We are very excited to announce that we will be partnering with Tortoise, a startup media company, throughout the month of May to explore how the current COVID-19 pandemic will impact the startup and innovation economy around the world.
Tortoise is building a different type of newsroom, for slower, wiser news. It is exactly the sort of startup that Seedrs loves to work with; its innovative and fresh approach to disrupting an incumbent industry is sure to go some way to changing consumer behaviours for good.
We agree with Tortoise that now, more than ever, it’s important to have calm and clear journalism that people can trust. We are proud to be able to support Tortoise through this partnership, which will see the two businesses collaborate on a series of digital ThinkIns – online discussions, facilitated via Zoom, between expert panelists, journalists and members of the public.
Our partnership launched informally last Friday, with our Chairman, Jeff Lynn, appearing alongside Brent Hoberman of Founders Forum, Check Warner of Ada Ventures and Kathy Gromotka of Downing LLP to discuss what more can be done by Government to support startups throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Nearly 400 people participated in this discussion, which led to some lively debate and great ideas.
—
In May, Seedrs and Tortoise, along with Founders Forum, will be exploring Innovation in a Crisis, seeking to understand what meaningful impact the current pandemic, and potential economic aftershocks, may have on the startup and innovation economies.
We will be partnering with Tortoise over four online events:
May 5th – 6:30pm (BST)
Crisis innovation: will the pandemic breed game-changing ideas?
Featuring Jeff Lynn (Chairman, Seedrs) & Paul Polman (ex-CEO, Unilever & co-founder, Imagine)
It’s foolish to suggest that C-19 is a relentlessly positive story for inventors and investors. The threats to small businesses are real and immediate. But crises force change and in turn, adaptation and invention accelerates. Extraordinary situations give rise to new ways of thinking and leading. New customer behaviours create new opportunities. Where are they? Which sectors will thrive now, and later? And what must entrepreneurs do now to ride out the storm and emerge stronger at the other side?
May 15th – Half Day summit – 8am – 2pm (BST)
The Global AI Summit – AI in the age of a pandemic
The Global AI summit marks the biennial update of Tortoise’s Global AI Index, a ranking of 54 countries according to their preparedness for an AI-driven future. The virtual summit brings together industry leaders, founders and policy makers from around the world to discuss how Covid-19 has shifted AI innovation, spending, learning and research across public and private sectors.
● AI & solving the big issues: pandemics, climate change, and inequality
● AI & the business reset: a rush to automation
● AI & trust; privacy vs. safety?
● AI as a national strategy: will the race continue as before?
May 19th – 6:30pm (BST)
Online retail: what next for the fifth emergency service?
For years, online shopping was the great threat to the High Street, and a somewhat guilty pleasure for many of us. During the crisis, it’s become a lifeline. Once we’re all allowed out again, will real bricks-and-mortar shops have a renaissance? Or will home delivery become the de-facto mode for all retailers, regardless of size and specialism? Where are the innovation opportunities – in supply chain, logistics, payments and brand experience – to capitalise on this new retail reality in the medium and long term?
Ticket details coming soon.
May 26th – 6:30pm (BST)
Credit post-COVID: what are the banks for?
The sudden economic shock of C-19 has hit millions of workers – small business owners and freelancers; arts, culture and hospitality and much more. The government has scrambled to provide protection but households across the world are facing a dramatic disconnect between their expected quality of life and their new level of income – but many are struggling to access the promised funds. What role does the personal finance sector have to play in helping people cope? Is it rising to meet its responsibilities? What does responsible lending look like now? And if there are opportunities for the sector, what are they?
Ticket details coming soon.
