Fast-growing London companies are among the first 19 to join the London Stock Exchange’s Elite programme launched today to help them to accelerate growth.
The programme brings together private and venture capital investors, City advisers and the Imperial College Business School to mentor firms over two years.
Companies in the first 19 include online healthy snacks group Graze, vets and pets supplier MedicAnimal and discount fashion retailer Secret Sales — all from London.
Xavier Rolet, chief executive of the Exchange, said: “All these companies tell us they cannot access the right capital. Bank borrowing is hard for them. Elite is about doing what the City is meant to do — providing capital and advice to fast-growing businesses.”
At today’s launch at Imperial College, Mayor Boris Johnson said: “Small and medium-sized businesses provide employment for more than 50% of working Londoners. It’s vital that ambitious young companies are supported as they grow.” For £10,000. Elite companies and founders receive advice from such firms as Citi and Freshfields and a six-month course at Imperial’s Business School.
