Last month it was announced that HSBC is now supporting Included VC to drive real change within the VC industry. It is a partnership that I’ve led from inception with UK Digital and HSBC Ventures.

Over the last 10 years, I’ve had the chance to advocate and get involved with several initiatives that support the change in our sector. From supporting Code First Girls and to launching fintech companies across Europe — great partnerships are key. In all of my roles, the venture ecosystem and access to capital have played their part.

The ecosystem we work in is interdependent in so many ways. London has grown as a technology hub and it is great to still have a seat at the table. Part of making sure our technology ecosystem continues to grow and thrive is to keep certain greenfield opportunities front of mind. When the opportunity to work with Included VC came about I know it wasn’t the typical product partnership with big tech or a fintech company. This was wider. VC is an important part of the startup and technology ecosystem. At Level39 I had a front-row seat at the start of the UK fintech boom from 2012 and a key part of this was enabling companies to be connected to the right investors.

Supporting Included VC is a continuation of enabling an ecosystem to grow and develop over time. I love tech and products but this is different. I hope the Fellows that we support throughout the Fellowship will be able to learn the art of VC and also the broad range of skills needed to work with founders, partners, and LPs. As the technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem continues to grow the types of companies we need will change. The global nature of the Fellowship is also key — I look forward to keeping this non-product-focused partnership strong, as it is part of something bigger.

*Yes, I know VC is not for everyone, and like most opportunities, it is what each individual chooses to make of it. I’m proud to play a small (but tangible) part through this partnership and look forward to the Fellows playing an active part in our ecosystem for years to come.

Back to work.

Thanks to Nikita who helped make this partnership between HSBC and Included VC happen and I look forward to working with my colleagues Matt, Ore, Alex, and Tom on this.

More here and here .