Top 100 Asian Stars in UK Tech 2016 launched
The official list of the Top 100 Asian Stars in UK Tech 2016 was launched on June 13th in association with NewAsianPost.com and hosted in Central London by Diversity UK, EMF, KPMG, Wayra UK.
The launch took place at a reception immediately after what was the first Diversity Tech Summit and one week before the second London Technology Week, celebrating London as a global powerhouse of tech innovation. The evening saw a panel of eleven judges selecting the top five investors, start-ups, education and business-to-business technologists and women, before Nikhil Rathi, CEO, London Stock Exchange plc & Director of International Development, London Stock Exchange Group, gave a keynote address and helped to present the Chairman’s Award to Shankar Narayanan, Head of UK & Ireland, Tata Consultancy Services, a Top 10 IT services player in the UK. Dilip Joshi MBE, Chairman of Diversity UK, on presenting the award lauded TCS for its “strong human and intellectual assets, commitment to customer satisfaction and a mature business model giving it a turnover in excess of $1 billion”.
Nikhil Rathi, CEO, London Stock Exchange plc & Director of International Development, London Stock Exchange Group, said, “as a Group we value and understand the power of diversity as a driver for development and innovation. And this is undoubtedly reflected in the Top 100 Asian Stars in UK Tech awards, which I’m honoured to support. What is evident from the awards is the exceptional talent represented across the UK tech sector, further enhancing the UK’s status as a world leading technology hub.”
By highlighting the ground-breaking business models, apps, funding and support networks being created by Asian digital entrepreneurs, the Top 100 Asian Stars in UK Tech 2016 list addresses the perceived lack of diversity in the tech sector and showcases the wealth of talent that is currently growing the British tech scene.
Patrick Imbach, Head of KPMG Tech Growth commented: “Digital industries are very important to the UK, accounting for nearly 1.5 million jobs and representing over 12% of the UK economy, the highest proportion in the G20 set of nations. Due to the vast number of new businesses emerging in the sector it is also the fastest growing part of our economy. Although the UK tech sector scores more highly than other global ecosystems in terms of its gender diversity, very little attention is given to other aspects of diversity within the UK start up community which are of equal importance. The Top Asians in Tech list highlights and celebrates the Asian talent in our tech sector and the important role they play in our success story around the world.”
In 2015 the first research study ‘Startup DNA’ by the Telefonica-owned start-up accelerator Wayra UK, revealed the social makeup of Britain’s startup ecosystem to be more diverse than Silicon Valley. The challenge recognised is that although 78% of individuals agree that diversity helps start-up teams succeed, a disparity still exists in the industry, especially in relation to an individual’s gender, class, educational background and ethnicity.
In recognition of the contribution of Asians of both genders to the UK’s tech industry, the Top 100 Asian Stars in UK Tech list brought together key individuals including start-up founders, social entrepreneurs, technologists, venture capital and angel investors as well as key policy makers and game changers to celebrate the success of these pioneers.
Bina Mehta, KPMG Partner leading engagement with next generation of Asians added : “KPMG is proud to be supporting the Diversity Tech Summit and the Top 100 Asian Stars in UK Tech list. Diversity is a key element of any successful business community and it is important that we celebrate the successes of Asian entrepreneurs, influencers and leaders in the tech sector and the vital job they do as role models to the younger generation of Asians in the UK.”
The Top 100 Asian Stars in UK Tech list, NewAsianPost.com and Diversity UK are the brainchild of the digital entrepreneur Lopa Patel MBE who has long been recognised as an evangelist for STEM and the tech industries in the UK. Lopa promotes enterprise and skills development, is a prominent advocate for more diversity in the field and in 2015 was the first Asian woman to receive the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion.
About Asians in Tech
The Top 100 Asian Stars in UK Tech is the definitive list of Asians working in the digital and technology sectors in Britain. The aim of the list is to showcase diverse talent; from startup founders, technologists, venture capitalists and investors; to the game changers and digital influencers in business to business (B2B) and social enterprise.
For further information visit www.asiansintech.com
