[hnhg]

I cannot prove it, and this is entirely anecdotal, but my friends and I have observed it first-hand from VC dealings and friends in the right UK circles. Inherited generational wealth and class in my experience powers UK investment, particularly in the start-up scene, much more than in the USA. Of course, there are some exceptions I can think of in the UK but it is very much tied up with the class system there and understanding this makes life easier. The same situation affects other European countries to some degree, and many people I know have had to go to US VC firms to get funding. I have spent a lot of time working in all of these countries to some extent and the UK class system seems to be increasingly stifling. YMMV though.

[scrlk]

So I need the correct "old boys" school tie and a pair of red trousers to get funded by UK investors? :^)

[DaiPlusPlus]

Make that knee-high grey shorts, a graze on your knee, and a Prefect following closely behind you with some implement of abuse.

[kalleboo]

And find a pig that catches your eye

[Fluorescence]

Nah, the OP is talking bollocks. The angels I know are all middle/working-class entrepreneurs. There is no upper-class conspiracy holding people back, there just isn't much money. Non-Brits don't really understand that class is not money. Red trousers are closer to farmers than businessmen. If you are British and want to be a tech investor, you go to the US too.

[pjc50]

> There is no upper-class conspiracy holding people back, there just isn't much money.

I think the argument is that there _is_ plenty of money, it's just parked safely and quietly in property rather than investing in production or R&D. And not a "conspiracy" as much as the blank look the property investor class give you when you can't promise risk free leveraged 7% forever.

[MichaelZuo]

I don't see how that is anyone holding anyone back?

Why would you want to take funding from someone expecting no stress or hassle?

[pjc50]

> Why would you want to take funding from someone expecting no stress or hassle?

The important word here is "money". There isn't a surfeit of money available from more suitable investors.

[MichaelZuo]

Most folks I know and have read about didn't go to the loan shark or local mafia for 'money' even though that is even more readily accessible and with zero paperwork.

It's obviously not just about 'money'.

[hnhg]

Thanks for the kind words. I actually agree a lot with what you say, and would just add my personal experiences, and be interested in learning more, but I don't think you established the tone for further conversation here.

[te_chris]

Absolutely. As others have alluded to: angels abound, but look at the pedigree of the associates and partners at VC funds based in London and it all falls into place. I assume it’s because it’s a relatively easy job that you don’t need much talent for. Perfect for an intelligent but bored dauphin.