Europe's largest tech accelerater Level39 is looking for a new leader as Eric Van der Kleij steps down after three years in the role.
Based in fintech hotspot Canary Wharf, Level39 has grown to house nearly 200 companies and hosted over 1000 events. Initially conceived as a growth space for small startups, the initiative has since taken over extra floors at the One Canada Square high rise to house larger firms as they graduate from the Level39 accelerator.
The space has proved a magnet for the startup community in the three years since it opened. Recent research from estate firm CBRE shows that the majority of recently launched fintech companies are choosing to locate in Canary Wharf over other London neighbourhoods.
Van der Kleij is quitting the post to devote his full attention to his own innovation and blockchain consultancy Entiq, which is based at Level39’s High Growth Space: 24.
He says:"Now that Level39 is an established ecosystem, I’m ready to refocus on developing our own business but will be working with Canary Wharf Group to find the best new leader for the strong team we have built up at Level39.”
CWG says a search has begun for his succesor.