Speakers

Gerard works at the forefront of emerging technologies and economic growth. He has vast experience in working with the UK's most successful founders and fast-growing tech companies, having supported over 1300 companies, including 42 unicorns, during his time as Chief Executive of Tech Nation.  Now as Managing Director at Founders at the University of Cambridge, he is supporting innovative businesses coming through the university to accelerate their growth and development through capital investment, expertise mentoring and community. Its mission is to equip these companies with everything they need to become investment ready so they can scale and have societal impact. Cambridge University and its ecosystem form the best performing science unicorn hub of Europe and it is globally ranked third for technological innovation output.  In 2024 Gerard was appointed CBE by the King in the New Year's Honours List for services to the technology sector and he is a long-standing adviser to the UK government on tech and digital policies.