Global Talent Visa report 2022 indicates that 18% of UK tech companies have international founders

In Updates
14 Sep 2022, 03:12 AM
By Technologist Confidant

In its latest annual report, Tech Nation summarises the status of its Global Talent Visa, which provides opportunities for international tech talent to work in the UK.

According to the report, 18% of British tech start-ups were founded by non-UK nationals. As of 2021, companies founded by non-UK nationals accounted for £8 billion (approximately 23%) of UK tech venture capital investment.

Afrilearn's co-founder and CEO, Isaac Oladipupo, said: “I love working in UK tech because of the rare privilege it has afforded me to work with global tech companies and rub minds with some of the best brains in the world. It has also enabled me to scale the reach of our start-up Afrilearn across Europe and beyond.”

Tech Nation has already granted 659 visas this year, compared to 619 in 2021.

Tech Nation provides a platform for technology scaleups in the United Kingdom. Darktrace, Monzo, Revolut, and Wise are notable alumni.

“The concentration of high-profile talent and collaboration with the world’s top companies helps to build the company I’ve always wanted,” stated Anita Koimur, co-founder and COO of LiveFlow.

More than 25% of the more than 2,500 people who were granted the Tech Nation visa are founders. Approximately 20% of all recipients are employed in the field of FinTech.

Gerard Grech, founding Chief Executive of Tech Nation, said: “The UK’s record level of tech job vacancies demonstrates that the need for outside talent has never been greater. Even with our buoyant, currently well-funded and diverse ecosystem, the UK cannot afford to be complacent in our pursuit of international talent.”

According to the Tech Nation visa report, 181,000 jobs were advertised in the UK for technology roles in May this year, compared to 145,000 in May 2021.

The UK has seen a 2% increase in venture capital support from abroad for its tech companies, with 73% coming from overseas investors.

However, Tech Nation now has to compete for funding with other organisations, as the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) has invited other groups to apply for funding.