Global start-up investment bank, JPIN, has announced a new strategic partnership with GC Angels to provide a direct partner in the North West Region for matters of deal flow and investment opportunities.
This collaboration is touted as assisting in strengthening the Manchester–India pathway through innovation and investment, while also improving economic growth and boosting employment within the UK.
The trade and investment relationship between the UK and India already worth over £24 billion and supporting over half a million jobs across the UK. Now, research from Deloitte shows that the value of trade between India and the North West has hit over £1 billion, compared to £887 million in 2015. Between 2017 and 2020, India was the third most active investor in opportunities in Greater Manchester – right behind Germany and the US.
Outside of London, Manchester is the fastest growing city in the UK, with a brand new digital infrastructure that has reinvented itself into the 'digital city' of the UK. Through an emphasis on technology and the digital market, this has subsequently provided an ideal environment for Indian startups to thrive in. This is seen through Tech Mahindra and 42Gears – both Indian companies having successfully transitioned into Manchester and joining L&T Technology Services Ltd to form an emerging cluster of tech companies. In addition, startup activity in Manchester has attracted investments from the likes of Amazon, Google and Jaguar Land Rover, especially for businesses focusing on cyber security, big data and IoT – demonstrating that the Manchester–India partnership ultimately has the ability to produce valuable opportunities for businesses looking to expand.
Gaurav Singh, founder of JPIN, said: "The UK is full of investors looking for startup investment opportunities and a chance to back the next unicorn or decacorn; this extends well beyond London, which is why this collaboration is so key. It will also allow an increased number of start-ups and investors to participate in the UK-India growth story as well as open up new regional markets in the UK for the Indian start-ups."
Jessica Jackson, head of investment at GC Angels, added: “At GC Angels, we are excited for this strategic collaboration with JPIN, who have already made a name for themselves as the largest star-tup investment bank for the emerging markets between the UK and India. Our mission at GC Angels has always been to increase enablement and market access for early-stage businesses by providing them with the appropriate support and resources and working with JPIN will provide a stronger investment pathway between start-ups in the North West and India – one of the leading start-up ecosystems in the world."
