Leeds tech leader takes Northern Powerhouse to the US

Leeds technology entrepreneur Adam Beaumont of aql is leading a delegation of 30 digital and technology leaders to the US on a trade mission.

Flying the flag for the Northern Powerhouse, Beaumont will represent aql and Northinvest, a not-for-profit intended to promote equitable investment in the North.

The delegation will fly out to San Francisco this week, home of giants including Facebook, Apple, Uber and Eventbrite.

The delegation will meet some of these leaders, as well as US universities and funders to pitch investment opportunities.

Scott Fletcher, founder of cloud services provider ANS Group will join the delegation, along with representatives from Sage, Manchester’s CoOp Digital, of Manchester, as well as Hull-based Vis Vr, Vibe Tickets and One Iota, from Lancashire, and Manchester-based Wakelet.

Dr Adam Beaumont, chief executive officer of aql, said: “I’m wearing two hats whilst out there – as a tech CEO looking for partnerships with new start-ups and visiting existing partners, including Twilio.

“I’m also attending as founder of Northinvest, representing the business angels of the North of the UK. The goal is to find new VC funds and other investors we can co-invest with in UK opportunities.”

The trade mission also marks the launch of direct flights from Manchester Airport to San Francisco, and has been coordinated by MC2, a Northern Powerhouse partner with offices in Manchester and San Francisco.