London Mayor calls for closer ties between London and San Fran tech communities

Mayor Sadiq Khan is calling for closer collaboration between London and San Francisco to shine a spotlight on diversity, particularly in tech.

Speaking at the SXSW conference in Texas earlier this week, Mr Khan discussed the importance of close ties between cities that share values of openness and inclusivity.

To mark the 100th anniversary of women in the UK winning the right to vote, the Mayor last month launched #BehindEveryGreatCity – a drive to celebrate the achievements of women and encourage greater levels of inclusivity.

He is now reaching out to likeminded global cities, calling on US tech leaders to join him in supporting the campaign.

In a recent survey, three quarters of senior tech professionals in the Bay Area agreed that London and San Francisco tech companies share the same values regarding diversity and inclusion.

Respondents were most likely to consider London more closely aligned with Silicon Valley on this issue compared to other global cities, including Berlin, Paris and Shanghai.

Tech businesses represent the single biggest source of foreign investment in London from the US. Bay Area companies have accounted for almost a fifth of the total in the last 10 years.

To further strengthen trade and investment links between the two cities, the Mayor’s promotional agency, London & Partners, is expanding its San Francisco office.

It is hoped an increased Bay Area presence will provide more help for West Coast companies looking to set up or expand in London.

Sadiq Khan said: “My message to tech leaders in San Francisco and cities across America - is that, collectively, we must do more to champion greater inclusivity within in the tech community.

“London and San Francisco’s tech hubs have thrived on the values of openness and fairness. By working closer together, I am confident that our two great cities can lead the way in promoting greater diversity for the global tech community.”

He added: “Not only is it the right thing to do but it makes business sense.”

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