TRAILBLAZER
LEADING LONDON ’ S MOST EXCLUSIVE TECH CLUB
Konstatin Sidorov explains how he founded the London Tech Club
When Konstantin Sidorov came to London , he was taken aback by the number of member ’ s clubs . However , being from an IT environment himself , he was surprised to learn that despite London being such a rich place for startups to thrive , there was no community for investors and tech professionals .
This led to the foundation of the London Technology Club , a platform for investing , networking as well as an exchange of ideas and experience . With access to excellent tech companies seeking investment , which are often hidden or closed for many investors , Sidorov could pool professional expertise and experienced investors together , opening up a wealth of previously closed opportunities .
According to Sidorov , “ the club has a very simple aim : to bring together investors and late stage tech companies to create value .” “ I ' m a serious entrepreneur and I started my first tech business , CIS ,
LTC aims to raise a pledge fund of USD $ 50 mn for investments in AI and FinTech in
2022 in 1992 after my graduation from the University in Moscow . I grew the business to more than 5,000 people and 1 billion revenue with offices in 18 different countries . I was probably the first Russian who started to build these kinds of businesses outside of Russia .”
The switch from entrepreneur to investor happened very organically , as Sidorov went into the venture capital world .
“ From building and developing companies myself , it helps me to understand the young entrepreneurs who are trying to do the same ,” he added .
After selling his Eastern European businesses nearly a decade ago to the NASDAQ-listed , US-based Ingram Microphone , Ingram became one of the largest distributors in the world .
Sidorov built an extensive network of data centres in Europe , but his first exit as an investor was with Spotify .
“ My friend Alexandre Mars recommended the company to me . I didn ' t know anything about the music streaming concept at all . I just love the idea , love the management .
20 February 2022