Beyond Level39

The sun has set on my last day as Head of Level39. It has been a wonderful four years.

I'd like to thank the many people I've been lucky enough to meet there since February 2016 especially my colleagues, the 200 member companies of Level39 and the corporates, policymakers, regulators, academics and investors who have made it a showcase for London's - and the UK's - innovation economy. And I congratulate the brilliant Amy French who is taking over the helm of Level39 as it begins the next leg of its voyage.

As the world races to adapt to the challenges of Coronavirus, I'm looking for new ways to support the vital contribution that scaling companies make to our economy - and our community.

I believe that as the role of government and the public sector increases there is both an opportunity and a need for entrepreneurs and investors to acknowledge the dependence we have on public goods - and in particular that if we are helped through these more difficult times we will return the favour and a share of the rewards more widely when better times return. As a side project, I'm continuing to work on www.genieshares.com with inspiring entrepreneurs like Peter Kelly who are earning entrepreneurs the social licence to operate at a time when solidarity and mutuality matter more than ever.

Spending time with so many inspiring entrepreneurs over the last few years has helped me to learn to embrace vulnerability - my own and other people's. Even the most brilliant are flawed, and there is suffering and doubt beneath the most polished and confident exterior. Now more than every the determination and agility, and also the humanity, humility and kindness of entrepreneurs will be tested, and in whatever ways I can, I hope to help.