Indian Angel Network launches UK chapter

A large number of UK residents also joining IAN, looking forward to invest in geographies outside of the UK

Indian Angel Network (IAN) today launched its international operations from London. IAN also agreed to invest in Swiftshift, a UK based start-up providing a SAAS-based solution which allows companies to quickly fill short notice shifts using their own staff through SMS, email and mobile technology.

Leveraging matching algorithms SwiftShift creates a regional employee bank allowing workers to accept shifts across multiple locations.

Saurabh Srivastava, co-founder of IAN said, “UK is amongst the world’s top 10 ecosystems for start-ups and home to some of the finest research and development in the world. This initiative will allow IAN to invest in UK start-ups and help them scale globally by leveraging IAN’s expertise and networks.

Equally, it will enable IAN’s investee companies in India to leverage UK as a hub for accessing European and American markets.” IAN has over 250 members spread around 10 countries.

“We have received an overwhelming response from British start-ups post the announcement of IAN’s UK operations and met some of the most innovative and unique start-ups in London. IAN investors were extremely excited and agreed to invest in one - Swift Shift – of course subject to diligence and contract agreements,” said Padmaja Ruparel, President IAN.

A large number of UK residents are also joining IAN, looking forward to invest in geographies outside of the UK such as India and for Indian investors this will add IP / product related ventures in their portfolio. This cross border investing will help hedge investment risks for investors from each country, she added.